India holds high-level meet to discuss ceasefire violations

By NewsGram Staff Writer

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday met in the national capital over ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and secretaries of the three key ministries also attended the meeting.

According to sources, along with the increase in ceasefire violations, the ministers and officials discussed Pakistan's claim that a drone shot down by its troops on the Line of Control belonged to India.

On Thursday, India and Pakistan traded heavy fire along the International Border in Jammu district on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day-long visit to the region.

Officials said on Thursday India had taken up with Pakistan the issue of heavy firing along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. "The matter was raised with (Pakistan High Commissioner) Abdul Basit on Wednesday," an official source told IANS.

On Wednesday, a woman was killed and four others – two troopers and two civilians – were injured in indiscriminate shelling by Pakistan Rangers in Akhnoor sector of the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.

These violations have come days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif held talks in Ufa, Russia, condemning terror and deciding to increase engagement at various levels.

(With inputs from IANS)