NEW DELHI, Aug 25 -- The Indian army on Sunday accused its Pakistani counterpart of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in disputed Kashmir.
Army spokesman, Col RK Palta told media that the Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts along the LoC at Mendhar sector- 141 miles north-west of summer capital, Jammu.
"Pakistan violated the ceasefire by firing at our positions in Mendhar sector of Poonch at 3 am today. Our troops have retaliated effectively to Pakistan's firing. Exchange of fire is still going on in the area," Palta was quoted as saying by the local media.
He said on Pakistan also fired on Indian posts on Saturday in Balakot area of the LoC in Rajouri district of Jammu region, adding, Pakistan has thrice violated ceasefire.
The ceasefire violations across the LoC, defacto border dividing Kashmir into india and Pakistan parts, have heightened tension between the two countries in past few weeks.
India recently backed from the proposed meeting between Prime ministers of India and Pakistan in New York in coming September saying it is yet to decide to confirm the meeting since the atmosphere was not conducive.
The relations between the two countries plunged a new low when India accused Pakistan troops killing five of its soldiers in disputed Kashmir border into their territory on August 6. A charge vehemently denied by Pakistani authorities.
Since, the troops of both the countries have accused each other of violating the ceasefire by firing on opposite military posts in the disputed border in Kashmir.
India and Pakistan have agreed in 2003 to observe a ceasefire along the international border and LoC in Kashmir. Since then the fragile ceasefire remains in effect between the two countries with occasional reports of its violation.
According to human rights organization, the separatist gureillas have waged a war against the Indian rule since 1989 which has claimed lives of more than 70, 000 people. (end) wk.tg KUNA 251300 Aug 13NNNN