Cross-LoC shelling suspends trade in Poonch
Jammu, Mar 13 (PTI) The cross-LoC trade was suspended on Wednesday after Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control by resorting to unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms firing in Poonch district, officials said.
Five mortar shells hit the trade facilitation centre at Chakan-da-Bagh, damaging a few sheds, including the one housing the X-ray scanner, custodian of LoC trade centre, Poonch, Fareed Kohli told PTI.
He said the shelling took place around 12.30 pm, when the process of scanning of the trucks was almost complete.
There were no casualties but the shelling caused panic among those present at the centre, he said, adding that the main building remained safe.
Kohli said the cross-LoC trade was suspended for the day in view of the shelling.
Officials said the shelling started in Krishna Ghati sector around 10.30 am and later spread to Poonch sector.
The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively, they said, adding that the shelling was continuing when last reports were received.
The cross-LoC trade between Poonch on this side and Rawalakot in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), which started in October 2008, takes place from Tuesday to Friday every week on barter system.
The latest skirmishes along LoC come after a two-day lull.
