The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">Line of Control</a> has been "relatively calm".&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense &amp; unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts &amp; civilian areas with Mortar bombs &amp; heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The same was effectively retaliated by the Indian Army. There have been no casualties on the Indian side," the army added.&nbsp;

"We would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along the Line of Control. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism and terrorist infrastructure, away from civilian areas, to avoid civilian casualties," the army said.&nbsp;

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Indian Army: Would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along LoC. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism&amp;terrorist infrastructure,away from civilian areas,to avoid civilian casualties
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"We are maintaining strict vigil along the Line of Control and IB. Any further provocation or misadventure by Pakistan will be responded in a befitting manner with dire consequences," it added.&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since India's February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

Pakistan hit back a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

On Monday, an Indian Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

And on Tuesday, Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. India said the claim was propaganda aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan's support for terror.&nbsp;

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm". "In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense & unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts & civilian areas with Mortar bombs & heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement.

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm". "In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense & unprovoked firing with heavy caliber weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts & civilian areas with Mortar bombs & heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement. "The same was effectively retaliated by the Indian Army. There have been no casualties on the Indian side," the army added. "We would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along the Line of Control. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism and terrorist infrastructure, away from civilian areas, to avoid civilian casualties," the army said. Indian Army: Would reiterate that as a professional Army we are committed to avoid civil casualties, especially along LoC. All actions taken by our defence forces are targeted towards counter terrorism&terrorist infrastructure,away from civilian areas,to avoid civilian casualties — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2019 × "We are maintaining strict vigil along the Line of Control and IB. Any further provocation or misadventure by Pakistan will be responded in a befitting manner with dire consequences," it added. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since India's February 26 air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. Pakistan hit back a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. On Monday, an Indian Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone in Rajasthan. And on Tuesday, Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. India said the claim was propaganda aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan's support for terror.

Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army

J&K: 4 security personnel martyred in clash with terrorists in Kupwara, encounter underway

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-secretary-of-state-pompeo-199949">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-secretary-of-state-pompeo-199949"> urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-with-her-chinese-counterpart-report-199940">Sushma Swaraj raises Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: Report</a>

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-strikes-down-trumps-border-emergency-199924">US House strikes down US President Trump's border emergency</a>

The US House of Representatives dealt a blow to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, approving a resolution blocking him from obtaining funding for a Mexican border wall through his declaration of a national emergency.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-ex-lawyer-cohen-to-offer-new-russia-details-to-congress-source-199926">Trump's ex-lawyer Cohen to offer new Russia details to Congress: Source</a>

US President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-yet-again-5-army-personnel-injured-199925">Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC yet again, 5 Army personnel injured</a>

Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC) in Memander area of Shopian district, leaving five Indian Army personnel injured.

US urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

US urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants. Sushma Swaraj raises Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: Report A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. US House strikes down US President Trump's border emergency The US House of Representatives dealt a blow to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, approving a resolution blocking him from obtaining funding for a Mexican border wall through his declaration of a national emergency. Trump's ex-lawyer Cohen to offer new Russia details to Congress: Source US President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen will tell lawmakers on Wednesday that Trump asked him several times about a proposed skyscraper project in Moscow long after he secured the Republican presidential nomination, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC yet again, 5 Army personnel injured Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC) in Memander area of Shopian district, leaving five Indian Army personnel injured.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India carried out <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">air strikes inside Pakistan</a> early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said.

The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added.

The extent of the damage inflicted on the ground is not immediately known.

In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad sector.

The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district</a>.

Here is what we know so far:

<ul>
	<li>Indian Air Force conducts air strikes on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan</li>
	<li>Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control at 3:30 am</li>
	<li>A group of Mirage 2000 dropped the bomb</li>
	<li>The air strikes lasted for 21 minutes</li>
	<li>12 mirage jets involved in the operation</li>
	<li>10 terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir attacked</li>
	<li>The destroyed terror pads were in Balakot, Chakoti and Muzaffarabad</li>
	<li>Reports say Alpha-3 control room of Jaish destroyed</li>
	<li>Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area where Air Force jets carried out the strikes</li>
	<li>A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security is underway in Delhi</li>
	<li>PM Modi briefed by India's National Security Advisor on operation and assessment</li>
	<li>Pakistan foreign minister has called an emergency meeting</li>
	<li>Indian Air Force put on high alert</li>
	<li>All air defence systems along the International Border and Line of Control ready to respond to any possible action from across the border</li>
	<li>India struck the biggest camp of&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;in Balakot</li>
	<li>Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, in this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated</li>
	<li>The facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar who died in the strike</li>
</ul>

India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added.

India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added. The extent of the damage inflicted on the ground is not immediately known. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad sector. The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Here is what we know so far: Indian Air Force conducts air strikes on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control at 3:30 am A group of Mirage 2000 dropped the bomb The air strikes lasted for 21 minutes 12 mirage jets involved in the operation 10 terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir attacked The destroyed terror pads were in Balakot, Chakoti and Muzaffarabad Reports say Alpha-3 control room of Jaish destroyed Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area where Air Force jets carried out the strikes A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security is underway in Delhi PM Modi briefed by India's National Security Advisor on operation and assessment Pakistan foreign minister has called an emergency meeting Indian Air Force put on high alert All air defence systems along the International Border and Line of Control ready to respond to any possible action from across the border India struck the biggest camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, in this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated The facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar who died in the strike

India carries out air strikes inside Pakistan: What we know so far

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The strike&nbsp;is in retaliation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mastermind-of-pulwama-attack-killed-in-encounter-4-soldiers-dead-too-198057">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC were completely destroyed in IAF air strikes, reported ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-indian-air-force-violated-loc-199740">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) </a>control rooms were also destroyed, the report added.&nbsp;

The Army/IAF&nbsp;will brief the media about the attack and the operation details later in the day, sources said.

IAF used Laser guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said.&nbsp;

Around 200-300 terrorists believed to have been killed in the strikes, sources added.&nbsp;

12 Mirage 2000 jets participated in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across Line of Control (LOC), reported news agency ANI quoting IAF.

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IAF Sources: 1000 Kg bombs were dropped on terror camps across the LoC <a href="https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7">https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1100228529952866304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to ANI, the 21 minutes long airstrikes that destroyed several terror camps&nbsp;was carried out around 3:30 am on February 26.

Meanwhile, IAF has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The strike is in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC were completely destroyed in IAF air strikes, reported ANI. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) control rooms were also destroyed, the report added. The Army/IAF will brief the media about the attack and the operation details later in the day, sources said. IAF used Laser guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said. Around 200-300 terrorists believed to have been killed in the strikes, sources added. 12 Mirage 2000 jets participated in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across Line of Control (LOC), reported news agency ANI quoting IAF. IAF Sources: 1000 Kg bombs were dropped on terror camps across the LoC https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7 — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 × According to ANI, the 21 minutes long airstrikes that destroyed several terror camps was carried out around 3:30 am on February 26. Meanwhile, IAF has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.

India destroys terror camps across LoC with 1000 Kg bombs in early morning air strikes

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">destroyed terrorist camps</a> in Pakistan.

"I salute the pilots of the IAF," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. He also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet.

The Congress also tweeted, lauding the role of the Indian Air Force in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccs-meeting-gets-underway-hours-after-iaf-bombs-terror-camps-across-loc-199763">keeping Indians safe</a> with its consistent and determined effort.

Kejriwal in a tweet said, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan."

The strikes involving 12 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Indian government sources said.

Pakistan claimed on Tuesday that IAF fighter jets crossed the LoC and returned after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled war planes.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asif Ghafoor in a tweet confirmed that the jets dropped in the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan. "I salute the pilots of the IAF," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. He also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet. The Congress also tweeted, lauding the role of the Indian Air Force in keeping Indians safe with its consistent and determined effort. Kejriwal in a tweet said, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan." The strikes involving 12 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Indian government sources said. Pakistan claimed on Tuesday that IAF fighter jets crossed the LoC and returned after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled war planes. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asif Ghafoor in a tweet confirmed that the jets dropped in the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal praise IAF for crossing LoC and destroying terror camps

Pakistan authorities have claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Pakistan's claim comes amid tension between the two countries following Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

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Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1100179216375693318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Indian Air Force violated Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow," the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor, tweeted on Tuesday.

