Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 26: Violating the ceasefire again, Pakistani troops targeted Indian forward posts with small arms along the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor and Mendhar sectors of Jammu region.
Defence sources said that Pakistani troops opened unprovoked small arms firing at forward posts in Pallanwala sub-sector of Akhnoor in Jammu district around 11.15 pm last night. Army troops took positions and replied to the Pakistani firing resulting in exchanges, he said, adding that there was no loss of life or damage in the firing.
In Mendhar area of Poonch, the Pakistani troops opened firing on the Indian posts between 10.30 pm and 12.30 am last night. Sources said Pakistani troops of 650 Mujahid Regiment, opened unprovoked firing on Indian forward posts- Peeli, Poona and Raja Tekri in Mendhar sector from their Dabbi and Langiot forward posts.
The Indian troops responded to the Pak firing and intermittent firing continued for about two hours. No loss of life or injury to any jawan on this side has been reported.
Sources said during firing, taking advantage of bad weather a group of nearly 10-12 militants tried to infiltration into this side. They had managed to sneak deep inside the LoC but in view of retaliation from Indian troops, they were made to flee back to PoK side. Entire area of cordoned till morning and then a search operation was launched. No recovery could be made.
General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Nagrota-based 16 Corps Lieutenant General K H Singh at Nagrota said that the Indian Army is giving a befitting reply to Pakistani troops.
This is second ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in less than 7 hours and the 8th ceasefire violation in the month of July. Yesterday also, Pakistani troops had opened unprovoked small arms firing at forward posts in Balakote belt of Mendhar sector. On July 20, there was a major ceasefire violation as Pakistan Rangers indulged in heavy firing and shelling of mortar bombs on 15 border outposts and several villages along the International Border in Jammu district, damaging houses and killing livestock.
On July 18, Pakistan Rangers targeted BoP with small arms and automatic weapons along IB in Arnia area of Jammu district.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a wreath laying ceremony at Nagrota Corps Headquarters, the GOC said, “This time there is a marginal increase in ceasefire violations.
“I can say with a lot of confidence that our troops on the LoC are giving a befitting reply and will continue to do so. Any nefarious designs of the enemy will be defeated,” he said.
The Lieutenant General also said that ceasefire violations by Pakistan are “quite normal” compared to last year.
“I would like to assure you all that ceasefire violations around this time generally increase because of undergrowth, the situation in Pakistan and also because of the upcoming elections. But it is quite normal when compared to last year,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, Army and police during two separate operations, recovered Arms and ammunition from Nachlana area of Banihal in Ramban district and Manjakote area of Rajouri today.
Reports said troops of a Rashtriya Rifles unit and local police during joint operation in forest area of Nachlana in Banihal, falling in general area of Gudber, smashed a militants’ hideout and recovered arms and ammunition. The militants however, escaped before the joint raid by the security forces.
During search, the troops recovered two pistols, huge quantity of ammunition and other equipment from the war like store of the militants.
Meanwhile, the police and Army also busted yet another hideout in Manjakore area of Rajouri and recovered some arms and ammunition today. The recovery included one pistol, one magazine, wireless set, IED fuse, IED wire and some explosive material.
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