Pak forces open fire on Indian positions

In yet another violation of ceasefire, Pakistani troops on Thursday opened indiscriminate firing on Indian posts in Kishnaghati area, along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir as Indian forces were engaged in preventing a major infiltration bid nearby.

"Pakistani troops opened indiscriminate firing on a forward post along the LoC in Krishangati belt in Poonch district late Thursday afternoon," defence spokesperson Col S D Goswami told PTI.

No one was injured in the firing, the spokesman said.  

However, a Pakistani military spokesman said it was the Indian forces, which had opened fire.

The Indian spokesman said posts on the LOC came under a barrage of fire from the opposite Pakistani positions, but said Indian troops did not retaliate.

Army sources said that the firing on the Indian post came even as Indian forces were engaged in foiling a bid by about 20 terrorists to cross over just 3 to 4 km away.

"The infiltration bid was foiled. Terrorists were forced to retreat back to Pakistani territory," the army spokesman said.

He said a protest will be lodged with the Pakistani authorities over the unprovoked firing at a flag meeting of local commanders.

Recently, Pakistani troops had violated the ceasefire four times in the Samba on the International Border, Thangda and in Poonch sector on the LOC since April 25.

One jawan was killed in firing in Krishangati area in June.

According to reports from Islamabad, Major General Athar Abbas, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations, claimed that Indian and Pakistani troops had exchanged small arms fire along the LoC in Buttle sector of Hajira, before local commanders stepped in to control the situation.

"At 2 pm, Indian troops opened fire and engaged one of our forward posts with small arms and mortar fire," the Pakistani General said, adding "our troops retaliated."

The exchange of fire continued for 'few minutes' and there were no casualties on the Pakistani side, he said.

Abbas said Pakistani commanders had got in touch with their Indian counterparts and had sought a flag meeting in the area.