Srinagar: Two Armymen lost their lives during an encounter with Pakistani troops in a ceasefire violation activity along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning, reported news agency PTI. There was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector at 11: 55 am, said an army official adding that one junior commissioned officer (JCO) was killed in the firing and another succumbed to injuries later at a medical facility. He said the Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violation effectively.

This for the second time that Pakistan has violated ceasefire in the district in December. On December 6, Pakistan Army resorted to "unprovoked" firing on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district which took lives of 2 army men. Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the Pakistan Army violated the 2003 ceasefire in Machil sector at 10.45 am. The Pakistanis used automatics and mortar shells. A civilian house was damaged in the shelling in Kamalkote area.

As many as 7 locals were killed in clashes that erupted after an encounter in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district last week. More than 15 people were also injured after security forces opened fire at the protesters near the site of the encounter. Three terrorists -- including jawan-turned-terrorist Zahoor Ahmad Thokar -- were also gunned down in the encounter. An Army jawan was also killed and two other soldiers were injured.

Hizbul Mujahideen in July had claimed that Zahoor Ahmad Thokar of 173 Territorial Army, who was missing along with his service rifle and ammunition, had joined the militant outfit. Army official claims that Thoker was involved in several killings in Pulwama district. The encounter broke out after the security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Sirnoo village after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of terrorists in the area.

"Loss of civilians is deeply grieved. We once again appeal to citizens to remain away from encounter site as it is a prohibited zone which involves significant danger to life. A case has been registered. Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition have been recovered from the encounter site," said J&K police in its official statement.