NEW DELHI: Five civilians were killed and two others were wounded in heavy shelling by Pakistani troops in
Balakote sector of
Jammu and Kashmir's
Poonch district on Sunday.
The shelling from across the border in Balakote sector began early in the morning following ceasefire violation by the
Pakistan Army.
57 days, 400 truce violations: Pakistan leaves Kashmir reeling
The line of control in Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan remains extremely volatile, with ceasefire violations (CFVs) already jumping to over 400 in the first two months of this year. Apart from civilians, Pakistan has lost 23 soldiers in the firing duels, while the tally for India is 16 till now.
Forward posts along the LoC and the nearby village of Devta Dhar were targeted, a police official told PTI. A shell hit the house of Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, killing his family of five. Two injured persons have been taken to a hospital in Jammu for specialised treatment.
"Due to shelling from across in Balakote sector of Poonch, 5 civilians died and 2 are injured who are being shifted to the hospital," Jammu and Kashmir DGP
S P Vaid told ANI.
Indian troops responded strongly and both sides are exchanging heavy fire, a police official said.
On Wednesday, a jawan was injured in Pakistani firing on Dharti village in Balakote sector.
(Representative image)
