Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire twice by firing and shelling on forward posts along the Line of Control in two sectors of Poonch district, drawing retaliation from Indian troops on Wednesday.

Pakistani troops resorted to firing with automatic weapons and mortar shelling on forward posts along the LoC in Krishnagati sector from 7.10 am, a defence spokesman said, adding they fired 82 mm mortar bombs.

Pakistani troops also fired from automatic weapons on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector from 6.20 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday night, the spokesman said.

Troops guarding the LoC retaliated resulting in exchanges, he said, adding firing was on when reports last came in from the area. "Our side retaliated appropriately but no casualty or damage was reported," he said.

Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire 17 times in September this year.

On Sunday, Border Security Force officer Sohan was killed in Pakistan shelling when troops targeted their post in Manjakotr sector along the LoC in Rajouri district.

Image: Soldiers guard border in Jammu & Kashmir. Photograph: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com