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Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1100207947022565377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed them to "be ready to face any eventuality," on Friday, the report added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier promised “action” if “actionable intelligence” was provided by India about its links to the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Khan had also warned of “retaliation, without even thinking," if any kind of military action is launched by India.

In response, India dubbed Khan’s statement as "a lame excuse," asking him to stop misleading the international community.&nbsp;

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Payload of hastily escaping Indian aircrafts fell in open. <a href="https://t.co/8drYtNGMsm">pic.twitter.com/8drYtNGMsm</a>
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1100231826348617728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With ANI inputs)

Pakistan authorities have claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately, reported news agency ANI.

Pakistan authorities have claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately, reported news agency ANI. Pakistan's claim comes amid tension between the two countries following Pulwama terror attack. Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 25, 2019 × "Indian Air Force violated Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow," the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor, tweeted on Tuesday. Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019 × Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed them to "be ready to face any eventuality," on Friday, the report added. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier promised “action” if “actionable intelligence” was provided by India about its links to the Pulwama terror attack. Khan had also warned of “retaliation, without even thinking," if any kind of military action is launched by India. In response, India dubbed Khan’s statement as "a lame excuse," asking him to stop misleading the international community. Payload of hastily escaping Indian aircrafts fell in open. pic.twitter.com/8drYtNGMsm — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019 × (With ANI inputs)

Pakistan claims Indian Air Force violated LoC

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources&nbsp;</a>

India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">; Trump on his way</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-vatican-cleric-cardinal-pell-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-199719">Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes</a>

Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-says-it-will-back-call-for-second-brexit-referendum-199733">UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum</a>

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-announces-unexpected-resignation-on-instagram-199721">Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram</a>

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for summit; Trump on his way North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening. Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes. UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union. Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strikes-on-terror-launchpads-meticulous-planning-led-to-successful-air-force-mission-199830">Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission</a>

The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uncalled-for-aggression-will-respond-at-time-place-of-our-choosing-say-pak-after-nsc-meeting-199838">Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time &amp; place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting</a>

Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">air</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821"> strike</a>

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps &nbsp;</a>

Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sanath-jayasuriya-guilty-of-breaching-anti-corruption-code-banned-for-2-years-by-icc-199876">Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC</a>

Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said. Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time & place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing". China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after air strike China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours. 'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands. Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">with an air strike</a>. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s.

The Mirage is a multi-role fighter jet which played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan and turned the tide in India's favour.

The Mirage is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under licence from Dassault Aviation of France, the original manufacturer of these aircraft. According to Dassault, the Mirage's first flight was in 1978 and was introduced in service by the French air force in 1984. More than 500 different varints of Mirage are operational across the world; the aircraft is known for its ability to always evolve.

The aircraft can reach up to a height of 60,000 feet and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 2.2, according to Dassault Aviation.

Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing.

The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30 mm guns.

The Mirage fighter jets used the laser-guided bombs at targets on top of the Tiger Hill at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet during the Kargil War. The destruction of Pakistani post atop the Tiger Hill gave India the strategic advantage as it overlooked the Drass town and National Highway 1A the lifeline between Srinagar and Leh.

The similar <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-inside-pakistan-what-we-know-so-far-199767">laser-guided bombs</a> were used in destroying the terror launch pads during the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-f16s-were-scrambled-to-retaliate-but-turned-back-sources-199782">pre-dawn strike</a> on Tuesday.

India had signed a $2.4 billion deal with France in 2011 to upgrade 51 Mirage 2000 fighters, which were purchased in the mid-1980s, with new electronic warfare systems and radar. The upgraded Mirage jets were delivered to India in April, 2018.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control with an air strike. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control with an air strike. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s. The Mirage is a multi-role fighter jet which played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan and turned the tide in India's favour. The Mirage is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under licence from Dassault Aviation of France, the original manufacturer of these aircraft. According to Dassault, the Mirage's first flight was in 1978 and was introduced in service by the French air force in 1984. More than 500 different varints of Mirage are operational across the world; the aircraft is known for its ability to always evolve. The aircraft can reach up to a height of 60,000 feet and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 2.2, according to Dassault Aviation. Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30 mm guns. The Mirage fighter jets used the laser-guided bombs at targets on top of the Tiger Hill at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet during the Kargil War. The destruction of Pakistani post atop the Tiger Hill gave India the strategic advantage as it overlooked the Drass town and National Highway 1A the lifeline between Srinagar and Leh. The similar laser-guided bombs were used in destroying the terror launch pads during the pre-dawn strike on Tuesday. India had signed a $2.4 billion deal with France in 2011 to upgrade 51 Mirage 2000 fighters, which were purchased in the mid-1980s, with new electronic warfare systems and radar. The upgraded Mirage jets were delivered to India in April, 2018.

All you need to know about Mirage-2000 fighter jets which destroyed terror camps across LoC

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Friday.

According to Pakistani media, Bajwa instructed the troops ''to be ready to face any eventuality.''

General Bajwa's visit to LoC comes hours after Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor's statement at a press conference that "we are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war."

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-exercise-all-options-to-win-decisive-battle-against-pakistan-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-199048"> India to exercise all options to win </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-exercise-all-options-to-win-decisive-battle-against-pakistan-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-199048">decisive</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-exercise-all-options-to-win-decisive-battle-against-pakistan-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-199048"> battle against Pakistan, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a>

He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with "full force if attacked."

Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Gafoor said, "We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan."

Pakistan maintained a belligerent stand and levelled various allegations against India, giving wrong and misleading details.

During the entire press meet, Gafoor remained in a denial mode about his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack even though <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit</a>, based in Pakistan, has claimed the responsibility for it in a statement.

India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required.

The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack.

He also claimed that Pakistan was not being isolated internationally, even at a time when the entire international community is mounting pressure on the country to act against terror infrastructure existing in the country.&nbsp;

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Friday. According to Pakistani media, Bajwa instructed the troops ''to be ready to face any eventuality.

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Friday. According to Pakistani media, Bajwa instructed the troops ''to be ready to face any eventuality.'' General Bajwa's visit to LoC comes hours after Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor's statement at a press conference that "we are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war." Also read: India to exercise all options to win decisive battle against Pakistan, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with "full force if attacked." Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Gafoor said, "We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan." Pakistan maintained a belligerent stand and levelled various allegations against India, giving wrong and misleading details. During the entire press meet, Gafoor remained in a denial mode about his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack even though Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, based in Pakistan, has claimed the responsibility for it in a statement. India has asserted that since JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required. The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack. He also claimed that Pakistan was not being isolated internationally, even at a time when the entire international community is mounting pressure on the country to act against terror infrastructure existing in the country.

Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa visits troops at LoC amid growing tension with India

Pakistani troops Sunday violated ceasefire by firing at Indian posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

However, no casualty was reported on the Indian side in the firing, which was retaliated effectively and strongly by the forces, they said.

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on border outposts of the BSF in Hiranagar sector around 11 am, the officials said, adding it was retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted for a brief period.

This was the third time in the past six days that Pakistan violated ceasefire in this sector. Last Tuesday, a Border Security Force or BSF official was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the border.

Pakistani troops also fired on Indian army positions and the villages along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri district from 1 pm to 3 pm, the officials said.

They said several mortar shells from across the border hit the forest area but there was no report of any damage.

Besides the International Border, the Pakistani troops have been violating ceasefire along the LoC in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch almost on a daily basis since the beginning of the year.

While an Army porter was killed in the Pakistani firing on January 11, two Army personnel, including a major, lost their lives in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion on the same day along the LoC in Rajouri district.

Pakistani troops Sunday violated ceasefire by firing at Indian posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Pakistani troops Sunday violated ceasefire by firing at Indian posts along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. However, no casualty was reported on the Indian side in the firing, which was retaliated effectively and strongly by the forces, they said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on border outposts of the BSF in Hiranagar sector around 11 am, the officials said, adding it was retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted for a brief period. This was the third time in the past six days that Pakistan violated ceasefire in this sector. Last Tuesday, a Border Security Force or BSF official was killed when he was hit by a Pakistani sniper from across the border. Pakistani troops also fired on Indian army positions and the villages along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri district from 1 pm to 3 pm, the officials said. They said several mortar shells from across the border hit the forest area but there was no report of any damage. Besides the International Border, the Pakistani troops have been violating ceasefire along the LoC in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch almost on a daily basis since the beginning of the year. While an Army porter was killed in the Pakistani firing on January 11, two Army personnel, including a major, lost their lives in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion on the same day along the LoC in Rajouri district.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along International Border, LoC in Jammu and Kashmir

The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for a third consecutive day Thursday, shelling forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district inviting a strong retaliation from Indian forces, officials said.

