SIALKOT: The Indian Border Security Forces on Thursday handed over the body of a Pakistani citizen, Tauqeer Ahmed 28, to Chenab Rangers, who was allegedly shot dead by BSF after being dragged into Indian territory from Zero Line near bordering village of Jalala, Shakargarh, on Wednesday.

According to senior officials of the Chenab Rangers, the BSF handed over the body to them near Shakargarh at 5:30pm, some 32 hours after his killing.

The Chenab Rangers handed over the body to Kot Nainaan police for completion of legal procedures.

According to police, Tauqeer, the only son of a local farmer Shabir Ahmad, had been shot in his chest, belly arms and legs, which caused his instant death.

Meanwhile, the family members, relatives and acquaintances of the deceased, along with scores of other locals staged a peaceful protest demonstration against the killing by BSF at Jalala village on Wednesday.

The protesters carrying banners and placards chanted anti-India slogans. The grieved family condemned the brutality of Indian BSF, which claimed the life of an innocent man.

They urged the Pakistan government to raise the issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), besides urging the international community to play a role in halting BSF hostilities in the bordering area.

They said the BSF violated the international border laws and shot dead an innocent Pakistani youth after dragging him into Indian territory from Zero Line.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2014