Soldier killed in ceasefire violation along LOC: Army

JAMMU: An Indian soldier was killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire and resorted to firing along the 744km-long Line of Control (LOC) in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

The Indian Army claimed it “retaliated strongly and inflicted casualties to Pak soldiers besides causing heavy damage to enemy posts across the border”.

The slain soldier was identified as Naik Krishan Lal, 34, of Ghagriyal village in Akhnoor teshsil of Jammu district.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Devendra Anand said, “Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LOC) in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district today. Indian Army responded strongly and effectively. Heavy damage to Pak Army posts and casualties to Pak soldiers have been inflicted by our troops.”

Meanwhile, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged heavy mortar and artillery shelling in north Kashmir’s Tanghdar sector on Tuesday.

Locals said this is the first time since 2003 when ceasefire was announced that the both sides used heavy artillery to target each others posts.

The administration closed schools in Tanghdar following the firing. Many civilians rushed to underground bunkers for safety. Exchange of mortar fire was also reported from neighbouring Keran sector.

Army spokesman said that unprovoked ceasefire violation including calibre escalation (Artillery fire) by Pakistan in Tangdhar Sector began since 1300 hours today.

“Own troops retaliated strongly, resulting in heavy casualties on enemy side.”