Pakistan violates ceasefire in Arnia, Nowshera sectors in J&K; jawan killed

Jammu: The Pakistan troops on Saturday violated ceasefire in Arnia and Nowshera sectors in Jammu and Kashmir evoking a strong retaliation from the Border Security Force (BSF).

According to reports, the Pakistan troops violated the ceasefire around 4:00 am in Arnia sector of Jammu district. 

Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan violated ceasefire at 0400 hours in Arnia sector; Border Security Force retaliated. — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018

Another ceasefire violation was reported in the Nowshera sector in the Rajouri district where one Army jawan was killed after Pakistani snipers opened fire on the Line of Control (LoC) targeting the BSF posts. Defence Ministry sources said that the incident took place in Laam area of Nowshera sector.

The martyred soldier was identified as Bikas Gurung. 

Photo of Indian Army's Bikas Gurung, who lost his life during ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/IPFuP7l8c6 — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2018

''In the exchange of fire, rifleman Bikas Gurung was grievously injured and succumbed to his injuries,'' an Army officer said. 

Rifleman Bikas Gurung, aged 21 years, belonged to Village Khunka Khuki, Manipur and is survived by his mother Shrimati Beana May Gurung. 

''The unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan, especially on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, is highly unethical and unprofessional. Our troops have exercised maximum restraint in spite of grave provocation. However, Army has been forced to respond to the unprovoked firing and will give a befitting response at the time and place of own choosing,'' a senior Army officer said. 

In view of continuous violations of ceasefire from Pakistan, there was no exchange of sweets between the Indian and Pakistan Army on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

There is no sweet exchange at Attari border on the occasion of Eid between the Border Security Force (BSF) troops and the Pakistani Rangers

Read @ANI story | https://t.co/7adKbee2vg pic.twitter.com/E653IjdvIi — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 16, 2018

Saturday's ceasefire violation came on a day when fresh clashes broke out in parts of J&K  after security forces were targeted by stone pelters immediately after the morning Eid prayers. According to reports, the clashes were first reported in Janglat Mandi town in the Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. 

One youth identified as Sheeraz Ahmad, a resident of Brakpora town in Anantnag, was killed after being reportedly hit by a tear gas shell during clashes. 

The incident was reported around 6.45 am immediately after the morning prayers. The protesters also shouted ''Pakistan Zindabad'' (Long Live Pakistan) slogans and as they attacked the security personnel deployed on duty.

The police and security forces had to use tear gas shells and pellet guns to disperse the violent crowd. At least three protesters were injured in the process, according to doctors in an Anantnag hospital.

In Pulwama, a crowd protested against the killing of a nine-year-old boy on Friday in an Army firing, the police said. 

The youth in Shopian town also resorted to stone pelting.

Clashes also took place in Srinagar city's Eidgah area where large crowds of devotees gathered to offer Congregational Eid prayers.

Eid prayers were also held in Baramulla, Sopore, Badgam, Kupwara and Ganderbal towns and were largely peaceful.

All this comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting which was attended by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Centre's suspension of anti-terror operations during the holy month of Ramzan was also reviewed.

On Wednesday, Pakistan condemned the “unprovoked ceasefire violations” along the Line of Control (LoC) by Indian troops and summoned India’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner over the same. The firing killed four and injured at least three in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chamliyal area of Samba district on Tuesday night.

In total, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed the killings of over 55 terrorists and the deaths of 27 locals this year. The situation in Kashmir is considered to be turbulent as nearly 80 incidents of violence occurred there in the last four months. Civilians were often seen thronging to encounter sites to stage protests with the intention of giving the militants an opportunity to escape.