Pakistan violates ceasefire in Poonch too, heavy firing exchanges on

After heavy firing exchanges in Akhnoor sector of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as Indian troops responded to Pakistan's ceasefire violation early on Monday, the two armies clashed again in Poonch district, a defence official said.

"Pakistan continues with its nefarious designs along the LoC and again at 5.30 p.m., they initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by mortar shelling and firing small arms in Poonch district," Defence Ministry spokesman, Lt Col Devender Anand said.

"Indian army retaliated effectively and strongly."

Earlier on Monday, heavy firing between the two armies took place in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

"At about 3 a.m., the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling and firing in the Akhnoor sector," the spokesman said.

"Our positions effectively retaliated. The firing exchanges stopped at 6.30 a.m.," he added.

After trading heavy fire on the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu districts for seven days, clashes between the two armies had stopped on Sunday.

All educational institutions within a 5 km distance from the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri, however, remained closed on Monday.

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat visited forward positions on the LoC and the International Border on Sunday to review the preparedness of the deployed troops.

--IANS

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