NEW DELHI, Nov 27 (NNN-PTI) – Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged heavy fire and mortar shelling, on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, officials said.
The two sides targeted each other’s positions and civilian areas, in Akhnoor of Jammu district, the winter capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
“Pakistani troops violated cease-fire and resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling, targeting forward posts and civilian areas between Khour and Pallanwalla sector in Akhnoor yesterday,” an Indian army spokesman said. “Our side retaliated to the firing and gave them a befitting reply.”
So far, there were no reports of any damage or loss of life caused to Indian side, due to the firing.
According to officials, the firing first began at around 4:00 a.m. local time on Monday.
“Then firing again started at 1:30 p.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m.,” the spokesman said. “The third round started at 9:00 p.m. and continued until 10:00 p.m.
There has been a sharp increase in cease-fire violations along the LoC and International Border (IB) in Kashmir during the past three months. The heavy firing and shelling triggered panic among residents along the entire LoC, many of whom have migrated to safer places.
According to official data, this year, over 2,000 cease-fire violations were recorded in Kashmir, so far.
New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain their troops gave befitting reply to the other side.
LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.– NNN-PTI