10-year-old killed as India-Pakistan trade heavy firing on LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district

Indian and Pakistani troops traded heavy fire on Monday on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Quoting the police, PTI reported that one civilian was killed and four others were injured in cross-firing. The deceased has been identified as 10-year-old Israr Ahmed of Kerni. The injured include Reshma Bi, 55, and her son Mohammad Rafiq, 31, both residents of Kerni.

Police sources said heavy shelling and firing started between the two armies in Kerni area.

The official said that Pakistani troops targetted dozens of villages and posts in Shahpur, Kirni and Qasba sectors in the early hours, resulting in the death of a boy and injuries to five other civilians. The casualties occurred as some of the shells fell in Kerni village. Reports also said that the Indian security forces neutralized one infiltrator even as search operations are underway.

The official said the heavy cross-border firing started around 0650 hours, triggering panic among border residents. He said the injured civilians have been rushed to a hospital.

"After the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing at Indian positions, Indian military retaliated strongly and effectively. "Shelling and firing exchanges are going on," the sources added.