In yet another provocative act, Pakistan Army on Tuesday targeted patrolling party of Indian Army along the line of Control (loC) in Balakote area of Poonch in which one Indian jawan attained martyrdom. The Indian side too retaliated strongly and reportedly caused heavy damages across the loC.
According to police spokesman, “The Army jawan identified as Naik Mahendra Chemjung was deployed at Chera forward post under the jurisdiction of Mendhar police station where he was targeted by a sniper fire from across the line of Control by Pakistan Army around 1 pm.”
However, Indian Army maintained Naik Mahendra Chemjung was grievously injured in the exchange of fire after Pakistan Army initiated ‘unprovoked’ firing on Indian Army posts around 12.50 pm in Bhimber Gali sector. According to Defence spokesman, the jawan later succumbed to his injuries.
Ground reports also suggested the Indian Army is once again gearing up its defences and revisiting their strategy to counter the Pakistan aggression in an appropriate manner.
The officers on ground zero want to give ‘shock treatment’ to their counterparts across the line of Control as they have been repeatedly targeting civilian areas and spreading panic among the local population.
The Indian Army had earlier fired heavy guns including 120 mm mortars to demolish ‘notorious’ posts across the line of Control when hostilities surged post surgical strikes in 2016.
The ‘ghatak’ platoons are also kept in a state of readiness to thwart any strike by Border Action Team of Pakistan Army.
Meanwhile, following heavy shelling in Kerni, Shahpur area of Poonch the situation remained tense in the area. The schools were also closed down by the district administration in the forward areas to prevent any loss of life due to shelling. large number of people were seen cleaning their bunkers and making safe shelters to ensure their own protection.
Deputy Commissioner, Poonch also visited forward villages and handed over relief cheque to the next of kin of deceased children who became victims of Pakistan shelling.
According to Defence spokesman, Naik Mahendra Chemjung aged 35 years, belonged to Chilingdin, Nepal and is survived by his wife Nayan Kala Chemjung and one son. Senior officers of the Northern command and Nagrota based 16 corps commander also paid homage to the brave soldier.