BSF,infiltrators exchange fire in Sir Creek area

GANDHINAGAR - A brief exchange of fire took place in the Sir creek area Monday night between Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and boat borne intruders, suspected to be Pakistanis, according to reports reaching here Tuesday.

BSF sources in Kutch said a Pakistani boat is reported to have entered the Harami Nala area under the cover of darkness Monday night. Challenged after it entered Indian waters, the infiltrators did not heed the warning, forcing the BSF personnel to open fire.

The infiltrators are reported to have returned fire but turned tail and fled. Since darkness had fallen, a search operation could not be carried out though security agencies were informed.

A lookout notice was issued to the villages of the surrounding areas Tuesday.

This is the second infiltration attempt in the area. BSF personnel along the Kutch border in Gujarat had gone on high alert after two Pakistani boats with armed occupants, attempted to infiltrate Indian waters from Harami Nala area Dec 26.

Earlier, five Pakistani nationals were arrested on the west coast of Kutch by BSF personnel Sep 30 and their boat seized. Seven Pakistani nationals, claiming to be fishermen, were arrested by the Coast Guard off Okha in the Jamnagar district Oct 6 and their boat seized.