Pakistan terrorists mutilate Indian soldier's body in cross-LoC attack; Army vows 'appropriate response'

Jammu: In a "barbaric" incident, terrorists, aided by the cover fire by the Pakistani Army, on Friday night crossed the Line of Control and killed an Indian Army jawan and mutilated his body in Macchil sector of Kupwara district of Kashmir.

The Indian Army said that an "appropriate response" will be given.

After committing the heinous act, terrorists fled back to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar have been briefed about the incident.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will summon Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit in this regard, reported CNN-News18.

In a brief statement, the Army said a gunfight took place close to the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Macchil sector on Friday evening, in which one soldier and a terrorist were killed.

"In a despicable act, the terrorists mutilated the body of the Indian Army soldier before fleeing into PoK, supported by covering fire from Pakistani Army posts.”

"This barbarism is a true reflection which pervades official and non-official organisations across the border. This act will invite an appropriate response," it said.

Earlier on Friday, the Border Security Force said that at least 15 Pakistan troopers were killed and 20 others injured in retaliatory shelling and firing on the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

BSF, which primarily guards the International Border with Pakistan, said it had also foiled two infiltration bids in Samba district two days back. Besides, BAT (Border Action Team) attacks from Pakistani side along the Line of Control have also been thwarted during the past 24 hours.

(With Agency inputs)