8-month-old infant killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan

An 8-month-old infant was killed after being hit by a bullet reportedly during ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keri Battal area of Akhnoor near Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday.

Father of an 8-month-old infant, said, "He suddenly started crying. His clothes were drenched in blood. He died by the time we took him to hospital. What enmity Pak has with an 8-month-old?".

The incident occurred a day after Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that any comment on wanting peace will definitely be taken seriously. Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had called for peace talks with India.

Asked about the recent incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan and whether India would stick to its decision to not launch any operation in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan, Sitharaman said the armed forces will abide by what was announced by the Centre.

In a major decision, the Home Ministry announced last week announced that security forces will not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan but reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

Four civilians were killed and 11 others injured on Friday in the Jammu area due to the firing, which increased in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on May 19.

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a spurt in Pakistani shelling and firing along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) this year.

Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left 38 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured.

(With PTI inputs)