The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations -- 2,936 -- by Pakistan troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.

"The Pakistani army resorted to firing and shelling on forward posts along the LoC in Poonch sector Thursday morning," officials said, adding there were no casualties or injuries on the Indian side.&nbsp;

Indian troops guarding the border retaliated strongly, he said.

On Wednesday as well, Pakistani troops had fired on and shelled the Kalal forward area in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district twice, they said.

The continuous shelling and firing on villages has set in a fear psychosis among the border dwellers.&nbsp;

With the latest incident, Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in Poonch seven of first 10 days of the new year.

The Pakistani army fired on forward posts along the LoC Poonch district on Tuesday as well.

Despite repeated calls, made during Indo-Pak flag meetings, for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity, the Indo-Pak border areas witnessed shelling and firing.

The chief of northern commander, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, had Monday visited forward areas along the LoC and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Rajouri districts, officials said.

Accompanied by White Knight corps commander Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh visited forward posts of Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors to review the operational preparedness and the prevailing security situation, they said.

The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for a third consecutive day Thursday, shelling forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district inviting a strong retaliation from Indian forces, officials said.

The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for a third consecutive day Thursday, shelling forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district inviting a strong retaliation from Indian forces, officials said. The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations -- 2,936 -- by Pakistan troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border. "The Pakistani army resorted to firing and shelling on forward posts along the LoC in Poonch sector Thursday morning," officials said, adding there were no casualties or injuries on the Indian side. Indian troops guarding the border retaliated strongly, he said. On Wednesday as well, Pakistani troops had fired on and shelled the Kalal forward area in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district twice, they said. The continuous shelling and firing on villages has set in a fear psychosis among the border dwellers. With the latest incident, Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in Poonch seven of first 10 days of the new year. The Pakistani army fired on forward posts along the LoC Poonch district on Tuesday as well. Despite repeated calls, made during Indo-Pak flag meetings, for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity, the Indo-Pak border areas witnessed shelling and firing. The chief of northern commander, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, had Monday visited forward areas along the LoC and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Rajouri districts, officials said. Accompanied by White Knight corps commander Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh visited forward posts of Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors to review the operational preparedness and the prevailing security situation, they said.

Pakistan troops shell LoC areas in Poonch, ceasefire violated for third consecutive day

The Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed to have shot down a second "Indian spy quadcopter" flying over the Pakistani side of the Line of Control.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations - the Pakistan Army's media wing, said "Pakistan Army troops shot down another Indian spy quadcopter".&nbsp;

The quadcopter was destroyed in Satwal Sector, he added.

On Tuesday, Maj Gen Gafoor had tweeted along with a picture of the drone, claiming that Pakistan Army troops had shot down an "Indian spy quadcopter" in the Bagh Sector of Pakistani side of the Line of Control, a claim strongly rejected by the Indian Army.

He had said that not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross (the) LoC.

According to the Pakistani defence officials, "four intruding Indian drones were shot down by Pakistani forces last year."&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed to have shot down a second "Indian spy quadcopter" flying over the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. Major General Asif Ghafoor, the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations - the Pakistan Army's media wing, said "Pakistan Army troops shot down another Indian spy quadcopter".

The Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed to have shot down a second "Indian spy quadcopter" flying over the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. Major General Asif Ghafoor, the director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations - the Pakistan Army's media wing, said "Pakistan Army troops shot down another Indian spy quadcopter". The quadcopter was destroyed in Satwal Sector, he added. On Tuesday, Maj Gen Gafoor had tweeted along with a picture of the drone, claiming that Pakistan Army troops had shot down an "Indian spy quadcopter" in the Bagh Sector of Pakistani side of the Line of Control, a claim strongly rejected by the Indian Army. He had said that not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross (the) LoC. According to the Pakistani defence officials, "four intruding Indian drones were shot down by Pakistani forces last year."

Pakistan claims to have destroyed second 'Indian spy quadcopter' along LoC

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control.

"They keep lying on these issues. No such incident has taken place," Army sources said here.

The claim was made by Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations in-charge Major General Asif Ghafoor from his official Twitter handle.

"Pakistan army troops shot down Indian spy quadcopter in Bagh sector area along the line of control. Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, in Sha Allah," he tweeted on Tuesday.

Interestingly, the Pakistan side has been stressing that it did not even allow a quadcopter to cross over the LoC on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, discussed in detail about the surgical strike operations of September 2016 when Indian troops launched multiple attacks on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan has been denying that surgical strikes ever took place but it is believed that around 50 terrorists along with Pakistan Army regular troops were killed in these operations.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control. "They keep lying on these issues.

The Indian Army has dismissed the claims of the Pakistan Army that it had shot down an Indian quadcopter in the Bagh sector along the Line of Control. "They keep lying on these issues. No such incident has taken place," Army sources said here. The claim was made by Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations in-charge Major General Asif Ghafoor from his official Twitter handle. "Pakistan army troops shot down Indian spy quadcopter in Bagh sector area along the line of control. Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, in Sha Allah," he tweeted on Tuesday. Interestingly, the Pakistan side has been stressing that it did not even allow a quadcopter to cross over the LoC on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, discussed in detail about the surgical strike operations of September 2016 when Indian troops launched multiple attacks on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan has been denying that surgical strikes ever took place but it is believed that around 50 terrorists along with Pakistan Army regular troops were killed in these operations.

Indian Army dismisses Pakistan's claim of shooting down its quadcopter

Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian troops retaliated to the ceasefire violation.&nbsp;

The latest ceasefire violation&nbsp;comes just a day after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions.

No casualty or injury was reported.

On December 26, one civilian was killed in the ceasefire violations incident by Pakistan.

On December 21, two Army personnel lost their lives during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara.

The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa.&nbsp;

More details awaited.

The latest ceasefire violation comes just a day after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions.

Pakistan on Wednesday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian troops retaliated to the ceasefire violation. The latest ceasefire violation comes just a day after Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch as they targeted forward positions. No casualty or injury was reported. On December 26, one civilian was killed in the ceasefire violations incident by Pakistan. On December 21, two Army personnel lost their lives during a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa. More details awaited.

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch

India remained largely secure in 2018, but security being work in progress, always needs a pragmatic relook and year-end is a good time to take stock.&nbsp;

Its major strategic security concerns revolved around its relations with China, US, Russia and Pakistan with doses of attention towards the Indo-Pacific and the nations there.

In spite of the above focus, 2018 began with an achievement, which triggered a continuation of positive events through the first quarter. This was the presence of ten ASEAN leaders as guests of honour at the Republic Day parade. Following it was the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister and the visit of India’s Prime Minister to Palestine, Jordan, UAE and Oman, all crucial areas for India’s engagement.&nbsp;

The Iranian President’s visit to Delhi, so close to the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister, followed by the King of Jordan, truly demonstrated a straddling of interests and reflected the initial approach to multilateralism, which was to emerge later in the year.

After the palpable tension over Doklam that dominated the strategic discourse in the latter half of 2017, it needs to be recognised that India corrected course with the Wuhan and Sochi meetings allaying China’s fears about India’s strategic tie-up with the US. However, China has continued its campaign of psychological warfare, including the deployment of additional military resources and infrastructure along the Himalayan border.&nbsp;

Yet, 2018 did not witness any major standoff although attempted walk-in operations to perceived LAC continued, albeit at a lower key. With Russia also firmly with China, a level of discomfort was entering Indo-Russia relations where traditional strategic bonhomie was being compromised by India’s creeping proximity to the US.&nbsp;

A very deliberate diplomatic effort by the Indian government has apparently righted that perception and the $5 billion deal for acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system helped retrieve the relationship. The subsequent joint military training under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCC) at Chebarkulsky in the Ural Mountains further helped the retrieval.&nbsp;

With China, the military-diplomatic domain saw greater positive strokes, but by no means should this be considered permanent. China exercises a repertoire of options to keep India under pressure such that the focus of Indian planners remains embedded at the Himalayan front. If a more aggressive strategy is contemplated, India will need to revisit its decision to put in cold storage the completion of raising of the mountain strike corps.

