Indian forces kill man who crossed border

LAHORE: Indian forces have shot dead an unidentified man who allegedly crossed the border on the eve of Independence Day.

According to sources, the incident took place near the border village of Hadyara on the outskirts of Lahore. The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) claimed that the man was trying to infiltrate into India before he was shot dead and tried to hand over the body to Pakistani authorities.

However, Pakistani forest guards refused to receive the body until a thorough investigation into the incident was conducted to establish the identity of the man, as per the standard operating procedures developed by both sides for the international border.

According to the SOPs, border forces on both sides are supposed to be on the lookout for locals who inadvertently cross the border and are supposed to send such individuals back to the other side after ensuring that the crossing was inadvertent.

There have been several instances in the past where Pakistani authorities have sent back Indian citizens who had strayed across the international border, and vice versa.

But in this case, Indian forces appear to have shown little restraint in shooting dead the man who allegedly crossed into their territory.

Sources said the BSF claimed to have first tried to alert the man and then opened fire when he ignored their warnings, killing him instantly.

Discussions between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers on the issue continued till late on Tuesday night, sources said. However, no official statement was made by the Pakistani authorities.

Published in Dawn, August 14, 2024