At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a strong retaliatory firing by the Indian army in Balakote sector of Mendhar in the wee hours of Sunday.
Three other Pakistani soldiers received injuries in different sectors along the line of control in Poonch and Rajouri in recurring incidents of ceasefire violations, aimed at escalating tensions in the region.
According to ground reports, intense shelling was reported past midnight in Balakote sector of Mendhar. In response, Indian army retaliated strongly to silence the roaring Pakistani guns. It is learnt, as Pakistan army resorted to use of heavy calibre weapons and started targeting some of the civilian areas in the region, Indian army responded appropriately using similar calibre of weapons. According to local reports, at least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Nikial sector opposite Mendhar sector while one soldier each received injuries in Rakh Chikri, Deva and Bagsar areas along the line of control.
Meanwhile, fresh firing was reported in the Balakote sector after a gap of more than 12 hours late evening around 7.45 p.m. Defence PRO in Jammu, Lt Col Devender Anand said, Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing in the area and also targeted the forward areas using intense mortar shelling. He said, the Indian army was retaliating befittingly in response to the firing in the forward areas.
