Pak shells civilian areas of J&K, villager injured

Expanding the arch of its targets, Pakistani troops pounded civilian areas and military positions along the International Border (IB) in Jammu district since last night besides shelling Poonch, injuring a villager.
Pakistan troops violated the ceasefire five times overnight by targeting civilian hamlets with 120 mm and 82 mm mortar bombs along the IB and LoC in Poonch, Balakote, Hamirpur, R S Pura and Arnia sectors of Poonch and Jammu districts, drawing retaliation from the Army and BSF.
There have been 45 violations of the border ceasefire agreement of 2003 by Pakistan in August and over 240 ceasefire violations during the year so far.

"In fresh ceasefire violation, Pakistan troops resorted to shelling of 82 mm mortar bombs on forward posts along IB in Hamirpur sector in Poonch sector from 1300 hours today," Defence Spokesman said here.
Earlier, there was firing briefly in Balakote sector of LoC in Poonch district, the spokesman said, adding "We responded appropriately and effectively to the firing."
BSF spokesman said there was intermittent firing of small arms and mortar bombs by Pakistan Rangers from 2200 hours last night on five Border Out Posts (BoPs) along the IB in Arnia and R S Pura sectors in Jammu district.

"Initially, the firing was with small arms. Later on 82 mortar bombs were also fired by the Rangers. When left with no option, BSF troops retaliated the fire befittingly," the spokesman said.

"The firing and shelling continued till 0500 hours this morning. No loss of men or material has been reported so far from BSF," he said.
However, a civilian identified as 38-year-old Subhash Chander sustained a bullet injury on his foot at Sai Khurdin in Arnia sector. He is being treated at Government Sub-District Hospital in R S Pura, he said.