Jammu:
In the first major ceasefire violation along the Line of Control since the new government came to power, Pakistani troops opened fire in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir this morning.
Indian troops retaliated and intermittent firing is still reportedly on.
According to reports, small arms, rockets and mortar shells were fired by the Pakistani troops. The firing began at around 7 am. (
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Condemning the incident, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh has said that "peace on the border is a pre-requisite for establishing normal relations."
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has tweeted, "Significant ceasefire violation in Rajouri & Poonch with reports of some shells having landed in civilian areas. Some livestock loss."
"Is it just a coincidence that the Defence Minister is visiting J&K, for his 1st visit, to review the security situation tomorrow? #ceasefire (sic)," the chief minister added. (
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On Thursday, an army jawan was killed and three others were injured in an IED blast in the Bhimber Gali sector. In another incident in the same area, two jawans were injured after the stepped over a landmine.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister was today briefed on the situation along the LAC and LoC. The Army Chief briefed Mr Modi on Jammu & Kashmir Army's immediate and medium-term requirements as well as security challenges. (
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