Srinagar, Aug 20 (IANS): An Indian soldier was killed on Tuesday after Pakistan again resorted to unprovoked shelling on Indian posts in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, triggering a fierce response from the Indian side.

According to Defence Ministry officials, Pakistan violated ceasefire at 11 a.m. by firing small arms and shelling mortars in the Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of the Valley.

He said in the exchange of fire in Mendhar Sector, Naik Ravi Ranjan Kumar Singh was killed. The official said that Singh (36) was a resident of Rohtas in Bihar and is survived by his wife.

The official said Indian Army responded strongly and effectively.

"Heavy damage to Pakistan army posts and casualties to Pakistan soldiers have been inflicted by our troops," he said.

On Monday, after a lull of less than 24 hours, Pakistan violated the ceasefire near the LoC in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the Indian Army hit a Pakistani military post opposite Rajouri after Pakistani firing killed an Indian soldier.

Army sources said an increase in shelling could be part of Pakistan's efforts to sneak in militants into Jammu and Kashmir.

Ceasefire violations have witnessed a spike after a sudden dip in the first two weeks of August.

The number of ceasefire violations along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir have been the highest in July this year.