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

Indian Army's retaliatory action comes after a soldier was killed in Pak firing in Rajouri on Saturday. General Bipin Rawat said Pakistan helping terrorists sneak into India "Won't let anti-India activities succeed at any cost," he said. This morning, five terrorists killed while trying to enter India

Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed in the army's "retaliatory action" at Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch this morning, in an escalation of hostilities along the Line of Control. At least four of the deaths were confirmed by the Pakistani government in a tweet that claimed that its soldiers tasked with maintenance duties died in the mortar attack.

The army's action follows the killing of an Indian soldier in Pakistani firing at Rajouri 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 as telling the news agency PTI.

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.

The army's quick retaliation, say sources, indicate a new, proactive approach in the face of incessant Pakistani provocation.

Last month, five army commandos of the "Ghatak" battalion crossed the Line of Control in Poonch and killed four Pakistani soldiers, to avenge the killing of four Indian soldiers including a Major by a Border Action Team of the Pakistan Army.