Pakistan violates ceasefire at Line of Control

After violating the ceasefire thrice Saturday in Poonch and Rajouri districts, Pakistan troops resorted to unprovoked firing at Indian positions in the Mendhar sector of the Line of Control (LoC) Sunday, a defence spokesperson said.

Col R.K. Palta, defence spokesperson, told IANS: “The exchange of fire in Balakot area of the LoC in Rajouri district stopped at 10.30 p.m. yesterday. Pakistan again violated the ceasefire by firing at our positions in Mendhar sector of Poonch at 3 a.m. today. Our troops have retaliated effectively to Pakistan’s firing. Exchange of fire is still going on in the area”.

Pakistan had violated the bilateral ceasefire in Trikundi Gali and Balakot areas of Rajouri district Saturday, and also in Poonch district. The bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by India and Pakistan in November 2003 had resulted in effective cessation of hostilities on the LoC, the de facto border between India and Pakistan, in divided Kashmir.
India has been blaming Pakistan of violating the ceasefire agreement, especially since the beginning of 2013. Intelligence agencies believe Pakistan resorts to firing on the LoC and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir to sneak trained guerrillas from across the border into Indian territory.

-IANS