Pak troops violate ceasefire along LoC, IB in Jammu, Poonch

Pakistani troops on Wednesday violated the ceasefire twice by firing and shelling along the International Border (IB) in Jammu district and the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, prompting retaliation from the security forces.

Pakistan rangers resorted to small arms firing on Brahman Bella and Raipur border outposts along the border in Pargwal sector of the Akhnoor belt in Jammu from 1515 hours today, a police officer said.

At 1545 hours, Pak rangers also fired mortar shells along IB, he said adding that the BSF retaliated.

There was no loss of life or injury to any one so far, he said.

The Pakistan Army resorted to firing and shelling on Indian posts along the LoC in Mankote, Sabjian and Digwar areas in Poonch from 1500 hours onwards, another officer said.

Pakistani forces have violated the ceasefire several times in recent days, officials said. Incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan have increased sharply this year.

Till August 1, there were 285 such violations by the Pakistan Army, while in 2016, the number was significantly less at 228 for the entire year, according to Army figures.