Heaviest Cross-Border Firing Since 1971 War, Says Border Security Force Chief to NDTV

RS Pura sector, near Jammu border: The continuous firing from Pakistan from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir over the last fortnight is "the heaviest cross-border firing I've seen since the 1971 war," said DK Pathak, the chief of the Border Security Force to NDTV. "It is unprecedented to target civilian areas to this extent," he stressed.

As tension along the Line of Control or de-facto border has spiraled, two civilians have been killed, at least 15 injured, and nearly 3000 people forced to move from their villages along the border in RS Pura sector to bunkers. (For a Good Night's Rest, They Huddle In Bunkers: Life At the LoC) Three army men, two policemen, and two members of the Border Security force have been killed. (Four Militants, Two Soldiers Killed in Encounter Near Line of Control)

When asked what instructions have been given by the government in dealing with violations of the ceasefire by Pakistan, Mr Pathak of the Border Security Force (BSF) said, "we have been told very clearly to respond appropriately."

Senior military commanders from both sides met today to discuss steps to restore calm.

India claims that in the last two weeks, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control or de-factor border more than 20 times. "It is unclear what is Pakistan's motive in starting it," said Mr Pathak.

Tension between Pakistan and India has rocketed over the last few weeks; New Delhi has called off talks in Islamabad after Pakistan decided to consult Kashmiri separatists before the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries were to hold a summit.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kashmir and accused Pakistan of using militants to conduct "a proxy war" against India. Pakistan denounced the charges as "baseless" and said India should steer clear of "a blame game."