The Pakistan army said on Tuesday the country’s paramilitary Rangers nabbed six Indian nationals along its eastern frontier between July 29 and August 3, adding the cross-border movement of these narcotics and weapons smugglers raised questions about the involvement of security forces on the other side in such incidents.
Pakistan shares over 3,300-kilometer international border with India which has been fenced by the authorities in New Delhi and is heavily guarded on both sides.
The Pakistani military accused Indian troops of opening fire in the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir a day earlier, saying it killed a villager who was working in a field.
The two countries have also blamed each other for resorting to unprovoked firing and encouraging illegal cross-border movement in the past, though they have disputed such allegations against themselves.
“Pakistan Rangers Troops deployed along international border with India have apprehended 6 x Indian Nationals inside Pakistani territory from 29 July to 3 August 2023,” the army’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement.
“These smugglers/ criminals were trying to smuggle narcotics, weapons and ammunition into Pakistan,” the statement added. “It is surprising that these smugglers could cross the heavily fenced border under perpetual surveillance of Indian [Border Security Force]. It shows likely complicity of BSF troops in narco and weapons smuggling. In addition, it is also surprising that Indian BSF troops have so far failed to report six missing citizens.”
The army also released pictures of suspected Indian smugglers to the media, adding they would be dealt with as per the law of the land for illegally entering the country and indulging in criminal activities.
“Security Forces of Pakistan will continue to maintain vigil and expect that Indian BSF will act professionally and sever their ties with smuggling rackets operating from their territory,” it added.
