NEW DELHI- The Centre has reacted strongly to the ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control today. ( Watch

���Ceasefire violations by Pakistan are unacceptable,��� said Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma. ���We���ve conveyed our concerns to Pakistan,��� he added.

Earlier in the day Pakistani troops targetted Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir and fired six mortar shells.

Pakistani forces resorted to intermittent firing of mortar shells in Jhangarh area of Nowshera sector in Rajouri district for 45 minutes from 0640 hours, defence spokesman Lt. Col S D Goswami said.

Indian troops exercised restraint and did not retaliate, he said, adding there was no loss of life or damage to property in the shelling.

"The troops are alert all along the Line of Control (LoC) to foil any evil design of the enemy", the spokesman added.

This is 27th ceasefire violation in since the beginning of the year and 7th in the last one month.

Despite India asking Pakistan to respect the border ceasefire in force since November 2003, the Pakistani army continues to indulge in cross-border firing across the Line of Control and the International Border.

Right since the beginning of this year, there has been a spurt in cross-border firings and infiltration bids in sectors like Krishnaghati, Bimbergalli, Gurez, Mendhar and Tangdhar, among others.