Two Pakistani soldiers were reported killed, as Indian forces retaliated to “unprovoked firing” by Pakistani troops at two different areas along the Line of Control in Poonch district through Wednesday night.

“There was a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Balnoi sector in Poonch (250 km northwest of Jammu), a defence source said. “The firing started around 2.30 am on Thursday. The Army returned the fire.”

A police officer confirmed that a vast area near the LoC was cordoned off in Balnoi village of Mendhar in Poonch district after the heavy exchange of fire between the armies of India and Pakistan in the small hours of Thursday.

On Wednesday evening, Pakistani army had violated the ceasefire agreement and opened fire on Indian positions along the 744-km LoC in Saujiyan sector of Poonch district.

At 5.33 pm on Wednesday, Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian posts, prompting Indian soldiers to respond. A gun-battle continued till 6.20 pm, after which there was a lull of 10 minutes. It resumed again and went till 8.30 pm on Wednesday.

Then, in Balnoi, a gun-battle started around 2.30 am on Thursday.

PM Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on the situation on LoC, in New Delhi.