Pakistan heavily shells forward BoPs in Poonch, schools closed on IB

Pakistan on Thursday morning heavily shelled forward Border Outposts (BoP) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

''At about 06:00 hours on Thursday, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with mortars and firing of small arms along LoC in Krishna Ghati Sectors of Poonch,'' Defence Spokesperson here said.

Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively and the exchange of fire lasted for one hour, he further said.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate Jammu, Ramesh Kumar has ordered closure of all government and private schools falling in the radius of five-kilometres along the International Border in Jammu district.

The Chief Education Officer, Samba has also commanded closure of schools in the Samba district as well while the Divisional Administration has instructed for cancellation of class eighth paper.

On Tuesday, hours after air strikes, Pakistani Army resorted to heavy firing along the Line of Control in Rajouri, Poonch and Jammu sectors.

''The Pakistan army on Tuesday resorted to heavy mortar shelling on more than 50 forward areas in Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts,'' Defence sources here said.

Pakistan fired 120 mm mortars targeting civilian hamlets and forward posts since 1730 hours, they further said.

They fired from small, automatic and heavy weaponry in Krishna Gati, Balakote, Khari Karmara, Mankote, Tarkundi in Poonch district, Kalal, Baba Khori, Kalsian, Laam and Jhangar areas in Rajouri and Pallanwala and Laleali Jammu, the sources informed.

Five soldiers were also injured in the firing, they added.