Two bodies have been recovered, the official said, adding the search operation is going on. (Representational)The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday gunned down five Pakistani intruders near the Indo-Pak border in Punjab. The intruders were armed with AK 47 rifle and Berreta pistols and were carrying close to 10 kg of heroin.
Sources said the intruders were neutralised after a six-hour long operation at the International border in Ferozepur, Punjab.
“We registered a movement near the International Border around 11.30 pm on Friday and accordingly launched an operation. We kept the intruders under surveillance all night and challenged them around 4 am when they crossed the border. However, instead of surrendering they fired upon us. We had laid a cordon which did not allow them to escape. At around 5.30 am we again spotted them and challenged them. They again fired upon us. We retaliated and later during search of the area we found five bodies with arms and contraband,” BSF IG Mahipal Yadav said.
According to BSF, troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, two AK Magazines, 27 live AK rounds, four pistols (9 mm Berretta) with seven magazines and 109 live rounds and nine packets (approx- 9.920 kgs) of contraband suspected to be heroin from the bodies of the intruders. Pakistan currency of Rs 610 and two mobile phones have also been recovered. BSF sources said these have been handed over to Punjab police for further investigation.
“Forensic examination of the phones will likely reveal who the consignment was going to be delivered to and who in Pakistan the intruders were in touch with,” a BSF officer said.
Sources said there was no intelligence or evidence to suggest that the intruders were terrorists preparing to launch an attack inside Punjab. “As yet there is no evidence to clearly establish whether they were terrorists and preparing to launch an attack. All the intruders are dead,” a BSF officer said.
Sources, however, said the nature of the offence and the modus operandi suggested they were couriers often used by Pakistan to smuggle contraband and arms into India. “Had it been preparation for a fidayeen attack, the intruders would not have been carrying contraband. Also they would be carrying food items and medicines. They had only one AK 47. It appears to be an attempt at arms and contraband smuggling. Pakistan regularly does this,” a security establishment officer said.
BSF sources said the episode also highlights how Pakistan dithers on clearing of foliage near the border. “The intruders managed to hide all night in the tall grass near the border. But thanks to our hi-tech surveillance and robust cordon mechanism, they were neutralised. Pakistan never clears foliage on its side of the border as it gives cover to intruders,” a BSF officer said.