After failing on the diplomatic front, Pakistan is bent upon escalating tensions along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.
On Friday, Pakistan Army initiated 'unprovoked' ceasefire violation in which one Indian Army jawan attained martyrdom in Nowshera sector of frontier Rajouri district. Pakistan Army is regularly targeting civilian pockets along the Line of Control to disturb peace in the region. Traumatised local residents have been staying back inside their houses to ensure their safety but are worried a lot as on going work on completion of bunkers, sanctioned by the Union Government is going on at snails' pace.
Since August 17, three Indian jawans and one civilian have lost their lives in Pakistan firing along the Line of Control in frontier districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Defence PRO in Jammu, Lt-Col Devender Anand said, " Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Friday morning".
He said, in the exchange of fire, Naik Rajib Thapa attained martyrdom". Hitting back,"Indian Army responded strongly and effectively.
Defence PRO claimed, "Heavy damage was caused to Pakistan Army posts and casualties to Pakistan soldiers have been inflicted by the Indian army".
Defence PRO said,Naik Rajib Thapa, aged 34 years belonged to Village Mechpara, District Jalpaiguri, West Bengal and is survived by his wife, Khusbu Mangar Thapa.
Meanwhile, to take stock of the prevailing security situation on ground zero, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern Command, accompanied by the White Knight Corps Commander, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh Sangha visited forward bases in Poonch and Akhnoor Sector to review the operational preparedness.
Defence PRO said, "During the visit to the sectors, the Army Commander was briefed by the commanders on preparedness of their formations".
Army Commander expressed satisfaction on measures adopted to strengthen counter infiltration posture with increased alertness and use of high-end technology. He also appreciated the aggressive domination of Line of Control adopted to give befitting response to adversarie's CFVs and tactical actions.