Tensions escalated along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir after Indian Army reportedly killed at least three Pakistani soldiers in strong retaliatory action on Thursday.
Earlier, Pakistan Army had initiated ceasefire violation even before 73rd Independence day celebrations went underway in border areas of Poonch. Fresh exchange of fire in Uri sector was also reported in Kashmir valley.
Defence PRO in Jammu, Lt-Col Devender Anand claimed, “Pakistan Army initiated ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and mortars om Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch around 7.00 a.m The exchange of firing continued till 5.30 pm, he added. In response, Indian Army befittingly retaliated to the ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops,” he said.
Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor had earlier accused the Indian Army of “increasing firing” along the Line of Control to “divert attention from precarious situation in Jammu & Kashmir”.
Releasing pictures of three Pakistani soldiers Asif Ghafoor tweeted, “three Pakistani soldiers,killed in the ceasefire violations, have been identified as Naik Tanveer, Sepoy Ramazan and Lance Naik Taimoor”.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has also denied the Pakistan Army’s claims that five Indian soldiers died in the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).
Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, on Thursday visited Kupwara on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day.
He interacted with the troops and was briefed about the recent counter infiltration operations.
He was appreciative of the sharp vigil and alertness along the Line of Control.
The Army Commander lauded the high morale of the troops and exhorted them to remain alert to meet emerging security challenges.