Delhi July 29.—Two ministers told Parliament today that the Indian Army was standing by to take action against Pakistani troops after reports that 10 Indian civilians had been killed in shelling from East Bengal.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported later that one person was killed and a child injured last night when the Pakistan Army shelled Kurmipara. a West Bengal border village 95 miles north of Calcutta. PTI said the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) returned the fire in an exchange lasting more than two hours.

Mr K. C. Pant, joint Minister of State for Home Affairs, told the Lower House that the Army was ready “to take necessary and adequate action” against Pakistani troop intrusions and shelling attacks. The para-military BSF, which is stationed on the border, had also been strengthened, Mr Pant added.

Mr Ram Mirdha, the other joint Minister of State for Home Affairs, told the Upper House that the Pakistan Army was deployed right up to the border at several places. He added: “We are fully prepared to meet any eventuality.”

Both ministers came under heavy pressure for firmer action to be taken against the Pakistan Army,

Leading article, page 15