In Jammu and Kashmir, tension continues in areas along the International Border in Arnia sub-sector of Jammu in the wake of one of the worst ceasefire violations by Pakistan which left five villagers dead and 30 others injured.

Pak troops resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing from across the international border and Line of Control in Jammu and Poonch sectors, triggering strong condemnation by India. Pakistani troops indulged in heavy and unprovoked firing and shelling of mortars on 10 border outposts (BoPs) and civilian areas along the IB in Arnia belt of Jammu district from 10 pm, spilling over to Monday morning. BSF troops retaliated effectively and gave a befitting reply. The Pakistani troops also resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along LoC in Bhimber Gali belt of Poonch district since 8.30 am on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Army foiled an infiltration bid by a group of infiltrators, by gunning down three intruders during an encounter in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district on Sunday night. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh have strongly condemned the ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.

Condemning the shelling on civilians in Arnia belt of Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the targeting of civilian areas has exposed the frustration of the Pakistani government after its failure to gain international attention on the Kashmir issue. Omar said that Pakistani leadership has nothing else to speak, but only Kashmir.

He said that the cross-border shelling is an indication of their frustration. Omar said the internal situation in Pakistan is so bad that by targeting Indian side they want to divert the attention of their own people from their internal turmoil. The Chief Minister said that at a time when people of Jammu and Kashmir should be getting

Eid greetings from the Pakistan side, the Pakistani army has gifted them with bombs. He said that there was no reason to violate the ceasefire adding it is a deliberate attempt from the Pakistani side to target the civilian areas. Earlier, Omar Abdullah visited Arnia, Jammu and interacted with the firing affected people of the area.

AIR correspondent reports that there has been a fresh ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Kerni area of Rajouri district on Monday evening at 5.40pm.