Jammu, Aug 26 (IANS): The Border Security Force (BSF) said Tuesday that it was for the first time after the 1971 war that Pakistani troops were firing at Indian posts on such a massive scale.

BSF Director General D.K. Pathak said: "It is for the first time after the 1971 war that Pakistani troops have been violating the ceasefire on the international border on such a large scale, targeting even civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir."

Pathak was speaking to the media at the Miran Sahib headquarters of the BSF in Jammu district.

He said the BSF had been effectively retaliating against the Pakistani military on the international border.

"We are giving them a befitting reply as we ensure that no civilian areas on their side are affected by our response."

Pathak said there were 25-30 launching pads where heavily armed militants were waiting on the Pakistan side to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir.

"These launching pads are located in schools, community halls and forest areas on the other side," he said.

Pathak is also visiting a government medical college hospital in Jammu to meet those injured by Pakistan firing.

The BSF guards the 210 km long international border in the three districts of Jammu, Samba and Kathua in Jammu region.