Pakistan again resorts to unprovoked ceasefire violation on LoC

Jammu, Aug 9 (IANS): Continuing its series of unprovoked ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan used small arms and mortars on Sunday to target Indian positions in Poonch district, officials said.

Colonel Devender Anand, spokesman of Defence Ministry, said around 6.45 a.m. on Sunday morning, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Mankote sector of Poonch district.

“They are using small arms and shelling by mortars. Indian army is retaliating befittingly,” the spokesman said.

Pakistan has been violating bilateral ceasefire on the Jammu and Kashmir LoC with impunity since the beginning of this year.

A total of 23 civilians have been killed and over 100 injured in more than 2,720 ceasefire violations made by Pakistan this year so far in the LoC.

Encounter underway in J&K’s Kulgam

An encounter has started between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday morning, officials said.

According to details, security forces had a specific input about the presence of terrorists at Shiganpura area of Kulgam.

As the joint party of police and army zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.

“Encounter has started at Sighanpor area of Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job,” the police said.

“Joint Operation was launched in the wee hours of the morning today on Jammu and Kashmir police inputs. Cordon was laid and contact established. Firefight ensued. Joint Operation in progress,” army said.