7 soldiers hurt in LoC shelling

Rajouri, September 16

At least seven Army men were injured in unprovoked mortar shelling and firing by the Pakistan army in Balakote sector of Poonch district late on Sunday.

Sources said a Junior Commissioned Officer and six soldiers were injured in an apparent Pakistan army’s Border Action Team (BAT) attack. They made an unsuccessful attempt to damage a forward post by lobbing grenades, they added.

Defence PRO Lt Col Davender Anand, however, denied BAT action, saying: “Four soldiers suffered minor splinter injuries during ceasefire violation as a mortar shell burst close to them.” Three other soldiers received minor bruises and were out of danger, he added.

“Around 11.30 pm, Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in Balakote sector of Poonch district. The Indian Army retaliated befittingly. During exchange of fire, Indian troops received minor injuries,” said the PRO. The injured were airlifted to the Army Hospital at Rajouri. — OC