Ceasefire violation: Over 1,000 evacuated as Pakistan shells heavy mortar along LoC areas, Indian Army retaliates

Jammu: The Pakistan Army on Sunday initiated indiscriminate firing along the Line of Control in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. 

The Indian Army is strongly retaliating to the unprovoked firing from the Pakistan side, an official told media. 

Speaking to IANS, Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said, "Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing and shelling on our positions on the LoC in the Rajouri sector. They are using small arms, automatics, and mortars."

"Our forces are effectively retaliating. The firing is presently ongoing," Mehta added.

Islamabad violated ceasefire post 6:45 am today and has targeted more than seven villages along the border. 

At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people including four soldiers were injured as Pakistan pounded 35 villages and Indian posts with mortars along the LoC in Rajouri district yesterday.

Two hundred houses have been damaged, mostly partially, in shelling from across the LoC, said Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nowshera, Harbans Lal Sharma. Livestock in large numbers is also reportedly killed and injured in the shelling.

Nearly 1,100 people including women and children were rescued and brought to relief camps set up by the administration at Nowshera last night.

In an another development, as many as 51 schools of the Nowshera region and 36 of Manjakote and Doongi zones have been closed for an indefinite period.