Jammu, Nov 22 (IANS): After a fortnight's lull, Pakistani troops Friday violated the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir yet again, opening fire on Indian positions in Mendhar sector of the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, defence officials said.

Defence sources told IANS that Pakistani troops fired at Indian positions in Balakote area of Mendhar sector in the evening.

"Pakistan Army fired at our positions without any provocation and the fire has been retaliated by us. The Pakistani troops are using automatics and small weapons, and our troops have responded with same calibre weapons. Firing exchanges are still continuing in the area," the source said.

Friday's violation of bilateral ceasefire by Pakistan has come after a fortnight-long lull.

Since the beginning of this year, Pakistan troops have over 260 times violated the ceasefire agreement signed by the two South Asian nuclear-powered neighbours in November 2003.