J&K: Four soldiers killed, 1 hurt in Pakistani firing in Rajouri

Official sources said that Pakistani army violated ceasefire and opened fire upon army’s 15 Jak Li posts at Bhimber Gali sector late on Sunday evening, resulting into the killing of four army men, including an officer.

“Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, mortars and missiles from 1530 hours in BG sector along the Line of Control (LC). Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively and heavy damage has been inflicted on Pakistani Army Posts,” army’s spokesperson said  in a statement. 

However, in the exchange of fire, one officer and three jawans were grievously injured and succumbed to their injuries, the spokesman said.

“The unprovoked action by Pakistani Army will be given a befitting response”, the spokesman claimed.

The deceased people have been identified as Captain Kapil Kundu, Rifleman Ram Avtar, Rifleman Shubam Singh and Havaldar Roshan Lal.

One more soldier namely Niak Iqbal Ahmed, sources said was injured in the area and has been hospitalized.

Meanwhile, sources said that Pakistani army violated ceasefire in Sunderbani area along the border.

In the incident, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of BSF 126 bn sustained injuries and was hospitalized.

When reports last came in the intermittent cross-border exchange of firing were going on at both the places.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudary ordered closure of schools close to the borders.

“All 84 Schools located in 0-5KM along LoC from Sunderbani to Manjakote shall remain closed for next 3 days,” DC said.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed anguish over the killings.

“Pained to hear that three soldiers were killed & two injured along the Line of Control in Rajouri. My condolences to the deceased’s families,” Mehooba tweeted.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)