AMN

Ministry of External Affairs today summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over the recent ceasefire violations.

Secretary (East) Anil Wadhwa lodged a protest and conveyed anger at the unprovoked firing by Pakistani troops since 8th of August, particularly with regard to the incidents of Saturday and Sunday in Poonch that saw the systematic targeting of civilian populations and use of high caliber weapons.

He said that the Pakistan Government needed to take necessary steps to ensure that their military does not undermine peace and tranquility along the International Border and Line of Control.

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir,there is no report of fresh shelling in Balakote and Bimber Gali sector after 5 pm this evening.

According to defence sources Pakistani shelling in Poonch sector today left 5 civilian injured.

There However intermittent exchange of fire is still going on at some forward post in Poonch sector.

Army has been giving befitting reply to Pak firing.

Firing and mortar bomb shelling by Pakistani troops at several Indian posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control in Poonch district had started on Saturday.

The death toll in the heavy shelling on Sunday rose to to six, with the killing of a woman on Sunday morning.

Sunday was the eighth consecutive day of continuous ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

The issue of continued unprovoked firing by Pakistani troops had been raised on several occasions at the DGMO level.

Assurances were also received from the Pakistan military authorities that the firings would stop and their troops would be instructed accordingly but the firings have continued till Sunday.