Jawan martyred, 2 injured as Pak breaches LoC truce

TNN Bureau. Updated: 3/23/2019 11:25:42 AM Front Page

JAMMU: An Army jawan was martyred, even as two soldiers were reported injured in Pakistani firing along the Line of Control in Jammu region which started on Thursday and continued till Friday evening.

Following the fresh tensions, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern Command visited forward posts in Rajouri and Reasi sectors and reviewed the operational preparedness.

Twenty-four-year-old Rifleman Yash Paul was killed as Pakistani troops shelled forward areas and Indian posts with artillery and mortar bombs heavily along the LoC in Rajouri district on Thursday.

“Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in Keri belt of Sunderbani sector Thursday morning, in which Rifleman Yash Paul, a resident of Mantalai village in Udhampur district, attained martyrdom,” a defence spokesman said.

In Nowshera sector, the ceasefire violation started around 1445 hours and in Akhnoor sector also, Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling, they said on Thursday, drawing befitting response from Indian Army.

The Pak firing continued on Thursday night, and was followed up on Friday as well.

“Pakistani troops on Friday resorted to fresh mortar shelling along the LoC in Poonch district, while two Army soldiers were injured in overnight shelling from across the border in Jammu and Rajouri districts,” officials said.

"At about 1545 hours, Pakistani army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortars and firing of small arms along LoC in Mendhar Sector in Poonch district," PRO defence said.

The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly, he said.

Pakistani troops continued night-long mortar shelling and firing in Pallanwala, Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors, officials said.

The two Army jawans, who were injured in Pallanwala sector, were admitted to a hospital, they said.

With LoC active, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern Command, accompanied by the White Knight Corps Commander, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh visited forward posts in Rajouri and Reasi Sectors to interact with soldiers and review the operational preparedness.

During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed about the current operational situation on the line of control, cease fire violations, preparedness for strong and speedy response to enemy actions at the line of control, actions being taken to ensure a robust counter infiltration grid and use of new generation technology for enhancing operational capability.

The Army Commander was also updated on the measures being undertaken to ensure secure environment in the region for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“The Army Commander complemented the synergy between Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and the Civil Administration in maintaining peace and stability in the hinterland and also applauded the various initiatives being undertaken in the region under Sadbhavana for upliftment of the local population,” a defence spokesman said.

The Army Commander interacted with the soldiers and complimented them for their unwavering dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism. He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations in their area of responsibility to minimise casualties due to increased cease fire violations.

The need to be prepared for effectively meeting current emerging security challenges was also reinforced. He also exhorted all ranks on the need to remain vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of the enemy and anti national elements. The Army Commander appreciated the preparedness and high morale of soldiers in the hinterland.

It may be recalled that Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire over 110 times along the LoC since January.

The border skirmishes witnessed a spurt after India's air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations -- 2,936 -- by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.

Pakistan continues to violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the pact during flag meetings between the two sides.

On Monday night, Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by resorting to shelling with mortar bombs and firing of small arms along the LoC in Akhnoor and Sunderbani sectors, a defence spokesman had said.

An Army soldier was killed and four others were injured Monday when Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire by resorting to heavy mortar shelling and firing along the LoC in Rajouri district.

"Rifleman Karamjeet Singh was critically injured and later succumbed to injuries," the spokesman had said.


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