With India torn by multiple interests with different big powers, the situation demanded a level of multilateralism. To walk the multilateral route, various meetings were held of the different forums and summits of the developing Indo-US Strategic Partnership, including the Indo-US Leadership Summit, the Indo-US Strategic Partnership Forum and the 2+2 Dialogue. The two sides demonstrated appreciation of the constraints that influence the relationship due to extraneous factors. India’s ability to handle the sensitive issue of US sanctions on Iran and the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in relation to the S-400 deal, demonstrated political maturity of both sides.&nbsp;

However, the year-end US decision to reduce its military presence in Afghanistan has caused some consternation in Indian strategic circles, which will need deliberation in 2019. India’s attendance of Asean-India and East Asia Summits in Singapore reflected its continued commitment to strengthen its engagement with Asean members and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

On the regional platform, the change of dispensation in Maldives marked a positive turn while Sri Lanka remained on the cusp with instability, although not negatively disposed towards India. To play an effective role in the Indo Pacific strategy, India will need to be deliberate in its relationships with important nations of the Indian Ocean Region.

It is with Pakistan that the relationship remained unchanged even with the arrival of Prime Minister Imran Khan at the helm. With the trust deficit and Pakistan’s continued intransigence over J&amp;K, India had to be diplomatically and militarily alert, a stance which will have to extend even more robustly into 2019.&nbsp;

The country’s national elections in the first half will prevent any decided response to Pakistan’s overtures. It would be far better that its strategic community deliberates on how to deal with Pakistan in the long run and have this in readiness for whichever government comes to power in May 2019.&nbsp;

This recommendation is as much applicable to J&amp;K where a season of high military achievements has been offset by the continuing local recruitment to terrorist ranks and increasing alienation.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur Corridor is a positive development, but contingent on how it is handled in the future. Clearly, Pakistan’s ISI is sensing an opportunity. That opportunity, which it seeks in embroiling India in a continuum of internal security challenges in Punjab and J&amp;K has to be met head-on; as much as the year-end discovery of fledgeling Islamic State networks in North India. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-secure-through-2018-india-has-work-cut-out-for-new-year-2702318">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India remained largely secure in 2018, but security being work in progress, always needs a pragmatic relook and year-end is a good time to take stock. Its major strategic security concerns revolved around its relations with China, US, Russia and Pakistan with doses of attention towards the Indo-Pacific and the nations there.

India remained largely secure in 2018, but security being work in progress, always needs a pragmatic relook and year-end is a good time to take stock. Its major strategic security concerns revolved around its relations with China, US, Russia and Pakistan with doses of attention towards the Indo-Pacific and the nations there. In spite of the above focus, 2018 began with an achievement, which triggered a continuation of positive events through the first quarter. This was the presence of ten ASEAN leaders as guests of honour at the Republic Day parade. Following it was the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister and the visit of India’s Prime Minister to Palestine, Jordan, UAE and Oman, all crucial areas for India’s engagement. The Iranian President’s visit to Delhi, so close to the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister, followed by the King of Jordan, truly demonstrated a straddling of interests and reflected the initial approach to multilateralism, which was to emerge later in the year. After the palpable tension over Doklam that dominated the strategic discourse in the latter half of 2017, it needs to be recognised that India corrected course with the Wuhan and Sochi meetings allaying China’s fears about India’s strategic tie-up with the US. However, China has continued its campaign of psychological warfare, including the deployment of additional military resources and infrastructure along the Himalayan border. Yet, 2018 did not witness any major standoff although attempted walk-in operations to perceived LAC continued, albeit at a lower key. With Russia also firmly with China, a level of discomfort was entering Indo-Russia relations where traditional strategic bonhomie was being compromised by India’s creeping proximity to the US. A very deliberate diplomatic effort by the Indian government has apparently righted that perception and the $5 billion deal for acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence system helped retrieve the relationship. The subsequent joint military training under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCC) at Chebarkulsky in the Ural Mountains further helped the retrieval. With China, the military-diplomatic domain saw greater positive strokes, but by no means should this be considered permanent. China exercises a repertoire of options to keep India under pressure such that the focus of Indian planners remains embedded at the Himalayan front. If a more aggressive strategy is contemplated, India will need to revisit its decision to put in cold storage the completion of raising of the mountain strike corps. With India torn by multiple interests with different big powers, the situation demanded a level of multilateralism. To walk the multilateral route, various meetings were held of the different forums and summits of the developing Indo-US Strategic Partnership, including the Indo-US Leadership Summit, the Indo-US Strategic Partnership Forum and the 2+2 Dialogue. The two sides demonstrated appreciation of the constraints that influence the relationship due to extraneous factors. India’s ability to handle the sensitive issue of US sanctions on Iran and the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in relation to the S-400 deal, demonstrated political maturity of both sides. However, the year-end US decision to reduce its military presence in Afghanistan has caused some consternation in Indian strategic circles, which will need deliberation in 2019. India’s attendance of Asean-India and East Asia Summits in Singapore reflected its continued commitment to strengthen its engagement with Asean members and the wider Indo-Pacific region. On the regional platform, the change of dispensation in Maldives marked a positive turn while Sri Lanka remained on the cusp with instability, although not negatively disposed towards India. To play an effective role in the Indo Pacific strategy, India will need to be deliberate in its relationships with important nations of the Indian Ocean Region. It is with Pakistan that the relationship remained unchanged even with the arrival of Prime Minister Imran Khan at the helm. With the trust deficit and Pakistan’s continued intransigence over J&K, India had to be diplomatically and militarily alert, a stance which will have to extend even more robustly into 2019. The country’s national elections in the first half will prevent any decided response to Pakistan’s overtures. It would be far better that its strategic community deliberates on how to deal with Pakistan in the long run and have this in readiness for whichever government comes to power in May 2019. This recommendation is as much applicable to J&K where a season of high military achievements has been offset by the continuing local recruitment to terrorist ranks and increasing alienation. The Kartarpur Corridor is a positive development, but contingent on how it is handled in the future. Clearly, Pakistan’s ISI is sensing an opportunity. That opportunity, which it seeks in embroiling India in a continuum of internal security challenges in Punjab and J&K has to be met head-on; as much as the year-end discovery of fledgeling Islamic State networks in North India. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Secure through 2018, India has work cut out for New Year

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a> Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/harassment-of-indian-diplomats-returns-in-islamabad-185684">Imran Khan telephoned</a> UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres. 
 
When asked by PTI to comment on India’s strong retort to Khan that Pakistan should mind its own business and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Dujarric said, “Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council,” He was referring to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). 
 
Dujarric added that the Pakistani Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. “It’s only normal that the Secretary-General speaks to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir,” Dujarric said. 
 
In a set of recent tweets, Khan said that “Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future”. He also tweeted that Pakistan would raise the issue of India’s alleged human rights violations at the United Nations.&nbsp; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response said that “the statements coming out from their side demonstrates the insincerity and duplicity”. 
 
The UNMOGIP was established in January 1949 and currently has a total of 118 UN and civilian staff. Following the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and a subsequent ceasefire agreement of December 17 of that year, the tasks of UNMOGIP have been to observe, to the extent possible, developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. 
 
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres. When asked by PTI to comment on India’s strong retort to Khan that Pakistan should mind its own business and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Dujarric said, “Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council,” He was referring to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Dujarric added that the Pakistani Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. “It’s only normal that the Secretary-General speaks to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir,” Dujarric said. In a set of recent tweets, Khan said that “Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future”. He also tweeted that Pakistan would raise the issue of India’s alleged human rights violations at the United Nations. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response said that “the statements coming out from their side demonstrates the insincerity and duplicity”. The UNMOGIP was established in January 1949 and currently has a total of 118 UN and civilian staff. Following the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and a subsequent ceasefire agreement of December 17 of that year, the tasks of UNMOGIP have been to observe, to the extent possible, developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan PM Imran Khan raised Kashmir issue with UN chief, says UN spokesman

Pakistan's top military brass on Tuesday discussed the situation along the Line of Control and alleged ceasefire violations.

The 215th Corps Commanders' Conference presided by Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi.

Army said in a statement that the forum reviewed geo-strategic environment and security situation of the country.

The commanders discussed the "situation along Eastern Border including Indian ceasefire violations."

