Pak troops kill two Indian soldiers, violating ceasefire

FE Team | Published: April 10, 2018 21:20:58

SRINAGAR, Apr 10 (Agencies): Two Indian soldiers were killed in firing by Pakistani troops along the highly militarised frontier that divides disputed Kashmir between the two rivals, India's army said on Tuesday.
Pakistani soldiers used mortars and automatic gunfire overnight to strike at Indian positions in Sunderbani sector along the Line of Control in violation of the cease-fire accord of 2003 between the nuclear-armed neighbours, said Indian army spokesman Col Nitin Joshi.
Joshi called the Pakistani firing and shelling "unprovoked and indiscriminate" and said Indian soldiers retaliated "strongly and effectively."
Indian army spokesman Col Nitin Joshi said Tuesday that Pakistani soldiers used mortars and automatic gunfire overnight to strike at Indian positions in Sunderbani sector along the Line of Control in violation of the cease-fire accord of 2003 between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Joshi said Indian soldiers retaliated "strongly and effectively."
There was immediately no reaction from Pakistan.
In the past, both countries have accused the other of initiating border skirmishes leading to casualties on both sides.
India and Pakistan have a long history of bitter relations over Kashmir, a Himalayan territory claimed by both in its entirety.
Two jawans were killed in heavy mortar shelling and firing by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 17:15 hours in Sunderbani sector along the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday night," a defence spokesman said. The Indian Army was giving a befitting reply, he said. Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma were grievously injured in the firing and later succumbed to their injuries, the spokesman said.
Singh, 24, belonged to Danapur village of Akhnoor district in Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his father, Ajit Singh. Sharma, 30, was from Sanhail village of Hiranagar district in Jammu. He is survived by his wife, Rajni Devi.
"Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to the brave hearts for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the defence spokesperson said.