Jammu:The Indian and Pakistan armies on Wednesday were exchanging heavy fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir after the latter began unprovoked shelling and firing on Indian positions in Poonch and Rajouri districts, a defence official said.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing with small arms, automatics and mortars along the LoC from 2 p.m. onwards in Nowshera sector (of Rajouri) and from 4.45 p.m. onwards in Krishna Ghati sector (of Poonch)," said Defence Ministry spokesman, Lt Col. Devinder Anand.

"Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively. Firing exchanges were continuing till last reports came in (as of 6.30 p.m.)," he added.