UNPROVOKED FIRING Sources say the ceasefire violation in Poonch could be an attempt to provide cover for infiltrators

From page 01 JAMMU: On the eve of the Independence day, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling and firing since the wee hours in the forward areas, along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu’s Poonch sector.

HTPakistani Rangers present sweets to Border Security Force personnel at Wagah Border on Sunday.

The intermittent firing is said to be going on since 3.30am.

The ceasefire violation came on the heels of a grenade being lobbed on Buddha Amarnath pilgrims in Poonch town on Saturday night, in which 20 people were injured.

Pakistan army is using heavy fire and is pounding 60 MM and 80 MM mortar shells on civilian areas of Shahpur and Kheeri close to LoC while trying to escalate the situation along the border.

Sources said that this could be an attempt by Pakistan to provide cover fire to infiltrators who are waiting in the launching pads across LoC as the snow passes have fully melted.

Meanwhile, the administration has asked the residents of the area to remain indoors.

Defence spokesman, lieutenant colonel Manish Mehta said, “Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation since early morning in the Poonch sector.”

“The firing is continuing with Pakistan firing small arms, automatics and mortars. Our troops are responding appropriately. No casualty has been reported to our troops till reports last came,” the defence spokesman added.

Meanwhile, one woman was injured after a splinter of a shell hit her while she was working in the fields.

Till July 31, Pakistan had violated ceasefire on 30 occasions along LoC.