In a strong ‘retaliatory’ strike Indian army  is learnt to have inflicted heavy causalities and ‘flattened’ several bunkers and ‘strategic structures’ of Pakistan army  along the line of control in Poonch and Akhnoor sectors in the last 24 hours.

Following these punitive strikes tensions escalated further in the region.

In the heavy exchange of fire, an Indian Army jawan also received critical injuries late saturday evening and later he succumbed in the nearest field hospital in Poonch on sunday.  In the last one week three Indian soldiers have attained martyrdom in Sunderbani and Poonch sectors.

Ground reports claimed Pakistan army used heavy calibre of weapons and fired rockets to target Indian positions. In response, the Indian Army too inflicted heavy damage and casualties to Pakistan army.

Defence PRO in Jammu, Lt-Col Devender Anand said, “Grenadier Hari Bhakar received grave injuries during Cease Fire Violation on 23 Mar 19 in Poonch Sector.  He was evacuated to nearest Field Hospital for immediate medical treatment but later attained martyrdom on 24 Mar 19”. The martyred jawan hailed from Nagaur district of Rajasthan and is survived by his parents.

Lt Col Anand said, “Unprovoked firing by Pakistan Army  started in the evening of March 23, 2019, in which heavy calibre weapons and rockets were also fired”.

Earlier, Rifleman Yash Paul of Mantalai area of Chenani attained martyrdom on March 21 in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri. Rifleman Karamjeet Singh of Moga had attained martyrdom on March 18 in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri.