Pakistani intruder killed in Jammu's Akhnoor sector, BSF retrieves body

BSF personnel late on Thursday night shot dead a Pakistani intruder who crossed the International Border into Pargwal area of Jammu.

The intruder has been identified as Rashida Begum. The BSF killed her near the Chak Phagwari post on the International Border in Akhnoor sector of Jammu region, a police officer said.

Her body was retrieved by the BSF during search operations today.

Sources said that a Pakistani villager was heard screaming from across the border that Begum had crossed over to the other side and her body should be handed back to Pakistan.

INTRUDER'S BODY HANDED OVER TO COPS

The intruder's body has been handed over to the police. The BSF may hand over the same to Pakistan Rangers.

"The intruder was repeatedly warned against crossing the border but when she paid no heed to the same, troops had to fire at her to foil the intrusion," the officer said.

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Meanwhile, DIG of BSF Jammu Frontier Dharmender Pareek has told India Today that the picture of the woman intruder was shown to Pakistani Rangers and they have confirmed that she belongs to their country. A flag meeting will be held between BSF and Pak Rangers at 5pm (IST) on the international Border and Rashida Begum's body will be handed over them.

Pareek said, "It is a serious matter that a Pakistani woman was sent here to check security arrangements. She can be a ploy of Pakistani intelligence agencies and we are also looking into this possibility."

BSF sources said this is the first time in 26 years of terrorism and cross-border firing that a Pakistani women intruder was killed while crossing the international border.