Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch sector; five including two BSF jawans injured

Jammu: Five persons, including two Border Security Forces (BSF) jawans, were injured in firing and shelling by Pakistani troops in violation of ceasefire along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting forces to retaliate. [caption id=“attachment_4041569” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. PTI[/caption] The Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday resorted to small arms firing on Brahman Bella and Raipur Border out Posts (BoPs) along the IB in Pargwal sector of Akhnoor belt in Jammu district from 15.15 hours, a police officer said. They fired mortar shells along the IB, forcing the BSF to retaliate, resulting in exchange of fire, he said, adding that so far, there is no loss of life or injury to any one. In another incident of ceasefire violation, Pakistan Army resorted to firing and shelling on Indian posts along the LoC in Mankote, Sabjian and Digwar forward areas in Poonch since 15.00 hours, another police officer said. Three civilians and two BSF Jawans suffered injuries, he said, adding that heavy exchange of fire were taking place. This is fourth ceasefire violation in past five days. Earlier, on 1 September, an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of the Border Security Force, Kamaljit Singh, sustained bullet injuries due to enemy fire from across the LoC while he was deployed at a forward post in Krishna Ghati Sector in Poonch. He later succumbed to his injuries. Incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan have increased this year. Till August 1, there were 285 such violations by the Pakistan Army, while in 2016, it 228 for the entire year, according to the Army figures.