BSF confirms man from Pak crossed over to India, Islamabad unwilling to take him back

Amidst the rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in wake of the escalation in cross-border attacks, a man from Pakistan has crossed the border over to India.

"Pakistan has been firing unprovoked at India and thus our troops are alert 24 hours. On October 8, two of our jawans, who were posted at an observation post saw a man cross the International Border and come over to our side of the border," Border Security Force (BSF) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) BS Kasana told the media here.

"Our troops sounded a warning but the man did not pay any heed. After that, our jawans tactically captured him and brought him to the post," he added.

Confirming that the man was a Pakistani, Kasana, however, added that prima facie the case seems to be of an innocent man genuinely losing his way.

"He is an old man and according to the documents that we found on his person, and after closely questioning him, we found that he is a resident of Lahore. According to him, he had gone to Sialkot to obtain medicines. From there, he claims he lost his way," said Kasana.

Despite repeated efforts by the BSF, Pakistan has not been willing to take back its citizen.

"For the last two-three days we have consistently contacted them, but Pakistan is not willing to take him back. To confirm his identity, we have even released the names on the two identity cards that we found on him, that he claims belong to his grandsons, who study in a college in Lahore," said Kasana.

"Since Pakistan is not willing to take him back, we will hand him over to the police and they will take the proceedings forward," he added,

Pakistan resorted to mortar shelling in Arnia sector and adjoining areas of R S Pura, targeting about 15 BSF posts. The BSF also gave a befitting reply and intermittent firing is still on between the two sides.

Firing was also reported by Pakistan in Shahpur Kerni sector of Poonch district in Jammu at around 12.40 pm on Saturday.