At least five civilians were killed and 34 injured on Monday as Pakistani troops resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing from across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu and Poonch sectors.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Shantamanu said the firing and shelling damaged a number of houses.
Pakistan said four persons were killed on its side in the Indian firing. The firing evoked strong condemnation from India with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley deploring the ceasefire violations. Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked Pakistan to stop such violations.
“They [Pakistan] should understand that the ground reality has changed in India,” Mr. Singh said. The Indian armed forces were “fully ready” and were responding to each of these provocations, Mr. Jaitley said.
The firing took place in the Arnia sector of RS Pura division, about 45 km from Jammu city. According to the Divisional Commissioner, the firing from the Pakistani side started at 11.30 p.m. on Sunday night and stopped at 7.30 a.m. on Monday. Among those killed was a 13-year-old girl.
According to a Defence spokesperson, the Pakistani troops also resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in the Bhimber Gali area of Poonch since Monday morning.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the targeting of civilian areas exposed the frustration of the Pakistan government.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson said a strong protest was lodged with India through diplomatic channels.
