In a development signalling further escalation of armed confrontation on the International Border, Pakistan on Thursday resorted to heavy shelling along the in several areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian troops have “responded befittingly”, Border Security Force (BSF) which guards the border along with Pakistan, said.
Fire broke out in villages near Pakistani posts across the border. Sources said that movement of ambulances was also spotted across the border which were probably carried injured Pakistan Rangers.
Pakistani forces fired 120 mm mortar shells in Balakot, Mendher, Mankot sectors of Poonch district if Jammu and Kashmir.
Heavy exchange of fire was witnessed in Akhnoor sector of Jammu along the Line of Control with Indian security forces retorting heavily.
News Agency ANI reported that Home Minister Rajnath Singh have spoken to BSF DG and directed him to give befitting response.
Locals living the border in Jammu and Kashmir have taken shelter at safe places as the firing continues.
Earlier today, a BSF trooper was killed and another injured, along with seven civilians, in shelling by Pakistan Rangers in Abdullian area of R.S. Pura Sector in Jammu district.
BSF later said it had killed a Pakistan Ranger and wounded another in retaliatory fire.
As many as 16 people mostly women have been injured in the cross border firing in the RS Pura sector in past two days. 8 civilians were injured shelling in R S Pura and Arnia on October 25.
A six-year-old boy and a BSF Jawan were killed in the cross border shelling in the RS Pura sector on October 24.
Over 55 ceasefire violations have taken place since surgical strikes by Indian Army against terror launch pads in PoK on September 29.
