Jammu, Jul 18: The Border Security Force today said firing had to be resorted to in Ramban after mobs continuously stoned the BSF post on the basis of false rumour about desecration of Holy Quran.
A press release from BSF said: "At around 9 pm on Wednesday, an ambush cum patrolling party of BSF post Dharam of 76th battalion intercepted a person named Mohammed Latif, resident of Dalwah and enquired about his identity.
"Latif started arguing with BSF jawans, and in the mean time 15 to 20 people assembled at this place and BSF party returned to its post. Meanwhile Latif made baseless and false allegation about being mistreated by BSF jawans and desecration of Holy Quran and announced same thing on the loudspeaker from the mosque.
"Consequently a crowd of around 400-500 persons gathered at 12:30 am and started stone pelting on the BSF Post Dharam. BSF jawans however restrained themslves and informed local police. Immediately a police party arrived at Dharam post, and the crowd dispersed at around 3 am.
"Again at around 6:45 am a mob started to build up in big numbers and tried forcefully to enter the Dharam campus while pelting stones.
"Poice tried to disperse the mob and fired 3-4 rounds. On BSF constabl Ramhari got bullet injury in his stomach. It was learnt that two civilians also got bullet injuries. All the injured persons were evacuated to nearest hospitals in the govt vehicles.
"However again at 9:30 am, a mob consisting of apprx 700-800 men, started stone pelting vigorously on the BSF Post. Police and BSF men had to fire in self defence.
"It is learnt that four civilians were killed in the firing and few got bullet injuries also. Despite vigorous stone pelting and manhandling by civilians , BSF restrained from firing and kept patience even while one BSF jawan got injured in the process. A BSF vehicle was badly damaged and several BSF men were injured.
"Protesters blocked all the roads going towards the BSF Post Dharam. Efforts were made by a section of protesters to attack the post and inflict injuries on BSF and Police personnel compelling them to open fire in self defence. "