Pakistan violates ceasefire 4 times in one day, 5 hurt

Intensifying action, Pakistan troops on Monday violated ceasefire four times by resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on Indian Army posts and civilian areas along Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving five civilians injured and several shops ablaze.

Reports said in the retaliatory action by the Indian Army, one Pakistani post Twiven1 has been been destroyed.

The firing and shelling is going on in various areas along the LoC, officials said.

Pakistan resorted to firing and shelling in Shahpur, Krishnagati, Mandi and Sabzian sectors in Poonch district, officials said.

"Pakistan troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Mandi and Sabzian sectors of Poonch district from 1345 hours today," Defence spokesman Col Manish Mehta said.

They fired 120 mm, 80 mm mortar bombs, automatic weapons and small arms, he said, adding the exchanges are going on.

Earlier, Pakistani troops violated ceasefire in Poonch using small arms, automatic and mortar bombs (in Shahpur) in Poonch, the spokesman said.

"It has appropriately been responded to, we have given them befitting reply. The ceasefire violation is still on," he said.

A Police officer said the firing started at around 1045 hours and is going on.

Pakistan troops resorted to brief firing in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district around 0100 hours, officials said.

In shelling, five people were injured in Shahpur Kerni and Saujian sectors, officials said, adding the injured have been hospitalised.

The injured have been identified as Refeela Bi (18) and Gulam Mohmmad of Shahpur, Shah Begum (35 years) of Qasba, Hafiza Akhtar (17 Years) of Gangrian and 10 year Usma. A Police officer said that one mortar shell landed in a security force camp in Gangrian in Saujian and it hit oil containers resulting in fire.

In the fire several shops were gutted, he said, adding there was no loss of life or injury to any one in the fire.

IMAGE: BSF personnel keep tight vigil at the India and Pakistan International Border at Gakhrial of Akhnoor sector about 55 km from Jammu. Photograph: PTI Photo