BSF Apprehends Pakistani National While Attempting to Cross International Border in Akhnoor

Jammu, Jul 21: The Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a 53-year-old Pakistani national while he was allegedly attempting to cross the International Border (IB) into Indian territory in the Akhnoor sector during the intervening night of July 20 and 21, officials said. The intrusion was detected by BSF personnel deployed at Border Outpost (BOP) Malabela of the 134 Battalion BSF, under the jurisdiction of Police Post Pargwal, Police Station Khour. Troops noticed suspicious movement near the border and repeatedly challenged the individual to stop. However, when he continued advancing, he was overpowered and taken into custody. During preliminary interrogation, the man identified himself as Mohammad Rafiq alias Kala (53), son of Mohammad Safiq and a resident of Village Pindi, Pakistan. According to officials, he claimed that he had travelled from Village Looni in Pakistan and was heading towards Village Jung to visit his married sister. A search of his belongings led to the recovery of a Pakistani National Identity Card, spectacles, cigarette packets, a lighter, tobacco, cake, mango biscuits, chocolates, a nail cutter and a wallet. The Pakistani national is currently being held at BOP Malabela, where BSF officials are conducting further questioning and verification. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the attempted border crossing are under investigation.