Soldier killed in 'accidental fire' in J&K

Jammu: In a shocking incident, an Indian Army soldier on Tuesday lost his life in an accidental firing in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. As per earlier reports, a firing was initiated from Pakistan’s end by a Pakistan sniper late Monday evening on the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector of Poonch. The charges were therefore denied by defence spokespersons who claimed that there was no ceasefire violation from Pakistan’s end. "There had been no ceasefire violation (from Pakistan). It was one casualty due to accidental discharge," Lt. Col. Manish Mehta told news agencies. He gave no further details. The spokesperson, however said as a fact Pakistan Army fired and launched mortar shells indiscriminately at Indian posts in Naushera sector of the de facto border in Rajouri district on Monday. He also asserted that the Indian Army retaliated befittingly. Also, dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side. Pakistan’s sixth ceasefire violation in this month: Pakistani troops opened fire and resorted to shelling mortars on forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, in the sixth instance of ceasefire violation this month. Army troops deployed on forward posts retaliated and exchange of fire was on till last reports came in. Several Army jawans lose their lives every month in Pakistan’s frequent ceasefire violations. (With agency inputs)