In yet another ceasefire violation at four forward posts near the Line of Control (LoC), the Pakistan army on Thursday initiated heavy shelling with mortars on the Indian side.

Pakistan targeted forward posts and civilian areas in Sunderbani, Manjakote and Nowshera sectors in Rajouri district and the Mendhar sector in Poonch district.

According to the Defence Publice Relations Officer (PRO), Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms and shelling with mortars in the Sunderbani sector since 9.15 am onwards.

“The Indian Army has retaliated effectively. No casualty has been reported as yet,” the PRO said.

According to reports, Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Manjakote, Nowshera and Mendhar sectors as well. Intermittent firing between Indian and Pakistani soldiers was going on at several areas near the LoC, said the reports

The Pakistan army had also targeted forward posts in the Mendhar sector on Wednesday night.

Defence officials said the Pakistan army was using 120 mm and 81 mm mortars to target the forward posts and civilian areas near the Line of Control.

Last year, there were 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan. These were the highest in the past 15 years with an average of eight cases daily. As many as 61 persons were killed and over 250 injured in these incidents.

Army porter injured

An Army porter was injured on Thursday when Pakistani troops fired heavy mortar shells and small arms in the Nowshera sector in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said. The porter was shifted to a hospital, the official said. PTI

Courtesy:The Tribune,Jan25,2019