India, Pakistan trade heavy fire on LoC

Jammu Feb 27 (IANS) Heavy firing exchanges started on Tuesday between Indian and Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir s Poonch and Rajouri districts according to the Defence Ministry.

The Pakistani Army targeted defence and civilian facilities in Poonch s Bhimber Gali sector and in Rajouri s Balakote Manjakote Lambi Bari and Naika Panjgrian areas ministry sources said.

"Pakistan firing started at around 8.45 a.m. The Pakistani troops used small arms automatics and mortars. Our positions effectively and strongly retaliated " they added.

On Monday a top army officer said that the increasing ceasefire violations by Pakistan are aimed at pushing more militants into the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC).

Speaking to the media Lieutenant General A.K. Bhatt commander of army s Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps said: "We have inputs that many infiltrators are waiting at the launching pads. We think infiltration will start sooner this year (2018) because of less snow."

--IANS
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