Pakistan again violates ceasefire

Pakistani troops again violated the ceasefire on the line of Control (loC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district at two places, an army spokesman said Thursday.

Col R.K. Palta told IANS that Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing at Indian positions in Mendhar and Hamirpur areas of the loC in Poonch district Wednesday night.

"Pakistani troops used small arms, automatics and mortars to target our positions in Mendhar and Hamirpur areas of the loC yesterday (Wednesday) night. Our troops retaliated to the enemy fire. The firing exchanges started at 10.30 p.m. and continued for about one hour," he said.

The bilateral ceasefire that came into force between India and Pakistan in November 2003 had brought in a modicum of normalcy in the lives of thousands of people living along the borders in divided Kashmir in Indian and Pakistan administered parts.

India has been accusing Pakistan of violating the ceasefire agreement frequently since the beginning of this year. Five Indian soldiers were killed Aug 6 by Pakistani troops who crossed over into Indian territory.