Pakistan's top military brass on Tuesday discussed the situation along the Line of Control and alleged ceasefire violations. The 215th Corps Commanders' Conference presided by Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan's top military brass on Tuesday discussed the situation along the Line of Control and alleged ceasefire violations. The 215th Corps Commanders' Conference presided by Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi. Army said in a statement that the forum reviewed geo-strategic environment and security situation of the country. The commanders discussed the "situation along Eastern Border including Indian ceasefire violations."

Pakistan army discusses situation along LoC

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-1-bsf-soldier-killed-in-pakistani-sniper-fire-33527">sniper fire by Pakistani troops</a> along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The spokesman identified the soldier as rifleman Varun Kattal (21), a resident of Mawa-Rajpura area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his parents, father Anchal Singh and mother Pinki Rani.

This was the second sniper attack along the LoC in two days. An Army porter lost his life in a similar attack in Akhnoor sector of Jammu Friday.

"At about 0945 hours, unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector in which one Army soldier was shot by a sniper from across the border and later succumbed to injuries at 11.10 AM," the spokesman said.

"Rifleman Kattal was a brave and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the spokesman said adding his martyrdom will not go in vain.

He said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan army posts.

On October 21, three soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment and two heavily-armed infiltrators, believed to be members of the Border Action Team (BAT) of the Pakistan army, and terrorists, were killed in Sunderbani sector.

On November 6, a soldier was injured when he was hit by a sniper from across the border at Kalal in Noushera sector of Rajouri, while a BSF jawan was injured in a separate incident of firing by Pakistan along the LoC in the Manjakote area of the Rajouri-Poonch sector Friday.

The number of ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan has been the highest in the past eight years.

The first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured in 1,435 ceasefire violations in the state, according to an RTI reply by the Home Ministry.&nbsp;

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in sniper fire by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in sniper fire by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said. The spokesman identified the soldier as rifleman Varun Kattal (21), a resident of Mawa-Rajpura area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his parents, father Anchal Singh and mother Pinki Rani. This was the second sniper attack along the LoC in two days. An Army porter lost his life in a similar attack in Akhnoor sector of Jammu Friday. "At about 0945 hours, unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector in which one Army soldier was shot by a sniper from across the border and later succumbed to injuries at 11.10 AM," the spokesman said. "Rifleman Kattal was a brave and sincere soldier. The nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the spokesman said adding his martyrdom will not go in vain. He said the Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively on Pakistan army posts. On October 21, three soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir light infantry regiment and two heavily-armed infiltrators, believed to be members of the Border Action Team (BAT) of the Pakistan army, and terrorists, were killed in Sunderbani sector. On November 6, a soldier was injured when he was hit by a sniper from across the border at Kalal in Noushera sector of Rajouri, while a BSF jawan was injured in a separate incident of firing by Pakistan along the LoC in the Manjakote area of the Rajouri-Poonch sector Friday. The number of ceasefire violations this year by Pakistan has been the highest in the past eight years. The first seven months of this year saw 52 deaths and 232 people getting injured in 1,435 ceasefire violations in the state, according to an RTI reply by the Home Ministry.

J&K: In 2nd attack in 2 days, Indian Army soldier killed in sniper fire along Line of Control

Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh over an alleged ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) which killed a civilian.

Singh was summoned by the Director General (SA &amp; SAARC) Dr Mohammad Faisal, who is also spokesperson, for the alleged ceasefire violation that took place on October 31 in the Leepcha sector, said the Foreign Office.

The firing killed an 18-year old civilian in Bijildar village, said Faisal.

"This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations," he said.

He urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate it and other incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and the working boundary.

He also said that the Indian side should permit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.&nbsp;

However, India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC.

Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh over an alleged ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) which killed a civilian.

Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh over an alleged ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) which killed a civilian. Singh was summoned by the Director General (SA & SAARC) Dr Mohammad Faisal, who is also spokesperson, for the alleged ceasefire violation that took place on October 31 in the Leepcha sector, said the Foreign Office. The firing killed an 18-year old civilian in Bijildar village, said Faisal. "This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations," he said. He urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate it and other incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and the working boundary. He also said that the Indian side should permit United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions. However, India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC.

Pakistan summons India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh over alleged LoC firing

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital and a demarche was made lodging strong protest at the fatal casualties of Indian soldiers during an attempted cross-border infiltration by Pakistani terrorists in Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 21.

Five to six Pakistani armed intruders tried to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and fired on an Indian Army patrol in the Sunderbani sector of Jammu region.

Three Indian Army soldiers were killed and one suffered injuries in the unprovoked cross-border action by Pakistan. Two intruders were also killed by the Indian armed forces.

The Pakistani side was informed that two of their armed intruders have been killed by the Indian security forces during the ensuing firefight and the Government of Pakistan should take custody of the dead bodies of its nationals, the MEA statement said.

"(The) Ministry condemned in the strongest terms such provocative action by Pakistan, which reveals their complicity in aiding and abetting terrorism and exposes the hollowness of Pakistan`s deceitful claims to promote constructive engagement and desire for peace," the statement added.

"Our grave concern at the continuing incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan forces along the LoC and the International Border (IB) was also shared," it said.

Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistani forces have carried out 1591 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC and IB in 2018 so far.

The MEA said that Pakistan was called on to "abide by its bilateral commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner".&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital and a demarche was made lodging strong protest at the fatal casualties of Indian soldiers during an attempted cross-border infiltration by Pakistani terrorists in Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 21.

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital and a demarche was made lodging strong protest at the fatal casualties of Indian soldiers during an attempted cross-border infiltration by Pakistani terrorists in Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 21. Five to six Pakistani armed intruders tried to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and fired on an Indian Army patrol in the Sunderbani sector of Jammu region. Three Indian Army soldiers were killed and one suffered injuries in the unprovoked cross-border action by Pakistan. Two intruders were also killed by the Indian armed forces. The Pakistani side was informed that two of their armed intruders have been killed by the Indian security forces during the ensuing firefight and the Government of Pakistan should take custody of the dead bodies of its nationals, the MEA statement said. "(The) Ministry condemned in the strongest terms such provocative action by Pakistan, which reveals their complicity in aiding and abetting terrorism and exposes the hollowness of Pakistan`s deceitful claims to promote constructive engagement and desire for peace," the statement added. "Our grave concern at the continuing incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan forces along the LoC and the International Border (IB) was also shared," it said. Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistani forces have carried out 1591 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC and IB in 2018 so far. The MEA said that Pakistan was called on to "abide by its bilateral commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner".

Sunderbani sector firing: Senior Pak High Commission official summoned

The Prime Minister of Pakistan-held Kashmir said on Sunday his helicopter came under Indian fire while flying close to the highly militarised Line of Control (LoC) but he escaped unhurt.

The incident happened in Havaily district in Poonch sector while Raja Farooq Haider was on his way to a nearby village to give condolences to the family of a local politician who had died.

"My helicopter had not even committed any violation and was flying well within our side of the LoC when Indian troops opened fire," Haider said in a statement from Islamabad.

Raja Arshad, a senior local administration official in Havaily, confirmed the incident and said Haider was unhurt and there was no damage to the helicopter.

The LoC serves as a de facto border dividing the contested Himalayan region between India and Pakistan.

There has been a surge of shelling along the LoC in recent months as tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan rose.

The two countries have been in dispute over Kashmir since independence from Britain in 1947, and fought two of their three wars over the territory.

New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of supporting militant groups waging an insurgency in Kashmir. Pakistan denies the accusation, calling the uprising in Kashmir an indigenous freedom struggle.

This month, India blamed postage stamps released by Pakistan depicting Kashmiri freedom struggle as part of its reason for cancelling rare talks between the neighbours in New York.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan-held Kashmir said on Sunday his helicopter came under Indian fire while flying close to the highly militarised Line of Control (LoC) but he escaped unhurt.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan-held Kashmir said on Sunday his helicopter came under Indian fire while flying close to the highly militarised Line of Control (LoC) but he escaped unhurt. The incident happened in Havaily district in Poonch sector while Raja Farooq Haider was on his way to a nearby village to give condolences to the family of a local politician who had died. "My helicopter had not even committed any violation and was flying well within our side of the LoC when Indian troops opened fire," Haider said in a statement from Islamabad. Raja Arshad, a senior local administration official in Havaily, confirmed the incident and said Haider was unhurt and there was no damage to the helicopter. The LoC serves as a de facto border dividing the contested Himalayan region between India and Pakistan. There has been a surge of shelling along the LoC in recent months as tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan rose. The two countries have been in dispute over Kashmir since independence from Britain in 1947, and fought two of their three wars over the territory. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of supporting militant groups waging an insurgency in Kashmir. Pakistan denies the accusation, calling the uprising in Kashmir an indigenous freedom struggle. This month, India blamed postage stamps released by Pakistan depicting Kashmiri freedom struggle as part of its reason for cancelling rare talks between the neighbours in New York.

