Pakistan violates ceasefire again

Jammu: Pakistani troops on Wednesday fired indiscriminately from across the Line of Control at forward posts in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting retaliation by the Indian Army, a defence spokesman said.

The exchange of fire between the two sides in Noushera sector continued for nearly four hours but there was no immediate report of any casualty. Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 8.15 am. The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, the spokesman said.

He said the firing stopped from both sides at 12 pm. The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan comes five days after Pakistani troops opened fire from across the border, leaving four Army personnel dead and another soldier injured in Keri sector of Rajouri on December 23.

Indian troops also killed three Pakistani troops and injured another in retaliatory action at Rukh Chakri sector in Rawlakot on December 25. On December 24, Pakistani troops had targeted forward posts and villages in Shahpur sector of Poonch district.