In a provocative attack, a group of 20 heavily armed men led by Pakistani troops entered 450 metres into the Indian territory in the Poonch sector in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours today and ambushed a patrol killing five Indian soldiers, sparking all round outrage with demands for strong Government response.
"A patrol of Indian Army comprising of one Non- Commissioned Officer and five other ranks was ambushed by a Pak Border Action Team (BAT) close to the Line of Control in Poonch Sector of J&K early morning", Defence spokesman, Jammu, S N Acharya said in an official statement.
"In the ensuing firefight, five Indian soldiers were martyred. The ambush was carried out by approximately 20 heavily armed terrorists along with soldiers of Pak Army," he said, adding one soldier was injured.
In Delhi, Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Mansoor Ahmed Khan was summoned to South and a strong protest ws lodged over the killing of Indian soldiers.
The issue rocked both Houses of Parliament with members demanding a quick and firm response from the government. BJP and Samajwadi members asked why Government was feeling "completely helpless" in the face of repeated aggression by Pakistan.
Making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said the attack was carried out by "terrorists along with persons dressed in Pakistan Army uniform".
The minister said India will take all necessary steps to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control.
Later replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said New Delhi's response will depend on signals and actions from Pakistan.
