4 civilians injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch

Four civilians were injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Balakote sector of Poonch on Wednesday.

Houses near Line of Control were damaged due to repeated ceasefire violations targetting civilians in Poonch. Residents say 'Pakistan needs to stop targeting civilians'.

Cars were also damaged in ceasefire violation in Balakote sector. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 0745 hours in Bhimbher Gali sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district," the spokesman said.

The firing was still on, the official said, adding that the Indian Army was retaliating strongly and effectively to the provocation.

The heavy firing and mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army was intermittently targeting civilian and forward areas in Balakote, Basooni, Sandote, Manjakote areas, a police officer said.

The latest ceasefire came days after four members of a family, including two girls were injured in a Pakistani shelling in Poonch district last Saturday.

The ceasefire violations, which amounted to 228 in 2016, have reached 503 this year (till October 5).

(With agency inputs)