India, Pak trade fire along LoC in Poonch overnight

Jammu: India and Pakistan traded fired along Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir overnight triggering tension after a movement of a group of suspected infiltrators towards the borderline was foiled.

The firing involving small arms and mortars continued intermittently overnight till 0200 hours today in Krishnagati (KG) sub-sector in Poonch district after Indian troops detected the movement of a group of "suspected persons" near LoC opposite KG forward belt. "Movement of 6 to 7 persons was detected close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch sector around 2145 hours yesterday," Defence Spokesman Col R K Palta said. Troops, guarding the borderline with Pakistan, opened fire on them, he said, adding after that heavy fire was exchanged between two sides. After about half-an-hour of heavy exchanges, the group of "suspected persons" disappeared from the scene, Palta said maintaining that exchange of fire reduced thereafter but it went on till early this morning. Sources said it is suspected that either a group of militants or a Border Action Team (BAT) of Pakistan could have been undertaking movement close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector. The fresh exchange of fire in the sector has escalated tension, which came after a lull of 48 hours. Pakistani troops had violated the ceasefire by firing mortars and small arms on Indian posts along LoC in Krishnagati sector from 5 PM to 9.30 PM on Thursday, the spokesman said. Indian troops had effectively retaliated, he said, adding there was no casuality or injury to anyone in the Pakistani firing. Pakistani troops had fired on nine Indian posts--Chatri, Atma, Helmet, Prakash, Chatyal, Khera-I, Khera-II, Roshni and Gunhill--from its Kanal, Barmoch, Jungle-1, Jungle-2, Dhamas, Prench, New Post, Daruchiymia, Teer, LP-1, LP-2 and LP-3 posts. Thursday`s firing was the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan troops along Poonch sector after the barbaric killing of two jawans, he said. "The border with Pakistan is tense but the situation is under control along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army is maintaining utmost vigilance along the border with Pakistan," the spokesman said. PTI