Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir amidst India-Pakistan border talks

JAMMU: In the midst of Indo-Pak border guard talks, Pakistan today resorted to unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, forcing Indian troops to retaliate.

"Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations in Hamirpur sector of Rajouri district in wee hours today," Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta said, adding that "no casualty or damage was reported".

"The area witnessed ceasefire violations by Pakistan army between 0400 hours and 0500 hours today," he said.

Forward posts maintained by Pakistan fired towards the Indian side using automatic weapons and small arms, he said.

"Our side retaliated appropriately but no casualty or damage was reported," Mehta said.

The firing by Pakistan comes in the midst of Indo-Pak border guard talks in Delhi during which it was agreed yesterday to end ceasefire violations by devising new strategies like joint patrolling in some areas along the International Border (IB) in J and K as chiefs of BSF and Pakistan Rangers met against the backdrop of escalation in tension.

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