Pakistan violates border ceasefire four times since last night

JAMMU: Pakistan troops violated ceasefire four times since last night as it resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling on forward posts along the Line of Control ( LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the Indian forces to retaliate.

The Pakistani side violated ceasefire three times overnight and during the day and started firing again at night in two sectors in Poonch district.

Pakistan troops fired mortar bombs and used automatic weapons to target forward posts along LoC in Balakote sector of Poonch district since 7.45 PM tonight, Jammu-based Defence Spokesman said.

The firing was going on when last reports came in from the area, he said, adding Army troops were retaliating.

Earlier, Pak troops fired 120 mm mortar bombs and also automatic weapons on forward areas including civilian villages along LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district, he said. Pakistani troops also resorted to firing with automatic weapons and mortar shelling on forward posts along LoC in Krishnagati sector from 0710 hours today, the spokesman said.

In the Balakote sector, Pakistani troops resorted to firing from automatic weapons on forward posts last night also from 1820 hours to 2100 hours, the spokesman said. "Our side retaliated appropriately but no casualty or damage was reported," he said.

The firing and shelling by Pakistan comes close after Indo-Pak border guard talks in Delhi during which it was agreed to not to resort to mortar shelling and end ceasefire violations by devising new strategies like joint patrolling in some areas along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani troops have already violated the ceasefire 17 times in September this year.

On Sunday, one BSF officer ASI Sohan was killed in Pakistan shelling when Pak targeted their Post in Manjakotr sector along LoC in Rajouri district.