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Seven Indian soldiers killed in Pak attack

Mukhtar Ahmed in Jammu

Pakistani troops crossed the line of control and raided an Indian army listening post in the Laam sector near Nowshera at around 4.30 am, killing seven soldiers. Three others were wounded while one is still missing.

Defence sources said the body of the missing soldier may have been taken across the border. The injured soldiers were shifted to Jammu hospital for treatment.

Brigadier Randhir Singh, of the 16 Corps said the Pakistani army rained mortar rounds on the listening post, which warns other posts in the area if any movement is noticed in the area. The mortar was followed up with heavy fire that killed the seven soldiers. Three bodies have been charred beyond recognition, he said.

The post is surrounded on three sides by Pakistani army positions.

Taking to journalists in Jammu, Brigadier Randhir Singh the Brigadier General Staff, 16 Corps, said the situation along the LoC was highly volatile.

Pakistani soldiers also attacked three border posts in Pallanwala sector in Jammu today. However, no one was injured.

This is third attack on the LoC in the Jammu sector in the last one month. Security has been further beefed up in the area.

Intermittent shelling was also reported from Keran and Karnah recently. Five civilians were killed in heavy shelling in Karnah last week. A dozen houses and shops were also damaged.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has beefed up security along the LoC.

Patrolling along the LoC has been increased and troops, police and intelligence agencies alerted after an alleged massacre of 14 civilians that Islamabad says "was the work of Indian commandos".

India has rejected the allegations that its soldiers were involved.

Pakistani troops and border security forces would be on full vigil, keeping a strict eye on all narrow ridges, Pakistani officials said.

With inputs from UNI

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