Heavy firing between Indian, Pakistani troops on LoC

Heavy firing exchanges continued on Tuesday between Indian and Pakistan armies on the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, a defence official said.

Pakistan, which had violated the bilateral ceasefire in Keri area of Rajouri around 11.30 p.m. on Monday and sparked off firing exchanges that continued till early Tuesday, again "initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortars and firing of small arms along LoC in Nowshera area of Rajouri" at about 5.50 p.m., Defence Ministry spokesman, Lt Col Devender Anand said.

"Indian Army is retaliating befittingly," he added.

Till last reports came in, heavy firing exchanges were continuing between the two sides, creating panic among scores of border residents whose houses and crops often take the brunt of hostilities between the two armies.

--IANS

sq/vd