1 Indian, 2 Pak soldiers killed in firing in J&K (Lead)

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Two Pakistani soldiers and an Indian soldier were killed in heavy firing by Indian and Pakistani troops along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on Tuesday.According to sources, at around 1 p.m, the Pakistani side resorted to unprovoked firing in Sunderbani area which expanded to Tangdhar and Karen sector. A soldier, Naik Krishan Lal, was killed in Jammu's Sunderbani area. The Indian side effectively retaliated and two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Tangdhar area.Heavy firing is underway. Artillery is being used by Pakistani troops in Tangdhar area which is being "befittingly retaliated" to by the Indian side, sources said.According to an Indian Army statement, "In the exchange of fire, 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal attained martyrdom. He belonged to Ghagriyal village, Akhnoor Tehsil of Jammu district and is survived by his wife, Shashi Devi. Naik Krishan Lal was a brave, highly motivated and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty.""Heavy damage to Pak Army posts and casualties to Pak soldiers have been inflicted by own troops," the statement said.For the last three days, Pakistan has been continuously violating the ceasefire.On Sunday, a nine-day-old infant was killed and two civilians injured after Pakistan targeted military and civilian facilities in Shahpur and Saujiyan sectors.As many as six soldiers have lost their lives due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan along the Line of Control while 1,593 ceasefire violations have taken place this year.In March, three soldiers were killed while one soldier died in June and two soldiers in July till date. Moreover, the month of July has witnessed 272 ceasefire violations.
--IANS rbe/kr