Jammu, Oct. 22 (PTI): Border Security Force soldier Gurnam Singh, injured in a sniper attack by Pakistani troops yesterday, died in a Jammu hospital late tonight.

Earlier in the day, the family of the 26-year-old trooper had said they wanted him to be shifted to a bigger hospital outside Jammu and Kashmir. Gurnam, who was targeted by Pakistani snipers because he helped foil a major infiltration bid along the international border in Kathua district, was undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital here.

"We have been praying to Waheguru," his sister Gurjeet Kaur had said, adding that her brother was in a critical condition and the government must shift him to a bigger hospital.

Mandeep Singh, the jawan's younger brother, appealed to people to pray for Gurnam. "Right now he needs prayers. He put his life in danger to protect the people of our country. He needs prayers and please pray for him," Mandeep said.

Gurnam died at 11.45pm.

Seven personnel of Pakistani Rangers, the border force of Pakistan, and a militant were killed when the BSF retaliated against the ceasefire violation in which Gurnam was injured.

People had been flocking to Gurnam's house in Arichana village since news about his injury spread. Across the Jammu region people held prayers for his early recovery.

"He was so excited when he got the commando training. We pray for his early recovery so that he can return and join duty," said a villager.