Amit Khajuria

As there has been no let-up in ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) and continued attempts to push in terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir, the Army and the BSF cancelled the ceremonial exchange of sweets at select border points on Republic Day.

On Saturday, Pakistan violated the ceasefire in Poonch district by targeting forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC, prompting a “strong and effective retaliation” by the Indian Army, defence officials said.

There has been an increase in the ceasefire violations by Pakistan since the start of this year.

A defence spokesperson said Pakistan was violating ceasefire on a daily basis since January 1 and about three or four violations were reported daily.

A statement released by the defence spokesperson in Jammu said the Pakistani forces resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling with mortars in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Saturday.

As a result of Pakistan’s provocation on Republic Day, the Indian Army cancelled the traditional exchange of sweets with the Pakistani army along the LoC, the spokesperson said.

On Saturday, the BSF shot dead an intruder who crossed over from the IB in the Samba sector after ignoring repeated warnings.

According to a BSF spokesperson, the intruder crossed over to the Indian side around 1.30 pm. “The Pakistan Rangers were asked to take the intruder’s body but they have not claimed it yet. The body has been shifted to the mortuary of Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu,” said the BSF spokesperson.

Courtesy:The Tribune,Jan28,2019