The Army neutralised three Pakistani soldiers on Tuesday in response to the Islamic nation's ceasefire violation on Monday which killed a five-year-old girl, among other civilians. Ten other Pakistani soldiers were also injured and the Army smashed at least seven posts in Rakh Chakri area along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

A BSF soldier, two civilians and 11 others were injured by Pakistan army's on Monday along the LoC. Five houses were also damaged in the shelling.

Hours later, the Army launched a massive fire assault targeting the Pakistan posts that were instrumental in firing. "Among the seven posts destroyed, three were destroyed in Neza Peer area of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," said a source.

Pakistan confirmed the casualties and identified the dead soldiers as Subedar Muhammad Riaz, Lance Havaldar Aziz Ullah and Sepoy Shahid Mansib.

Fresh tension gripped the Line of Control (LoC) after Pakistan pounded Army positions and civilian areas in Rajouri and Pooch districts. "At about 1130 hours, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with artillery, mortars and firing of small arms in Nowshera Sector. The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly," said Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand, Defence spokesman at Jammu. At around 5 pm again, Pakistan began shelling in Shahpur and Kerni Sectors. Subsequently, the Jammu and Kashmir government closed down schools and educational institutions in the areas. Cross-LoC trade was also suspended on Tuesday. "Thirty-five trucks were to leave for PoK, but they could not go due to firing," said Fareed Kohili, Custodian Trade Facilitation Centre, Chakan da Bagh.

Official figures show that Pakistan violated ceasefire 1,599 times in 2018, killing 20 security force personnel.

Poonch district

• Ten Pakistani soldiers were injured in Rakh Chakri area along the Line of Control on Tuesday
• Army targeted Pakistan posts instrumental in Monday’s firing. Three were located in Neza Peer area, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
• Subsequently, schools and educational institutions in the area were shut down for the day and cross-LoC trade was also suspended