In Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistan Army once again resorted to ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu division in the wee hours of today. Defence Spokesperson Col. R.K.Palta told AIR that Pak troops resorted to unprovoked firing on forward Indian posts in Hamirpur Battalion area of Poonch using small and automatic weapons. The firing started past midnight and continued for half an hour. Indian troops guarding the border gave a befitting reply to Pak firing to silence the Pak guns. Earlier, last night Pak troops started unprovoked firing on Indian Posts in Mandi Battalion area of Poonch which was effectively returned by Indian troops. No loss of life or injury was reported from this side.

During the intervening night of 22 and 23rd October,2013 Pakistan Rangers resorted to heavy firing and shelling directed on as many as 52 Border outposts manned by Border Security Forces in Jammu and Samba districts. Heavy shelling was carried out by Pakistan Rangers in the Arnia, R. S Pura and Akhnoor Sector. In the exchange of fire one Head Constable of BSF-Mukesh Lal Meena, posted at Chinaj border outpost, resident of Rajasthan, sacrificed his life in the service of the nation. Besides, seven BSF personnel sustained splinter injuries during the exchange of fire. Condition of all the injured BSF personnel is stated to be stable. BSF gave a befitting reply to Pak rangers at all the places.

The unprovoked firing and shelling by Pak Rangers took place barely hours after the visit of Union Home Minister and J&K Chief Minister to Samba and Hiranagar sectors to review the situation due to the unprovoked heavy firing by Pak Rangers.