Pakistan troops indulge in shelling on LoC, international border

Pakistan troops indulged in indiscriminate heavy mortar shelling and gunfire in Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu districts on Wednesday, to which the Indian army retaliated with similar calibre weaponry.

The exchange of fire was continuing when the last reports came in, official sources said. No civilian or army casualty has been reported from the Indian side so far.

The sources said the Pakistan army took to mortar shelling and firing with automatic firearms in Sunderbani sector on the Line of Control (LoC) and in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district at 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. respectively.

"When the last reports came in, heavy shelling and firing were still going on in these sectors," they said.

"The Pakistan army used 120 mm and 82 mm mortar shells to target military and civilian positions in the two sectors. The Indian army effectively retaliated by using same calibre weapons."

Earlier on Wednesday, the Pakistan army violated the ceasefire in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir while Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing on the international border in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

Border Security Force troopers guarding the international border retaliated in Akhnoor with mortar shells and automatic firearms.

The violations of truce by Pakistan on the LoC and the international border came after a nightlong lull.

The sources said during the last five days, the Pakistan army and its Rangers have violated the ceasefire 48 times.

More than 25,000 residents of border villages living close to the LoC and the international border have abandoned homes and taken shelter at places away from the border.

--IANS

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