Ceasefire violation by Pakistan; fitting response being given, says Army

Pakistani troops have been firing artillery guns across the LoC in J&K, sources told NDTV, adding that the Indian Army is responding to the hostilities.

The latest escalation occurred along the LoC in the Keran and Machhal sectors of the Kupwara district, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said in a statement.

"Befitting response is being given," the statement added.

The ceasefire violation started Wednesday night, as Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing in the Mankote and Krishna Ghati sectors, a defense spokesperson said.

Early this morning, two Indian soldiers died in firing by Pakistan in Kupwara's Nowgam sector. Another was killed in overnight firing in Poonch.

Four soldiers sustained injuries and were evacuated, the spokesperson said.

Pakistan has reportedly been targeting villages in Poonch lately.

Srinagar-based defense spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, "Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in the Nowgam sector, Kupwara on Thursday morning by firing mortars and other weapons."

Kalia added, "The injured personnel are being evacuated while a befitting response is being given to the Pakistani firing."

On September 5, a soldier was killed and two others were injured in firing and shelling by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri district's Sunderbani sector.

On September 2, a Junior Commissioned Officer was killed in another ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Rajouri's Keri sector.

In the past eight months, over 3,000 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have been reported; the highest in 17 years.