Pak shells forward areas in Poonch

In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops on Tuesday targeted Indian forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajhouri in Jammu and Kashmir with mortars and small arms.

At least two mortar shells landed near Poonch brigade headquarters of Indian army while one landed on the outskirts of the town on Tuesday morning, reports said. The ceasefire violation took place around 7 am, triggering commotion in the area. So, far there was no report of any loss to life or injury.

Sources said Pakistan army also fired mortar shells on Indian forward posts in Nowshera sector of Rajouri. "Own troops effectively and strongly retaliated at both the places," an army official said and added there was no injury or damage on Indian side so far.

The Army's Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh had recently said that Pakistan shall be "punished" if it carries out activities detrimental to India and asserted that befitting replies were given to the neighbouring nation for violating ceasefire.

He also said that "as far as infiltration attempts from across the LoC are concerned, Pakistan has continued with its efforts to give impetus to infiltration."

According to Union Home Ministry figures, the first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured in 1,435 ceasefire violations by Pakistan army in Jammu and Kashmir. There is 198 km International Border and over 510 km of LoC with Pakistan in the state.