7 soldiers killed in Indian firing along LoC

Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts effectively in response to unprovoked firing, says ISPR

Seven Pakistan Army soldiers were killed as Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing at the Line of Control (LoC) on Sunday night.

"Seven soldiers embraced shahadat at LoC in Bhimber sector in cross-fire violation by Indian troops late last night," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

"Pakistani troops while responding to Indian unprovoked firing targeted Indian posts effectively," it added.

Pakistan Army responding in befitting manner. We salute our valiant soldiers who render ultimate sacrifices for national cause

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 14, 2016

PM condemns LoC violation

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in a statement, expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives due to the violation by Indian forces.

Paying tribute to the martyred soldiers, the prime minister termed it extremely unfortunate that Indian forces have continuously violated ceasefire agreement in recent days.



"We are fully capable of defending our soil against any aggression. Indian forces have resorted to escalating tension on LoC only to distract the world's attention from the grave human rights situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK)."

The premier said Indian forces have inflicted unspeakable atrocities against the unarmed and innocent people of IoK. "There is an indigenous uprising against Indian occupation, and the Indian government is failing to read the writing on the wall."

Nawaz said those that sacrificed their lives in defending the motherland would always be remembered and held in the highest esteem.

At least 26 civilians have been killed and 107 wounded in the last two months due to the Indian forces firing, according to the Foreign Office.



Frequent incidents of cross-border fire have been witnessed since a heightened situation in occupied Kashmir. More than 100 protesters have lost their lives to the security forces in the valley while dozens blinded by use of pellet guns.

The two countries have been at loggerheads since the killing of a populist rebel leader Burhan Wani by the occupied forces in the valley on July 8.

India also accuses Pakistan of being involved in an attack on an army base in Uri on September 18, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed. Islamabad has denied the charge, which Delhi leveled without any substantial investigation or evidence.

Following soldiers were killed at the LoC on Sunday:

Havildar Zafar Hussain, resident of Murree

Havildar Ibrar Ahmed Awan, resident of Muzaffarabad

Lance Naik Muhammad Shoukat, resident of Kahuta

Lance Naik Muhammad Haleem, resident of Lakki Marwat

Sepoy Pervez, resident of Authmuqam

Sepoy Muhammad Ilyas, resident of Talagang

Sepoy Muhammad Tanveer, resident of Azad Kashmir