ISLAMABAD: Four Pakis­tani civilians were killed on Monday in fresh Indian shelling along the Working Boundary.

“Four civilians were martyred this evening due to Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shelling on civilian population in Shakargarh/Sialkot sectors,” a military spokesman said.

Two of the deceased were identified as Azeem, 18, and Mrs Mubarak Ali.

The spokesman said the Indian shelling was “unprovoked”.

Exchange of heavy fire is taking place on the Working Boundary, a military source said. “It has been particularly very intense since Sunday,” the source said.

Four Pakistani civilians killed

The villages targeted by the BSF included Sukhmaal, Bheke Chak and Bhurey Chak. The shelling was the sixth violation by India since the start of the year.

A military spokesman said: “Pakistani troops are targeting BSF positions, which are firing in Pakistani area”.

Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz had written to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to protest against the killing of soldiers.

Ms Swaraj rejected Pakistani allegations and instead accused Rangers of ambushing an Indian patrol in which a soldier was killed.

AFP adds: Earlier in the day, an Indian paramilitary soldier was killed in another clash with Pakistani forces. “A BSF constable who was injured in the firing from Pakistan in Hiranagar sector this afternoon has died,” IGP Raj­esh Kumar said.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play