Pakistan shells 2 sectors along LoC in Poonch

Srinagar: Pakistani troops resorted to heavy mortar shelling on civilian areas and forward posts in two sector along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, an Army official said.

This came a day after the Indian Army in a major counter-offensive after Pakistan's unprovoked firing carried out heavy artillery strikes targeting four terror launch pads and several Pakistani military positions in Neelam Valley in Palistan occupied Kashmir, killing six to 10 of their soldiers and as many terrorists.

"Today, at about 3.45 pm, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Qasba and Kirni sectors of Poonch district," the Army official said.

He said the Indian Army is retaliating befittingly.

On Saturday, Pakistan military had resorted to firing in Tangadhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control to assist infiltration by terrorists, killing two Indian Army personnel and a civilian. Three others were also injured in the attack.

Farooq has a quiet birthday It was a quiet birthday for Lok Sabha parliamentarian and three-time chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah, who is detained under stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), as he turned 82 on Monday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was among the first ones to greet Abdullah, who continues to remain confined to his house.

'Birthday wishes to Farooq Abdullah Ji. These are difficult times for you. We stand by you. Please stay positive. We pray for your good health @OmarAbdullah,' she posted on twitter.

Abdullah was wished by his wife Molly and daughter Safia who were permitted to see him on Monday.