In Jammu and Kashmir, an Army officer and three jawans were martyred in heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts yesterday.

Four people, including two teenagers, were also injured in heavy shelling by Pakistan, forcing Indian troops to retaliate. Pakistani forces opened unprovoked heavy firing and shelling along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector of Rajouri district last evening.

Army Officials said that Martyrdom of Indian Army soldiers will not go in vain and the unprovoked action by the Pakistan Army will be given a befitting response.

In another ceasefire violation by Pakistan, six mortars exploded in border villages of Manjakote sector last evening. The mortars were fired by Pakistani troops and were responded by Indian forces guarding the LoC, triggering an exchange of fire between the two sides.

Meanwhile, all schools situated within five kilometers of the Line of Control in Rajouri district have been closed by authorities for three days in view of firing and shelling by Pakistani troops. Authorities said that the situation was very tense as firing and shelling by Pakistani troops continued round the clock.

In January, schools along the International Border and the Line of Control in five districts Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch were closed for over a fortnight because of firing and shelling by Pakistani troops.