Pakistan chopper comes under fire in Kashmir

&nbsp;A Pakistani chopper Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> A Pakistani helicopter violated Indian airspace in Poonch sector of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/O4QHxCf7CR">pic.twitter.com/O4QHxCf7CR</a>
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News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm.

The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added.&nbsp;

Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back.

Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.&nbsp;

A Pakistani chopper Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. #WATCH A Pakistani helicopter violated Indian airspace in Poonch sector of #JammuAndKashmir pic.

A Pakistani chopper Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. #WATCH A Pakistani helicopter violated Indian airspace in Poonch sector of #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/O4QHxCf7CR — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2018 × News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm. The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added. Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back. Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.

J&K: Pakistan helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector

Kamal Nath Choubey, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), Jammu Frontier on Wednesday accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) repeatedly and added that India has never done so.

Choubey told the media here that Indian security forces are always prepared for retaliation and that "there is no let up in border surveillance.'

"Ceasefire is always a bilateral decision, we have always maintained the sanctity of the ceasefire, but Pakistan has violated it," Choubey said.

"Every instrument required to protect the territorial integrity of the border is maintained," he added.

Earlier today, four BSF personnel lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Chambliyal Sector of Samba.

The deceased included two BSF jawans, one Assistant Commandant and one Sub-Inspector.

In May, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had spoken to each other on the ceasefire violations and terrorist activities and agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003.

Both DGMOs had then reviewed the prevailing situation along the LoC and the International Boundary (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an official statement.&nbsp;

Earlier today, four BSF personnel lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Chambliyal Sector of Samba

Kamal Nath Choubey, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), Jammu Frontier on Wednesday accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) repeatedly and added that India has never done so. Choubey told the media here that Indian security forces are always prepared for retaliation and that "there is no let up in border surveillance.' "Ceasefire is always a bilateral decision, we have always maintained the sanctity of the ceasefire, but Pakistan has violated it," Choubey said. "Every instrument required to protect the territorial integrity of the border is maintained," he added. Earlier today, four BSF personnel lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Chambliyal Sector of Samba. The deceased included two BSF jawans, one Assistant Commandant and one Sub-Inspector. In May, the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had spoken to each other on the ceasefire violations and terrorist activities and agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003. Both DGMOs had then reviewed the prevailing situation along the LoC and the International Boundary (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an official statement.

India has maintained ceasefire sanctity: Border Security Force

Nearly a week after the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan agreed to implement the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit", Pakistani rangers resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing along the IB here this morning killing two BSF personnel.

The firing from across the International Border (IB) in the Pragwal area of Akhnoor sector started in the wee hours, resulting in critical injuries to two BSF personnel manning a forward post, a senior officer of the border guarding force told PTI.

He said both the personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, later succumbed to injuries at a hospital while undergoing treatment.

The firing from across the border in violation of the ceasefire agreement prompted a strong and effective retaliation by the BSF, the officer said.

Cross-border firing was going on when last reports came in, he added.

On May 29, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to "fully implement" the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit" forthwith to stop border skirmishes in J&K.

The two military commanders reviewed the prevailing situation along the LoC and the IB in J&K during a conversation over the special hotline.

The hotline contact was initiated by the Pakistani DGMO.

Following the conversation between Indian DGMO Lt Gen Anil Chauhan and Pakistan's Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the two armies issued identical statements saying both sides agreed to implement the 15-year-old ceasefire understanding.

The latest deaths in the Pakistani firing raised the casualty figure during ceasefire violations along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) in the state to 46. The dead includes 20 security personnel.

Last month, thousands of people residing along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts had to flee their homes following intense shelling from Pakistan between May 15 and May 23 which left 12 people dead, including two BSF jawans and an infant, and scores of others injured.

After the DGMOs of the two countries spoke to each other, hope rekindled among border residents who had started returning to their homes but the latest incident would trigger fresh concerns among them.&nbsp;

The firing from across the International Border (IB) in the Pragwal area of Akhnoor sector started in the wee hours, resulting in critical injuries to two BSF personnel manning a forward post

Nearly a week after the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan agreed to implement the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit", Pakistani rangers resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing along the IB here this morning killing two BSF personnel. The firing from across the International Border (IB) in the Pragwal area of Akhnoor sector started in the wee hours, resulting in critical injuries to two BSF personnel manning a forward post, a senior officer of the border guarding force told PTI. He said both the personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, later succumbed to injuries at a hospital while undergoing treatment. The firing from across the border in violation of the ceasefire agreement prompted a strong and effective retaliation by the BSF, the officer said. Cross-border firing was going on when last reports came in, he added. On May 29, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to "fully implement" the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit" forthwith to stop border skirmishes in J&K. The two military commanders reviewed the prevailing situation along the LoC and the IB in J&K during a conversation over the special hotline. The hotline contact was initiated by the Pakistani DGMO. Following the conversation between Indian DGMO Lt Gen Anil Chauhan and Pakistan's Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the two armies issued identical statements saying both sides agreed to implement the 15-year-old ceasefire understanding. The latest deaths in the Pakistani firing raised the casualty figure during ceasefire violations along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) in the state to 46. The dead includes 20 security personnel. Last month, thousands of people residing along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts had to flee their homes following intense shelling from Pakistan between May 15 and May 23 which left 12 people dead, including two BSF jawans and an infant, and scores of others injured. After the DGMOs of the two countries spoke to each other, hope rekindled among border residents who had started returning to their homes but the latest incident would trigger fresh concerns among them.

Two BSF personnel killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K

The newsbreak of Indian and Pakistani Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) agreeing to "fully implement the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit", through a special hotline talk comes as a pleasant surprise to affected population, more so after Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj indicated that dialogue and terror cannot go together a day earlier.

The idea of resolving issues through hotline and flag meeting is not new and has failed many times in past, however, it may give a temporary relief to the affected innocent people on the borders/Line of Control, till Pakistan releases the existing temporary international pressure on it, to abrogate ceasefire again.

Why is Pakistan talking about peace?

It was well known to the entire global community that most of the terrorist organisations are based in Pakistan, and several reports have claimed that they are sponsored by Pakistani Army and ISI. The pressure, however, started building on them only after it fell out of step with US for not taking adequate actions against the Haqqani network and al-Qaeda. The list of UN declared global terrorists expanded, and US President Donald Trump declared new South Asia policy putting them under financial and diplomatic pressure.

Pakistan temporarily sought China's help in withstanding the US pressure, but Beijing too not very happy with refueling of ETIM operating in Xinjiang by Pakistani militants, is carrying on with them due to heavy investment in CPEC, and with a condition that their men working on the project will be protected. During the BRICS Summit, China too reluctantly agreed to name LeT and JeM as terror groups. China, under international pressure of supporting radicalised Pakistan, felt the heat when the threat of Financial action Task Force (FATF) declaring it grey/black became evident. China has understood that CPEC cannot progress unless Pakistan sees some sense in peace and takes some concrete measures to showcase it. The biggest problem is that if Pakistan is declared grey/black by FATF in June then most of the investors for CPEC, including Chinese enterprises, may back out of the project. Despite Chinese denial, a possibility of them having advised Pakistan army to see sense is a reasonable possibility, otherwise expecting Pakistan army chief indicating to talk peace, and rumors of Chinese advice to move Hafiz Saeed to West Asia, cannot be without a pressure. Pakistan on the other hand finds the political cost of shifting Saeed too heavy and continues to try to give him back door entry into politics with LeT fully aligned to Pakistan Army and ISI.

Why Pakistan's adherence to ceasefire and peace is 'too good to be true'?

The peace between India and Pakistan is unfortunately marred with an inseparable historic baggage of animosity, military coups and resultant instability which continues even now. The 1971 war, besides dividing Pakistan and leading to creation of Bangladesh, resulted in 90,000 prisoners of war for the victorious Indian Army. Pakistan army could never forget it, and keeps trying to wipe this scar. Today the same generation of military is not in power, but the thought to avenge professional shame is alive with their military.

