At least 16 animals were killed in heavy firing and shelling by Pakistan Army on forwarding posts and vills in different sectors along Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, officials said on Saturday. intense shelling from across border also prompted authorities to suspend class work in nearly half a dozen government-run schools falling within firing range in Poonch district on Saturday, y said.

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Defense Spokesperson's statement

A defense spokesman said Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by targeting wshera sector in Rajouri and Balakote area of Mendhar, Shahpur and Kerni sectors in Poonch district, drawing a befitting response from Indian army.

Pakistan first violated ceasefire in wshera sector from 8 pm to 10 pm on Friday, followed by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars in Balakote area of Mendhar sector in Poonch district from 11.45 pm to 2 am, he said.

At about 9.45 am on Saturday, spokesman said, Pakistan again violated ceasefire and targeted Shahpur and Kerni sectors in Poonch district. cross-border firing between two sides was going on when last reports were received, he said.

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16 animals killed

Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Rahul Yav said 16 domestic animals were killed in overnight Pakistani shelling in Balakote area.

" classwork in four schools was suspended today (Saturday) as a precautionary measure as re was an apprehension of unexploded mortar shells lying in vicinity," Yav told PTI.

Officials said a few more schools were closed in Shahpur sector in view of ongoing shelling for safety of students. Several residential houses suffered mir dams due to Pakistani shelling, y said, ding re was report of any civilian casualty. Panic gripped border villrs as shelling on civilian areas was intense, officials said, ding people have been vised to take necessary precautionary steps for ir safety.

This year, according to officials, Pakistan violated ceasefire over 2,050 times, leaving 21 Indians de and scores of ors injured. India has repeatedly called upon Pakistan to ask its forces to here to 2003 ceasefire understanding and maintain peace and tranquility along LoC and International Border.

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