LoC: Pak violates ceasefire again, targets 16 Indian posts

Jammu: Violating the ceasefire for the ninth time in the past four days, Pakistani troops targeted 16 Indian forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir resulting in heavy exchanges. “Pakistani troops fired on Indian posts along the LoC in Hamirpur-Balakote and Mendhar forward areas in Poonch district last night” Defence Spokesman SN Acharya said on Wednesday. [caption id=“attachment_1032659” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  BSF soldiers patrol over a footbridge built near the LoC at Sabjiyan sector of Poonch district. Reuters[/caption] The troops from across the border fired small arms and automatic weapons besides mortar and RPGs from 2100 hours hours last night, the spokesman said. Indian troops guarding the borderline fired back resulting in heavy exchanges till 2215 hours, Acharya said, adding there was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing from Pakistan. The firing continued intermittently on Wednesday. Pakistan targeted 16 Indian forward posts in Hamirpur, Balakote and Mankote forward areas in Poonch throughout the night. Pakistan fired at six posts each in Balakote and Hamirpur areas and four in Mankote belt. Eight posts manned by the troops of 605 Mujahid Regiment troops of Pakistan Army, were involved in the firing on Indian posts. This is the ninth ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the past four days, security official said. Pakistani Rangers had on Tuesday violated the ceasefire and fired at Narianpur Border Out Post (BoP) in Ramgarh forward area in Samba district. Pakistani troops had fired at Indian posts along LoC in Hamirpur and Balakote forward areas in Mendhar sub-sector of Poonch district at 9.20 pm last night. The firing continued till 6 am today, Defence Spokesman SN Acharya said. Pakistani Rangers had also fired small arms on Kothay Border Out Post along IB in Samba district at 1930 hours on Tuesday, a BSF officer said. PTI