Pak violates truce along LoC, IB in Rajouri, Samba

JAMMU: Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling on forward posts along LoC and International Border in Rajouri and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, prompting Indian troops to retaliate. Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, heavy automatics and mortars from 1240 hours along the Line of Control in Naushera sector in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said.

JAMMU: Pakistan and India traded shots along the LoC as the former reportedly violated ceasefire multiple times in the last 24 hours.

According to defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta, the Pakistani army fired small arms, automatic weapons, and mortars on Saturday and Sunday.

The attack started from 8.20pm to 10pm in Poonch district on Saturday. On Sunday, firing recommenced at 9.45am in Poonch, and spread first to the International Border at 11.30am and then to Rajouri at 12.40pm. Civilian and military areas were targeted.

“The army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively,” said Mehta on Sunday afternoon. “The firing is presently on.”

Pakistan’s media presented its own side of the story. The Associated Press of Pakistan and The News International both said the Indian army initiated firing at Chirikot border area. At present, there are no reports of any damage on the Indian side, though mortar firing induced panic among civilians near LoC. HTC