President Zia's 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan' became breeding ground for Islamic terrorism. With Taliban and Wahhabism on the rise, Pakistan witnessed a change in psyche and ideology through madrassas. Kashmir is an obvious target to avenge. The ethnic cleansing of people of Balochistan and Pashtuns makes Pakistan further unstable. Due to internal instability, Pakistan army could project itself as the only option available to protect their country against India hence they justify holding the reins of power. Their influence and relevance is due to 'Indian threat' and a 'boiling Kashmir valley'.

Pakkistan's former President Pervez Musharraf further nurtured militants, used them in proxy wars as 'strategic assets' and this reality has not changed. In this backdrop, every effort for peace is expected to fail. With Pakistan giving a ruling about Gilgit-Baltistan which is a sovereign territory of India, I do not see any peacefulness in Indo-Pak relations in near future.

Did Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) have any impact on ceasefire?

The ideas like ceasefire and declaration of NICO were tried earlier in the year 2000, but failed. Pakistan neither reciprocated the gesture nor promised to hold fire. In fact they started the trans-border firing on the first day of Ramzan. It was expected that with development and 'Embracing Kashmiris' by suspending combat operations during Ramzan will alienate the population against militants trying to disturb peace. In the present declaration, the deployment and intelligence grid of security forces is not being disturbed, but they can take retaliatory action, only if militants fire at them. The fact that declaration was rejected by terrorist groups, who intend to continue their actions during the holy month of Ramzan, as well as separatist groups enjoying state protection, means that it is waiting to fail, as their narrative has been written by Pakistan. Let me analyse the possibilities under the present model of NICO:

<ul>
	<li>The expectation of peace through NICO is a misconception, because the militants, especially Pakistanis cause innumerable atrocities on innocent people of Kashmir, but no one lodges complaint/FIR against them, as they know that the entire family will be wiped out. Abu Dujana is a case in point.</li>
	<li>The militants can move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest, as they know that security forces cannot do anything till they actually fire at them. Terrorists are free to extort, launder money and muster enough funds for subsequent operations. They can carry out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their parents.</li>
</ul>

How should India respond to changing realities?

As there are no easy answers for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, India cannot afford to put its guard down on account of ceasefire. India should not be talking to Pakistan unless it shuns proxy war. India needs to declare a well thought state policy on the subject, because any wavering of stance can be construed as a weakness. War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India can look at overt and covert options against militants. While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it is yet to scrap the 'Most Favored Nation' status accorded to it. India should also take up the issue of Balochistan in all world forums along with terrorism brewing in Pakistan. India needs to use the leverage of water sharing also with Pakistan. Internally, the decision makers need to have an honest intention to resolve it. The allurement of vote bank politics has to be subordinated to national interest.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The peace between India and Pakistan is unfortunately marred with an inseparable historic baggage of animosity, military coups and resultant instability which continues even now.

The newsbreak of Indian and Pakistani Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) agreeing to "fully implement the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit", through a special hotline talk comes as a pleasant surprise to affected population, more so after Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj indicated that dialogue and terror cannot go together a day earlier. The idea of resolving issues through hotline and flag meeting is not new and has failed many times in past, however, it may give a temporary relief to the affected innocent people on the borders/Line of Control, till Pakistan releases the existing temporary international pressure on it, to abrogate ceasefire again. Why is Pakistan talking about peace? It was well known to the entire global community that most of the terrorist organisations are based in Pakistan, and several reports have claimed that they are sponsored by Pakistani Army and ISI. The pressure, however, started building on them only after it fell out of step with US for not taking adequate actions against the Haqqani network and al-Qaeda. The list of UN declared global terrorists expanded, and US President Donald Trump declared new South Asia policy putting them under financial and diplomatic pressure. Pakistan temporarily sought China's help in withstanding the US pressure, but Beijing too not very happy with refueling of ETIM operating in Xinjiang by Pakistani militants, is carrying on with them due to heavy investment in CPEC, and with a condition that their men working on the project will be protected. During the BRICS Summit, China too reluctantly agreed to name LeT and JeM as terror groups. China, under international pressure of supporting radicalised Pakistan, felt the heat when the threat of Financial action Task Force (FATF) declaring it grey/black became evident. China has understood that CPEC cannot progress unless Pakistan sees some sense in peace and takes some concrete measures to showcase it. The biggest problem is that if Pakistan is declared grey/black by FATF in June then most of the investors for CPEC, including Chinese enterprises, may back out of the project. Despite Chinese denial, a possibility of them having advised Pakistan army to see sense is a reasonable possibility, otherwise expecting Pakistan army chief indicating to talk peace, and rumors of Chinese advice to move Hafiz Saeed to West Asia, cannot be without a pressure. Pakistan on the other hand finds the political cost of shifting Saeed too heavy and continues to try to give him back door entry into politics with LeT fully aligned to Pakistan Army and ISI. Why Pakistan's adherence to ceasefire and peace is 'too good to be true'? The peace between India and Pakistan is unfortunately marred with an inseparable historic baggage of animosity, military coups and resultant instability which continues even now. The 1971 war, besides dividing Pakistan and leading to creation of Bangladesh, resulted in 90,000 prisoners of war for the victorious Indian Army. Pakistan army could never forget it, and keeps trying to wipe this scar. Today the same generation of military is not in power, but the thought to avenge professional shame is alive with their military. President Zia's 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan' became breeding ground for Islamic terrorism. With Taliban and Wahhabism on the rise, Pakistan witnessed a change in psyche and ideology through madrassas. Kashmir is an obvious target to avenge. The ethnic cleansing of people of Balochistan and Pashtuns makes Pakistan further unstable. Due to internal instability, Pakistan army could project itself as the only option available to protect their country against India hence they justify holding the reins of power. Their influence and relevance is due to 'Indian threat' and a 'boiling Kashmir valley'. Pakkistan's former President Pervez Musharraf further nurtured militants, used them in proxy wars as 'strategic assets' and this reality has not changed. In this backdrop, every effort for peace is expected to fail. With Pakistan giving a ruling about Gilgit-Baltistan which is a sovereign territory of India, I do not see any peacefulness in Indo-Pak relations in near future. Did Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) have any impact on ceasefire? The ideas like ceasefire and declaration of NICO were tried earlier in the year 2000, but failed. Pakistan neither reciprocated the gesture nor promised to hold fire. In fact they started the trans-border firing on the first day of Ramzan. It was expected that with development and 'Embracing Kashmiris' by suspending combat operations during Ramzan will alienate the population against militants trying to disturb peace. In the present declaration, the deployment and intelligence grid of security forces is not being disturbed, but they can take retaliatory action, only if militants fire at them. The fact that declaration was rejected by terrorist groups, who intend to continue their actions during the holy month of Ramzan, as well as separatist groups enjoying state protection, means that it is waiting to fail, as their narrative has been written by Pakistan. Let me analyse the possibilities under the present model of NICO: The expectation of peace through NICO is a misconception, because the militants, especially Pakistanis cause innumerable atrocities on innocent people of Kashmir, but no one lodges complaint/FIR against them, as they know that the entire family will be wiped out. Abu Dujana is a case in point. The militants can move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest, as they know that security forces cannot do anything till they actually fire at them. Terrorists are free to extort, launder money and muster enough funds for subsequent operations. They can carry out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their parents. How should India respond to changing realities? As there are no easy answers for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, India cannot afford to put its guard down on account of ceasefire. India should not be talking to Pakistan unless it shuns proxy war. India needs to declare a well thought state policy on the subject, because any wavering of stance can be construed as a weakness. War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India can look at overt and covert options against militants. While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it is yet to scrap the 'Most Favored Nation' status accorded to it. India should also take up the issue of Balochistan in all world forums along with terrorism brewing in Pakistan. India needs to use the leverage of water sharing also with Pakistan. Internally, the decision makers need to have an honest intention to resolve it. The allurement of vote bank politics has to be subordinated to national interest. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Pakistan agreeing to ceasefire is a ploy to release international pressure

A community organisation of Dogras, belonging to Jammu and Kashmir staged a protest against ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

The protest was conducted in front of Pakistani High Commission in London in solidarity with the Jammu border villages which Pakistan targets using both small arms fire and heavy calibre weapons, causing extensive damage to both life and property.

The protestors further highlighted the recent deaths of an 8-month-old child named Nitin and 8-year-old Krishna in the incidents of unprovoked firing by Pakistan during the holy month of Ramzan.

