Pak shells Poonch areas, NAC reviews LoC security in Rajouri

JAMMU: Pakistani troops engaged in heavy firing and mortar shelling on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Saturday in violation of the ceasefire.

The fresh breach of the LoC truce occurred while a top Army commander was visiting the forward posts along the fence in neighbouring Rajouri district.

“The firing and mortar shelling from across the border started in Balakote and Mankote areas around 10 am, drawing a strong retaliation from the Indian Army,” the officials said.

They said heavy exchange of fire between the two sides was going on when last reports were received.

Deputy Commissioner of Poonch Rahul Yadav said there was no report of any casualty in the Pakistani firing and the border residents have been advised to take necessary precautionary measures for their safety.

While Pakistan shelling was going on in Poonch, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh was visiting the forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri district where he exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of the adversary.

Lt Gen Singh visited the forward posts in Rajouri and Sunderbani sectors and reviewed the operational preparedness and the prevalent security situation, a defence spokesman said.

Accompanied by General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh Sangha, the commander praised the synergy between the Army, police and the civil administration in maintaining law and order situation, he said.

The GOC-in-C, Northern Command, was briefed by the commanders on ground about the current operational situation, prevailing security scenario and the preparedness of formations and units in dealing with the emerging threat, the spokesman said.

He said Lt Gen Ranbir Singh also interacted with the locals and told them that the government is striving to bring peace, stability and development to the region.

During his visit to the sectors, the Army commander interacted with the soldiers and complimented them for their unwavering dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism, the spokesman said.

He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units and formations in their areas of responsibility, the spokesman said, adding that the need to be prepared for effectively meeting current and emerging security challenge was reinforced.

He exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of the adversary and directed that the response to any enemy misadventure should be strong and effective, the spokesman said.

The Army commander appreciated the preparedness and most importantly, the morale of all soldiers, the spokesman said.