BSF jawan from TN dies in Pakistan shelling

A 17-year-old girl, Neelam Devi and a BSF jawan, A Suresh from Tamil Nadu were killed, while six others were injured as Pakistan Rangers heavily shelled Border Out Posts and villages along the International Border in three sectors of Jammu and Samba districts, a BSF officer said on Thursday.

The Pakistan Rangers opened fire and shelled areas along the IB in RS Pura, Arnia and Ramgarh sectors since 9 pm on Wednesday night. They targeted over a dozen Border Out Posts (BoPs) in three sectors throughout the night, he said, adding BSF troops gave a befitting reply by carrying out effective retaliation. A police officer said Pakistani troops targeted over 20 hamlets along the IB.

The slain BSF jawan hailed from Bandarachettipatti in Dharmapuri district. Barely a few hours before he was martyred in the heavy shelling by Pakistani troops, Suresh had informed his family members about visiting his hometown in the coming week. “We expected him to join us for Pongal but Suresh didn’t get leave. We were very happy about seeing him soon, but tragedy struck before his visit,” said his 46-year-old brother Subash Chandra Bose.

Suresh joined as a jawan in the 78th battalion of the Indian Army in 1995 and was promoted as head constable in the BSF. “Around 12.30 am, I received a call informing that my brother was injured in gun battle. But, within a few hours at 4 am, we got news about his death,” Bose added.

Suresh’s family said his body would likely be flown down to either Coimbatore or Bengaluru and reach Bandarachettipatti village by road. The final rites would be completed on Friday. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami who condoled the death of A Suresh , announced a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to his kin.