The role of Pakistan in creating disturbance in the state of Jammu Kashmir through unprovoked ceasefire violations along the IB and LOC in Jammu, and infiltrations and sponsoring of terrorism to keep the state unstable and its residents in fear.

Anisha Safaya said, "I request the Pakistan authorities to stop bleeding our borders. Stop killing our people. If you (Pakistan) are not perturbed by the killing of eight-year-old, then it is really shameful."

Another protestor said that they will raise their voices against Pakistan at several international forums and will spread the word that Pakistan is a terror-state.

A community organisation of Dogras, belonging to Jammu and Kashmir staged a protest against ceasefire violations by Pakistan

A community organisation of Dogras, belonging to Jammu and Kashmir staged a protest against ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The protest was conducted in front of Pakistani High Commission in London in solidarity with the Jammu border villages which Pakistan targets using both small arms fire and heavy calibre weapons, causing extensive damage to both life and property. The protestors further highlighted the recent deaths of an 8-month-old child named Nitin and 8-year-old Krishna in the incidents of unprovoked firing by Pakistan during the holy month of Ramzan. The role of Pakistan in creating disturbance in the state of Jammu Kashmir through unprovoked ceasefire violations along the IB and LOC in Jammu, and infiltrations and sponsoring of terrorism to keep the state unstable and its residents in fear. Anisha Safaya said, "I request the Pakistan authorities to stop bleeding our borders. Stop killing our people. If you (Pakistan) are not perturbed by the killing of eight-year-old, then it is really shameful." Another protestor said that they will raise their voices against Pakistan at several international forums and will spread the word that Pakistan is a terror-state.

Dogras protest against Pakistan firing at Indian borders

According to the Indo-Pak Conflict Monitor, which tracks ceasefire violations on both sides of the border, India has already reported — till February 2018 — 633 ceasefire violations this year.&nbsp

Pakistan on the other hand has reported — till March 22, 2018 — 690 ceasefire violations.&nbsp

To put that in perspective, in 2017, India reported 771 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, the International Border, and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp

And only 228 in 2016.&nbsp

But that of course was the year of the "surgical strikes", when Indian soldiers crossed the border and hit what the army referred to as a "terror launchpad".&nbsp

Ever since then, there has been a massive surge in ceasefire violations along the border.&nbsp

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was signed in 2003. The nitty gritty of the agreement was worked out by the DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the two armies.&nbsp

Some of the reasons stated for the accord at the time sound rather prosaic now — it would for example allow the two armies to move stores. (There was of course also the fact that it would allow them to evacuate their wounded.)&nbsp

But the accord itself was pretty significant considering the two countries had come close to war in 2001 after the terror attack on the Indian Parliament, which the country alleged was launched from Pakistan.&nbsp

The ceasefire held for 10 years.&nbsp

Then in January 2013 India alleged that a Pakistani Border Action Team crossed over, ambushed an Indian Army patrol, and killed two soldiers.&nbsp

One of the two soldiers was beheaded.&nbsp

Pakistan denied the claim but the allegation caused massive outrage in India.&nbsp

Salman Khurshid, the then minister for External Affairs, vowed a “proportionate” response.&nbsp

The never-ending cycle of tit-for-tat that ensued has never stopped.&nbsp

And by now of course, with a ceasefire violation reported virtually every day along the border, it is fair to say that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan exists only on paper. For all practical purposes, the agreement is as good as dead.&nbsp

 
&nbsp

2018 is already well on its to witnessing the highest number of ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border. The agreement, signed in 2003, exists only on paper

According to the Indo-Pak Conflict Monitor, which tracks ceasefire violations on both sides of the border, India has already reported — till February 2018 — 633 ceasefire violations this year. Pakistan on the other hand has reported — till March 22, 2018 — 690 ceasefire violations. To put that in perspective, in 2017, India reported 771 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, the International Border, and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir. And only 228 in 2016. But that of course was the year of the "surgical strikes", when Indian soldiers crossed the border and hit what the army referred to as a "terror launchpad". Ever since then, there has been a massive surge in ceasefire violations along the border. The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was signed in 2003. The nitty gritty of the agreement was worked out by the DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the two armies. Some of the reasons stated for the accord at the time sound rather prosaic now — it would for example allow the two armies to move stores. (There was of course also the fact that it would allow them to evacuate their wounded.) But the accord itself was pretty significant considering the two countries had come close to war in 2001 after the terror attack on the Indian Parliament, which the country alleged was launched from Pakistan. The ceasefire held for 10 years. Then in January 2013 India alleged that a Pakistani Border Action Team crossed over, ambushed an Indian Army patrol, and killed two soldiers. One of the two soldiers was beheaded. Pakistan denied the claim but the allegation caused massive outrage in India. Salman Khurshid, the then minister for External Affairs, vowed a “proportionate” response. The never-ending cycle of tit-for-tat that ensued has never stopped. And by now of course, with a ceasefire violation reported virtually every day along the border, it is fair to say that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan exists only on paper. For all practical purposes, the agreement is as good as dead.

Analysis: Ceasefire Agreement between India and Pakistan is as good as dead

In a strong message, the Indian Army today asked Pakistan military to stop supporting terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it will continue to take all "retaliatory measures" foil Pakistan's evil designs.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conversation, Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan told his Pakistani counterpart that the onus on bringing down tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir lies with Pakistan, Army officials said.

The unscheduled interaction over the hotline took place this evening following a request by Pakistan, they said adding the Pakistani DGMO alleged that Indian security forces had resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC.

"Indian Army DGMO emphatically stated that retaliatory firing by Indian troops has only been carried out in response to unabated support given by Pakistan Army to armed terrorists who infiltrate across the border and target Indian Army posts with heavy calibre weapons," the Army said.

It said Lt Gen Chauhan further impressed conveyed to his Pakistan counterpart that support to terrorism by Pakistan Army was unacceptable and the Indian will continue to take all retaliatory measures.

"The onus of de-escalation along the LoC rests with Pakistan Army provided they stop supporting terrorists and put an end to unprovoked ceasefire violations to abet infiltration," the Army said.

The LoC in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a spurt in ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops in the last few months and the Indian Army has been retaliating effectively to Pakistani actions.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conversation, Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan told his Pakistani counterpart that the onus on bringing down tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir lies with Pakistan, Army officials said.

In a strong message, the Indian Army today asked Pakistan military to stop supporting terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it will continue to take all "retaliatory measures" foil Pakistan's evil designs. In a telephonic conversation, Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan told his Pakistani counterpart that the onus on bringing down tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir lies with Pakistan, Army officials said. The unscheduled interaction over the hotline took place this evening following a request by Pakistan, they said adding the Pakistani DGMO alleged that Indian security forces had resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC. "Indian Army DGMO emphatically stated that retaliatory firing by Indian troops has only been carried out in response to unabated support given by Pakistan Army to armed terrorists who infiltrate across the border and target Indian Army posts with heavy calibre weapons," the Army said. It said Lt Gen Chauhan further impressed conveyed to his Pakistan counterpart that support to terrorism by Pakistan Army was unacceptable and the Indian will continue to take all retaliatory measures. "The onus of de-escalation along the LoC rests with Pakistan Army provided they stop supporting terrorists and put an end to unprovoked ceasefire violations to abet infiltration," the Army said. The LoC in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a spurt in ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops in the last few months and the Indian Army has been retaliating effectively to Pakistani actions.

Stop supporting terror groups: Indian DGMO to Pakistan

Pakistan troops opened <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-troops-target-villages-forward-posts-in-poonch--132042?first_load=no">fire in the Krishna Ghati sector</a> along Line of Control(LoC) today.

Indian Army personnel retaliated almost immediately, reports said.

On Sunday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in the Poonch sector shelling the area indiscriminately in the morning.

The firing was mainly directed at Indian forward troops and villages along the border, reports said.

No casualties were reported in the firing on Sunday.

On Sunday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in the Poonch sector shelling the area indiscriminately in the morning.

Pakistan troops opened fire in the Krishna Ghati sector along Line of Control(LoC) today. Indian Army personnel retaliated almost immediately, reports said. On Sunday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in the Poonch sector shelling the area indiscriminately in the morning. The firing was mainly directed at Indian forward troops and villages along the border, reports said. No casualties were reported in the firing on Sunday.

Pak troops open fire along LoC, Indian army retaliates

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