New Delhi: An Army jawan and an eight-year-old girl were killed on Monday when Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
The girl, identified as Saida of Balakote in Poonch district, died when she was hit by a Pakistani shell.
The soldier was killed in Rajouri district's Tarkundi area.
Soon after the twin ceasefire violations, DGMO-level talks were held between the two countries where the situation along the LoC was discussed.
Sources told CNN-News18 that the talks were requested by Pakistan.
During the talks, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) claimed the Indian Army had targeted its troops, resulting in the death of four Pakistani soldiers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Refuting the claim, Indian DGMO Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt said all ceasefire violations had been initiated by Pakistan and the Indian Army reserved the right to retaliate “appropriately”. The DGMO reiterated that the Indian Army is sincere in maintaining peace on the border.
After resorting to unprovoked shelling and firing in Bhimber Gali sector of the Line of Control earlier on Monday, the Pakistani troops began heavy shelling and firing in Mendhar and Balakote sectors.
The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, Defence Ministry spokesman Lt. Col. Manish Mehta said.
There have been 23 incidents of ceasefire violations, one BAT (Border Action Team) attack and two infiltration bids by Pakistan in June in which four people, including three jawans, have been killed and 12 injured.
(With agency inputs)
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