Pakistani forces open fire on Indian troops again

Pakistani forces on Wednesday opened fresh unprovoked firing at Indian positions along the Line of Control in northern Kashmir, a day after army commanders of the two sides met to ease tension following a 16-hour exchange of fire in which an Indian soldier was killed.

Army spokesman Col S D Goswami said in Jammu that Pakistani troops fired at the Indian post in Naria in Nowgam sector on Wednesday morning, violating the ceasefire along the LoC.

They fired two mortar shells and light machine guns, but the Indian side maintained restraint and did not retaliate.

There were no report of any casualties.

Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel A K Mathur said, "Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked mortar firing at our positions in the Nowgam sector of the LoC this afternoon."

"There was no retaliation from our side as our troops maintained restraint."

Messages at the level of company commander were conveyed to the Pakistani Army to stop firing immediately, he said.

India had on Tuesday said there have been ceasefire violations several times by Pakistani troops along the LoC and asked Islamabad not to vitiate the atmosphere and disturb the peace process between the two countries.

Defence Minister A K Antony had said that 19 ceasefire violations were committed by Pakistan army since January this year.

The border stretch across the high mountain ranges in Baramulla district was a scene of heavy exchange fire for over 16 hours, which had started on Monday. A jawan of 22 Rajput Regiment was killed in the firing.

Additional Reportage: PTI