Pak Army violates ceasefire for 650th time in past year; targets forward posts along LoC

The Pakistan Army today targeted forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district with mortar shells.

The Indian Army effectively retaliated.

An Army officer said, "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing from 0700 hours along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector using small arms, automatics and mortars".

The Indian Army retaliated strongly, effectively and proportionately to the unprovoked ceasefire violation, he said.

Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire along the LoC and the IB over 650 times this year.

Earlier, Kashmir remained paralysed on Monday amid curfew-like restrictions and a shutdown, a day after security forces killed 13 terrorists in three gunfights in which three soldiers and a civilian also died. Three civilians had also been killed and over a hundred injured as mobs clashed with security forces.

Mobile Internet remained suspended in several parts of the Valley to prevent any flare-up. Separatists extended their shutdown by one more day. Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off roads.

Strict restrictions were imposed in South Kashmir and old Srinagar city. The government has closed down the schools, colleges and other educational institutions. Protests rocked Kashmir University as students shouted slogans against the killings.

Police also apprehended JKLF leader Mohammad Yasin Malik and shifted him to Srinagar's Central Jail. Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were placed under house detention and not allowed to lead prayers in absentia for the slain militants and civilians.