The increased shelling across LoC was aimed at providing cover to infiltrating militants, say intelligence officials. Photo: HTNew Delhi: A spate of heavy shelling and ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, displacing more than 500 villagers on the Indian side of the border in Kashmir, have led to a dramatic escalation of tensions, according to police and intelligence officials. According to the centre’s statistics, increased shelling by Pakistan since 14 February has left 19 people dead, of whom 10 are security personnel while nine are civilians. On-ground intelligence officials said that with the snow melting along the passes in Jammu and Kashmir, the increased shelling was aimed at providing cover to infiltrating militants. Ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops have increased sharply over the past few years.

Source: Mint February 26, 2018 22:07 UTC