Jammu, December 21

At least two Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed as the Indian Army retaliated “effectively and befittingly” to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Akhnoor and Sunderbani sectors of J&K today, defence sources said.

They said Pakistani troops fired on forward posts in Khour and Pallanwalla areas of the Akhnoor sector here, violating the ceasefire in the early hours, prompting strong retaliation by the Indian Army.

In the morning, the Army spotted two bodies near the LoC, sources said, adding wireless intercepts confirmed the killing of two Pakistani soldiers.

A physical verification, however, could not be carried out because of tense situation along the border, they added.

“There was heavy exchange of fire between India and Pakistan armies after the latter violated the ceasefire in the Akhnoor sector during the intervening night of December 20 and 21,” Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said.He said the Pakistan army also initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation using small arms fire and mortar and artillery shelling in Keri Battal area of Sunderbani sector around 11.30 am.

“The Indian Army retaliated befittingly,” he said, adding the heavy exchange of fire between the two sides was on when last reports were received.

A police official said a number of forward villages were hit by the Pakistani shells, but there was no report of any casualty. — PTI