Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Poonch, Indian Army retaliates

Defence spokesperson here said that at about 9:30 am, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations by firing with small arms along LoC in Shahpur and Kirni sectors in District Poonch (J&K).

"Indian Army retaliated befittingly," he further said, adding that no major loss or injury has been reported so far on his own side.

A recent The Indian Express report said there have been 382 ceasefire violations along LoC in May and 302 in June registering a sharp rise from the figures recorded in the similar months last year.

As per the official data, 119 militants were killed till June this year including 41 in the current month.

The number of ceasefire violations has sharply increased after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre took a bold step on Aug 5, 2019 to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A to strip the valley of its special powers.

"On the LoC, the number of CFVs had gone up last year and has remained high since. It is unlikely that it will come down anytime soon. The Pakistan army is keen on sending militants across as its aim is to make this summer in Kashmir ‘hot’. We are responding in good measure to its actions on the LoC," an official told the daily.

In similar words, Lt General BS Raju, Chinar Corps Commander told the newspaper, "There is only one reason for the near constant ceasefire violation: Pakistan’s attempt to assist more terrorists to infiltrate into India in order to disrupt normalcy in the Kashmir valley. Pakistan Army facilitates these infiltration attempts.”

"Pakistan’s persistence in infiltrating terrorists, proliferating false propaganda are intended to disturb peace and its actions are unlikely to change anytime soon," he added.