In heavy retaliation to Pakistani attempts to infiltrate terrorists into India, Pakistan Army posts and gun positions giving protection to the terror launch pads were hit by the Indian Army in Tangdhar sector in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) across the Line of Control (LoC).

At least three terror launch pads in Jura, Athmuqam and Kundalsahi in PoK were targeted and destroyed by the Indian Army, sources said. Five Pakistani Army personnel were killed in the retaliatory firing by the Indian Army.

The action by the Indian Army was taken after posts assisting terrorist infiltration were identified on Sunday and hit after Pakistan used artillery fire targeting civilian areas, army sources said.

The Indian Army which had specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area started targeted the terror launch pads using the artillery guns by firing deep inside the territory controlled by Pakistan, sources told India Today TV.

At least three terror camps have been damaged badly in the Indian Army's action, the sources said. They added that the number of terrorists present in each of the terrorist launch pads was around 40-50 and they were being "protected and aided by Pakistan Army bunkers and troops".

Later, Pakistan resorted to heavy unprovoked firing on the civilians. One person was killed and three were injured in the Pakistan Army artillery firing in Ghundhishat Village, Tangdhar. The civilian killed has been identified as Mohd Sadiq (55). Those wounded are Mohd Maqbool (70) Mohd Shafi (50), and Yusuf Hamid (22).

"Last night, the Pakistani Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation to assist infiltration by terrorists into the Indian territory. As a result, calibrated escalation of area weapons was undertaken by the Indian side in which terrorist launch pads, Pak Army posts, giving incidental protection to these launch pads and certain gun positions, were hit," an Army source said.

The Indian Army retains the right to respond at a time and place of it’s choosing in case the Pakistan Army continues to assist terrorist activities across Indian borders, the Army added.

According to a statement by the Indian Army, "Indian forces cause heavy damages and casualty to Pakistan after two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector (Jammu and Kashmir) today."

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said, "Ever since Article 370 was abrogated from J&K, we have been getting repeated inputs of infiltration by terrorists from across the border to disturb peace and harmony in the state."

Army Chief, Gen Bipin Rawat: Gradually things are returning to normalcy in valley, but obviously there is somebody who is working behind the scenes at behest of terrorists&agencies that are some within&some outside country, in Pak&PoK, who're trying to disrupt peaceful atmosphere https://t.co/f0csH1w3iE ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2019





A similar escalation in the Tangdhar sector took place on July 30, when Pakistan resorted to heavy artillery firing, causing damage to property and also injuring some people. Fortunately, there were no deaths but locals have been living in fear since then.

PAKISTAN PLAYS BLAME GAME

Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor on his Twitter handle has claimed that the country's army has killed "nine Indian soldiers and injured several" and "destroyed two Indian bunkers". He also blamed India of "unprovoked ceasefire violations in Jura, Shahkot and Nousehri sectors deliberately targeting civilians".

Indian unprovoked CFVs in Jura, shahkot & Nousehri Sectors deliberately targeting civilians. Effectively responded. 9 Indian soldiers killed several injured. 2 Indian bunkers destroyed.

During exchange of fire 1 soldier & 3 civilians shaheed, 2 soldiers & 5 civilians injured. DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) October 20, 2019

"Indian Army struggling to pick dead bodies and evacuate injured soldiers. Indian Army raising the white flag. This they should think before initiating unprovoked CFVs and respect military norms by avoiding to target innocent civilians," Asif Ghafoor has claimed.

Indian Army struggling to pick dead bodies and evacuate injured soldiers. Indian Army raising white flag. This they should think before initiating unprovoked CFVs and respect military norms by avoiding to target innocent civilians. DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) October 20, 2019





Asif Ghafoor also blamed the Indian media to "cover damages caused by Pakistan's Army".

He said, "Typical of Indian media falsely claiming to target of alleged camps. Get access to IOJ&K and have the moral courage to cover damages caused by the Pakistan Army. All your previous claims met their fate so shall this one. Follow journalistic ethos of Pak Media for reporting with responsibility."

India has, however, rubbished Pakistan's claims.

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Muzaffarabad Deputy Commissioner Badar Munir told media that the areas in Nauseri sector of district Muzaffarabad and its adjoining Jura sector of Neelum Valley were the worst hit.

(With inputs from Manjeet Negi in New Delhi)

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