Pak violates ceasefire, gives cover to infiltrating militants

JAMMU: Violating the ceasefire yet again, Pakistani troops today targeted Indian posts with small arms fire to give cover fire to a group of infiltrating militants along the LoC in Poonch district.

Troops guarding the borderline with Pakistan detected movement of a group of militants and took positions behind dense bushes in Nangi Tikri-Krishna Gati area in Poonch sector, a senior Army official told PTI.

As troops challenged them, Pakistan troops from their three posts - Daku, Kaudo and Yellow Bump - opened indiscriminate fire on four Indian posts along LoC in the area around 12.30 AM today, he said, adding "it was covering fire by Pakistani troops to the infiltrating militant group".

Pakistani troops fired 700-800 rounds of small arms fire on Indian posts following which Indian troops fired back resulting in exchanges which continued till 2 AM today, he said.

In the wake of the exchange of fire, infiltrating militants escaped back, the officer said, adding it was a clear case of ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops.

This is the third ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir this month.

On December 14, troops foiled an infiltration bid by a group of 4-5 militants along LoC in Tarkundi forest belt of Bhimbergali sector in Poonch district.

Pakistanis troops resorted to small arms firing and rocket attacks on Indian Posts in Krishnagati sub-sector along LoC in Poonch district on December 5. Pakistan troops had also fired at Indian posts in Kupwara district on December 4.