J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along border

Jammu, April 20: Pakistani troops resorted to firing and mortar shelling along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The firing and shelling took place in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district last night, a BSF officer said on Monday.

Giving details, he said at 18:00 hours on Sunday, BSF troops deployed in Hiranagar sector fired two rounds from UBGL upon suspicious movement of two Pakistanis close to the IB.

"These persons had reached approximately 20 meters inside IB taking advantage of the thick growth of grass", the official said. [Pakistan violated ceasefire again; attacks BSF patrol van killing one]

Immediately, Pakistani post Abhiyal Dogra also fired two mortar shells of 82mm range besides firing on this side, he said.

There was no loss of life or property to any one in Pakistani firing and shelling, he said.

BSF troops guarding the borderline retaliated, resulting in exchange of firing which stopped at 2215 hours.

The areas which came under fire included Haryachak, Pansar and Pahadpur belts of Hiranagar sector.

One shell landed outside the house of a civilian in the area.

SSP Kathua Neeva Jain said there has been no loss of life or damage to property in the firing.

"The situation is now peaceful along the IB in Kathua", she said.

PTI