India and Pakistan traded fired alongLine of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmirovernight triggering tension after a movement of a group ofsuspected infiltrators towards the borderline was foiled.
The firing involving small arms and mortars continuedintermittently overnight till 0200 hours today in Krishnagati(KG) sub-sector in Poonch district after Indian troopsdetected the movement of a group of "suspected persons" nearLoC opposite KG forward belt.
"Movement of 6 to 7 persons was detected close to LoCopposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch sector around2145 hours yesterday," Defence Spokesman Col R K Palta toldPTI.
Troops, guarding the borderline with Pakistan, openedfire on them, he said, adding after that heavy fire wasexchanged between two sides.
After about half-an-hour of heavy exchanges, the group of"suspected persons" disappeared from the scene, Palta saidmaintaining that exchange of fire reduced thereafter but itwent on till early this morning.
Sources said it is suspected that either a group ofmilitants or a Border Action Team (BAT) of Pakistan could havebeen undertaking movement close to LoC opposite Krishnagatisub-sector
The fresh exchange of fire in the sector has escalated tension, which came after a lull of 48 hours.
Pakistani troops had violated the ceasefire by firingmortars and small arms on Indian posts along LoC inKrishnagati sector from 5 PM to 9.30 PM on Thursday, thespokesman said.
Indian troops had effectively retaliated, he said, addingthere was no casuality or injury to anyone in the Pakistanifiring.
Pakistani troops had fired on nine Indian posts--Chatri,Atma, Helmet, Prakash, Chatyal, Khera-I, Khera-II, Roshni andGunhill--from its Kanal, Barmoch, Jungle-1, Jungle-2, Dhamas,Prench, New Post, Daruchiymia, Teer, LP-1, LP-2 and LP-3posts.
Thursday's firing was the third ceasefire violation byPakistan troops along Poonch sector after the barbaric killingof two jawans, he said.
"The border with Pakistan is tense but the situation isunder control along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Army is maintaining utmost vigilance along the border withPakistan," the spokesman said.