J&K: Another jawan dies in fresh Pakistan firing

Identifying the deceased soldier as Launce Naik Antony Sebastian K M, defence ministry spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand on Monday said that two soldiers including Sebastian were injured in firing from across the border in Krishna Ghati sector.

Indian Army has retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan Army posts. The martyrdom of the Indian Army Soldier will not go in vain, defence ministry spokesperson said. (Representational Image)

An Army jawan was killed for the second straight day in continued incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Identifying the deceased soldier as Lance Naik Antony Sebastian K M, defence ministry spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand on Monday said that two soldiers including Sebastian were injured in firing from across the border in Krishna Ghati sector. Sebastian, however, succumbed to his injuries, he said.

Sebastian was the third Indian soldier who died in ceasefire-related incidents in the past four days. The 34-year-old was a resident of Kerala’s Manakunnam village in Ernakulam district. He is survived by his wife, Anna Dayana Joseph.

Story continues below this ad

The injured jawan, Havildar Mari Muthu D, has been evacuated to Military Hospital at Poonch.

“Sebastian was a brave and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” the spokesperson added.

Indian Army has retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan Army posts. The martyrdom of the Indian Army Soldier will not go in vain, he added.

Meanwhile, BSF and Pakistani Rangers held sector commander-level meeting along the international border in Suchetgarh sector on Monday afternoon and decided to re-energize instant communication between field commanders, whenever required, to resolve petty matters. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and both sides committed to each other to maintain peace and tranquillity at the International Border.

Story continues below this ad

The BSF delegation comprising of 18 officers was led by P S Dhiman, DIG BSF Jammu Sector, while Brig Amjad Mehmud, Sector Commander Chenab Rangers, Sialkot Punjab, Pakistan led the Pakistan delegation comprising of 14 officers including five Wing Commanders.

It was the first Sector Commander level meeting between two forces after tension prevailed on Jammu International Border, in September 2018.

During the meeting, Commanders of both the sides discussed various issues including firing at International Border, the presence of suspects in border areas and other routine issues related to border management.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram