Fresh firing by Pak troops ahead of flag meeting

Jammu, Jan 13: Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire again on Sunday evening, targeting Indian posts in Poonch sector of

. The latest violation occurred ahead of Monday's Indo-Pak flag meeting to defuse tension along Line of Control (

).

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan agreed to hold a 'brigade commander' level flag meeting along the LoC in Poonch to discuss the recent intrusion and brutal killing of jawans besides continued ceasefire violations by its soldiers that have flared tension in the region.

Pakistan troops fired on the Indian posts in Nangitikri forward area along LoC in Poonch district around 1630 hours on Sunday, after heavy overnight firing in Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch, a Army officer said. The overnight heavy exchange of fire came after a 48-hour lull on the LoC.

Pakistani posts opposite Nangitikri targeted the Indian side this evening and Indian troops guarding the borderline retaliated, he said. The exchange continued for a brief period before coming to a halt, he said, adding there was no loss of life or injury to anyone on the Indian side. There was firing on five Indian posts --Kranti, Kripan, Gordha, Chajjaman and Dogra from Pakistan posts- Daku, Chooha, Roza and Battal.

Mortars were fired intermittently from Pakistan side. The ceasefire violation was the fourth by Pakistan troops along Poonch sector after the killing of two jawans. On the overnight firing, Defence Spokesman Col R K Palta said movement of six to seven persons was detected close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch sector around 2145 hours yesterday.

PTI