7 Pakistani Soldiers Killed In 'Retaliatory Action' Along LoC, Says Army

NEW DELHI: The army today said it had killed seven Pakistani soldiers in retaliatory action along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch. At least four of the deaths were confirmed by the Pakistani government in a tweet. The army's action comes after an Indian soldier was killed in Pakistani firing in the Rajouri district on Saturday.

"The army has carried out retaliation against Pakistani troops across Jaglote area along the LoC in Mendhar sector of Poonch district", a senior Army officer was quoted. This morning, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said at a function to mark Army Day, "If we are forced, then we may resort to 'other action' by stepping up military offensive."

General Rawat said the Pakistan army had been continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the Line of Control. "We are using our might to teach them a lesson. We will keep effectively retaliating to any provocative action by Pakistan," he said.

"We will not let anti-India activities succeed at any cost," the army chief asserted.

In the latest provocation this morning, at least five Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists tried to enter India at Uri before being killed by security forces. Defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the group of suicide attackers from Pakistan was trying to enter India near Dulanja in Uri, about 108 km from state capital Srinagar.

Colonel Kalia said the forces "had prior information" about their plan. "As soon as they were spotted, a joint operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, army and paramilitary forces leading to a fierce gun battle that killed five terrorists," he said. Weapons found on the terrorists suggested plans of a big suicide attack, the police said. The forces have heightened security in the state ahead of Republic Day celebrations.