Fresh Firing by Pak Troops Ahead of Flag Meeting

JAMMU: Ahead of Indo-Pak flag meeting to defuse tension along line of control (LoC), Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire again, targeting Indian posts in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, Pakistan agreed to hold a 'brigade commander' level flag meeting along the LoC in Poonch to discuss the recent intrusion and brutal killing of jawans besides continued ceasefire violations by its soldiers that have flared tension in the region.

Pakistani troops fired on the Indian posts in Nangitikri forward area along LoC in Poonch district around 4.30pm, after heavy overnight firing in Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch, a Army officer said. The overnight heavy exchange of fire came after a 48-hour lull on the LoC.

Pakistani posts opposite Nangitikri targeted the Indian side and Indian troops guarding the borderline retaliated, he said. The exchange continued for a brief period before coming to a halt, he said, adding there was no loss of life or injury to anyone on the Indian side.

There was firing on five Indian posts - Kranti, Kripan, Gordha, Chajjaman and Dogra from Pakistan posts - Daku, Chooha, Roza and Battal. Mortars were fired intermittently from Pakistan side. The ceasefire violation was the fourth by Pakistan troops along Poonch sector after the killing of two jawans.

On the overnight firing, defence spokesman Col R K Palta said movement of six to seven persons was detected close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch sector.

Troops guarding the border line with Pakistan opened fire on them, the spokesman said adding that thereafter heavy firing exchanges took place between two sides. After 30 minutes, the group of suspected infiltrators disappeared, Col Palta said.

It is believed that either a group of militants or Border Action Team (BAT) could have been undertaking movement close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch. Pakistani troops had also violated the ceasefire by firing mortars shells and from small arms on Indian posts along LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district.

Indian troops had retaliated resulting in the exchange of fire. There was no casuality or injury to any one in the Pak firing. The third ceasefire violation by Pakistan troops along Poonch sector.