8 Pakistani soldiers killed as Indian Army retaliates against LoC ceasefire violation

Srinagar|New Delhi: At least eight Pakistani soldiers were killed and 12 others were reportedly injured in retaliatory firing that initially resulted in death of nine Indians, including armed forces personnel and civilians, on Friday along the Line of Control (LoC) in northern Kashmir.

According to officials, four Indian army personnel and one sub-inspector (SI) of the Border Security Force were among those killed. The heavy exchange of fire along multiple sectors of LoC in northern Kashmir and Poonch region of Jammu resulted in temporary migration of scores of residents in the border areas and damaged several residential hutments.

The number of casuality is likely to increase, added officials. Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC, spread across multiple sectors of Dawar in Gurez, Keran, Nougam in Kupwara and Uri of Baramullah, said the Srinagar-based defence spokesperson.


“Pakistan deliberately targeted civilian areas. Three Indian Army soldiers have been killed in action and three soldiers injured,” he said.

The Army said it retaliated strongly, causing substantial damage to Pakistan Army’s infrastructure and casualties across the LoC. “Several ammunition dumps, FOL dumps and multiple terrorists launch pads have been damaged,” said the spokesperson. Earlier in the day, a BSF SI was killed and another injured when a mortar shell exploded in Uri. The BSF works under the operational command of the army along the LoC. Officials said the BSF units were retaliating effectively. “Four civilians, including a woman, were also killed in the firing in Uri. Six civilians were also injured in the Gurez area of northern Kashmir,” said an official, who did not wish to be identified.

In the border district of Poonch in Jammu division at least ten civilians were injured during the exchange of fire. The army said “Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling around 1:45 pm in Poonch and Indian Army retaliated befittingly”.

Meanwhile, the army said it had observed suspicious movement along the LoC Keran sector of northern Kashmir and managed to foil an infiltration bid successfully. “This was accompanied by initiation of an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Keran sector by firing mortars and other weapons. A befitting response is being given,” said the defence spokesperson. He said this was the second infiltration bid within a week.

(With inputs from agencies)