India has strongly condemned the Pakistani firing on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir early today. Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister A. K. Antony said New Delhi has lodged a strong protest with Islamabad through diplomatic channels.

He said five Indian soldiers were martyred and one was injured in the ambush carried out by approximately 20 heavily armed terrorists along with persons dressed in Pakistan Army Uniforms.

Mr.Antony assured the members that Indian army is fully ready to take all necessary steps to uphold the sanctity of LoC. The Defence Minister said the number of Infiltration attempts have doubled this year compared to corresponding period in 2012.

He said there has also been 57 ceasefire violations this year which is 80 per cent more than the violations last year.

He told the members that Indian Army successfully eliminated 19 hardcore terrorists in July and August along the LoC and in the Hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the effective counter infiltration grid on the LoC has ensured that 17 infiltration bids were foiled this year.