Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector, Army retaliates

Pakistan continues with its nefarious designs along the Line of Control (LoC) and has once again initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortars and firing of small arms in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector on Monday. The incident took place at about 05:30 pm this afternoon. However, the Indian Army has retaliated strongly and effectively and casualty has been reported from either side in the firing and shelling so far.

Early in the day, Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Akhnoor sector, breaking a two-day lull in cross-border skirmishes. The firing, which was started in the wee hours of Monday stopped at 6:30 am this morning. On Saturday, Pakistan violated the ceasefire Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing and shelling at 12.30 pm along the LoC.

On Friday, too, Pakistan had violated ceasefire along the LoC in three sectors of Jammu and Kashmir namely Mendhar, Balakote, and Krishna Ghati sectors at 6 pm. One civilian was injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/Z9OHcHVJNd

— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019

The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire for over 60 times during the last one week by targeting over 70 civilian and forward areas along the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving one woman dead and 9 others injured.

The ceasefire violation by Pakistan witnessed a spurt after India's air strike at Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26 in a "preemptive" action following the terrorist group's February 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama in which 42 CRPF personnel were killed.

Amid heightened tensions, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat visited Jammu-based White Knight Corps on Saturday and reviewed the operational preparedness of the forces in the Corps Zone in view of the current situation along the LoC and the International Border.

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Gen Rawat visited various forward locations of Samba and Ratnuchak along the IB in Jammu region again on Sunday. He expressed complete confidence in Indian Army capabilities to thwart any nefarious design of enemies of the country and handle any situation. The Army chief also praised the high state of morale and preparedness of the troops. 

In view of the prevailing situation following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, authorities have ordered temporary closure of educational institutions in a 5-km radius along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts. They have asked all border dwellers to remain inside their homes.

Amid high tension along the LoC, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh accompanied by the White Knight Corps Commander, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh visited forward posts in Rajouri Sector to review the operational preparedness on Thursday.

The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violation, numbering 2,936 by Pakistani troops, in the last 15 years. Pakistan continues to violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the pact during flag meetings between the two sides.

(With inputs from agencies)