Srinagar, Feb 23: Pakistani troops violated ceasefire and resorted to unprovoked and
indiscriminate firing and shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC),
targeting forward posts in Karnah sector in the frontier district of Kupwara in
north Kashmir on Thursday night.
However, there was no report of any loss of life or damage to
property in the Pakistani shelling which was equally retaliated by Indian
troops, official sources told on Friday morning.
A police spokesman confirmed that Pakistani troops violated 2003 ceasefire in Taad and Jabdi areas near LoC in Karnah in Kupwara last night. In a tweet he said, 'Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Taad and Jabdi of Police Station Karnah, Kupwara.'
After almost daily ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops on the LoC and International Border (IB) in Jammu region, Pakistan has now opened new front in Kashmir valley for the past one week, targeting forward posts and civilian areas in Uri, Tangdhar and Karnah sectors.
A BSF jawan was martyred and three civilians, including a woman, were injured and several houses and a mosque were damaged after being hit by shells in these sector.
Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General (IG) Sonali Mishra said that due to less snowfall this winter on the upper heights, Pakistan is violating ceasefire to facilitate militants to infiltrate into this side. However, she said troops guarding the LoC have already intensified night and foot patrolling to foil any infiltration from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), where launchpads always remained active.
Sources said as people were preparing for dinner, loud explosions and heavy firing were heard at village Taad and Jabdi in Karnah sector after Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked shelling from across the LoC on Thursday night. Troops, guarding the LoC, immediately retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for several hours.
There was no report of any loss of life or damage to property on this side of the LoC, they said, adding that damage suffered by enemy troops was not immediately clear.
Meanwhile , people from several villages in Uri sector shifted to safer places after Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing on Thursday, targeting forward posts and civilian areas, including Thajal and Soni in Churanda Silikote in Uri sector.
The villagers, who had to leave their homes for safety, alleged that there was no assistance from administration. Three houses and a mosque were damaged due to shelling by Pakistani troops, they said, adding that fortunately, no one was injured. They said some of the affected people had to take shelter near tehsil office at Uri. 'We were living a peaceful life since India and Pakistan agreed for a ceasefire on the LoC and IB in 2003. Though there were minor ceasefire violations, but this was heavy,' they said, adding that 'We appeal to both the countries to ensure implementation of ceasefire in letter and spirit. We pray to God to silence the guns on the LoC,' they said.
Ms Sonali said Pakistani troops had been violating ceasefire to help militants to sneak into this side from PoK since there was less snowfall on the upper reaches. She said launchpads on the LoC always remain active and there are about 175 militants waiting to sneak into this side. However, she said, troops remain on alert to foil any infiltration attempt.
About the recent ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in which a soldier of BSF was martyred, she said, 'We also hit a post across the LoC. As per our reliable information two Pak soldiers were killed in the retaliatory action.' UNI
A police spokesman confirmed that Pakistani troops violated 2003 ceasefire in Taad and Jabdi areas near LoC in Karnah in Kupwara last night. In a tweet he said, 'Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Taad and Jabdi of Police Station Karnah, Kupwara.'
After almost daily ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops on the LoC and International Border (IB) in Jammu region, Pakistan has now opened new front in Kashmir valley for the past one week, targeting forward posts and civilian areas in Uri, Tangdhar and Karnah sectors.
A BSF jawan was martyred and three civilians, including a woman, were injured and several houses and a mosque were damaged after being hit by shells in these sector.
Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General (IG) Sonali Mishra said that due to less snowfall this winter on the upper heights, Pakistan is violating ceasefire to facilitate militants to infiltrate into this side. However, she said troops guarding the LoC have already intensified night and foot patrolling to foil any infiltration from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), where launchpads always remained active.
Sources said as people were preparing for dinner, loud explosions and heavy firing were heard at village Taad and Jabdi in Karnah sector after Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked shelling from across the LoC on Thursday night. Troops, guarding the LoC, immediately retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for several hours.
There was no report of any loss of life or damage to property on this side of the LoC, they said, adding that damage suffered by enemy troops was not immediately clear.
Meanwhile , people from several villages in Uri sector shifted to safer places after Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing on Thursday, targeting forward posts and civilian areas, including Thajal and Soni in Churanda Silikote in Uri sector.
The villagers, who had to leave their homes for safety, alleged that there was no assistance from administration. Three houses and a mosque were damaged due to shelling by Pakistani troops, they said, adding that fortunately, no one was injured. They said some of the affected people had to take shelter near tehsil office at Uri. 'We were living a peaceful life since India and Pakistan agreed for a ceasefire on the LoC and IB in 2003. Though there were minor ceasefire violations, but this was heavy,' they said, adding that 'We appeal to both the countries to ensure implementation of ceasefire in letter and spirit. We pray to God to silence the guns on the LoC,' they said.
Ms Sonali said Pakistani troops had been violating ceasefire to help militants to sneak into this side from PoK since there was less snowfall on the upper reaches. She said launchpads on the LoC always remain active and there are about 175 militants waiting to sneak into this side. However, she said, troops remain on alert to foil any infiltration attempt.
About the recent ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in which a soldier of BSF was martyred, she said, 'We also hit a post across the LoC. As per our reliable information two Pak soldiers were killed in the retaliatory action.' UNI