Indian army conducts artillery assaults on posts across LoC in Naushera, Pak denies

Reacting to the Indian Army's punitive artillery assaults to destroy Pakistani military posts across the LoC, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said, "The government supports the actions of Indian Army across LoC. Such actions are needed to ensure peace in the region. The Army has taken preemptive action to counter terrorism in the valley and disengage Pakistan posts across the LoC supporting infiltration."

Earlier, the Army said that it had conducted punitive artillery assaults to destroy Pakistani military posts across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to media, Major General Ashok Narula said, "Punitive fire assaults are being undertaken across the line of control. Recent actions in Naushera have caused damage to Pakistan army posts." Narula also said that Pakistan Army has been providing support to armed infiltrators.

Rocket Launchers (RL), Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Automated Grenade Launchers (AGL) and recoilless guns were used to carry out the operation, Narula said He further said that as the snow in the Valley melts and the blockage on the passes opens, increase in infiltration will be expected.

"Indian Army proactively dominates LoC and we want peace and tranquility in Jammu & Kashmir," he added. Earlier in the day, Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) Munir Khan said that about 90 militants were active in north Kashmir and stressed that the army was ready to face the challenge of infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC).

"We have reports that there are attempts of infiltration, but we have no reports that there is enhanced infiltration," Khan told reporters at Sopore, 52 km from here.

Pakistan has reacted to India's claims. Pakistan Army has given out a statement saying, " Indian claims of destroying Pakistani post along LOC in Naushera Sec and firing by Pak Army on civilians across LOC are false".