New Delhi, India – India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan following an incident on October 2 in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector, where two suspected Pakistani intruders were shot dead by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. India summoned Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires and categorically rejected Islamabad’s allegations that the deceased were unarmed civilians.
India Protests Border Infiltration
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Pakistani envoy on Saturday, emphasizing India’s strong protest over what it described as a “clear pattern of repeated cross-border movement by armed narcotics syndicates operating from Pakistan.” The incident underscores ongoing security concerns along the India-Pakistan border, particularly regarding infiltration and alleged drug-smuggling activities.
Ferozepur Incident: India's Account
According to Indian officials, three individuals had infiltrated Indian territory near the Ferozepur border. Despite multiple warnings from the BSF to return, they continued to advance towards the border fence. One individual retreated to Pakistan, while the other two persisted, prompting the BSF to engage them due to an “imminent security threat.” This engagement resulted in the deaths of the two intruders.
Pakistan's Allegations & India's Rejection
Pakistan has alleged that the two men were civilians and accused Indian forces of using lethal force against unarmed individuals. India, however, has firmly rejected these claims, reiterating that the individuals had infiltrated Indian territory and ignored repeated warnings, necessitating BSF action for national security.
Call for Respect of International Border
During the diplomatic exchange, India urged Pakistan to investigate cross-border infiltration, drug-smuggling activities, and the alleged complicity of Pakistan Border Guarding Forces. New Delhi also called on Pakistan to ensure respect for the sanctity of the International Border, strictly observe relevant bilateral arrangements, and take definitive measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents by exercising effective control over its forces.