"poonch"

According to sources, the Pakistani army also suffered numerous casualties in the "strong and effective" retaliation by the Indian troops as several of their posts were also destroyed.

Colonel Devender Anand, Defence Ministry spokesman said Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the LoC in Poonch sector on Thursday night.

"Medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for higher reaches of Kishtwar, Kupwara and Bandipora districts," an official of the disaster management department said.

The search operation was launched in Basoni, Dharana and adjoining areas shortly after the detection of the drone on Saturday evening.

"All civilians are hospitalised in Mandi Hospital of Poonch district," said top Border Security Force (BSF) sources.

This is third consecutive day that the Pakistan Army has targeted hamlets and posts with mortar bombs and heavy firing triggering fear and panic among the residents along the LoC.

There was no report of any casualty on the Indian side in the shelling, a defence spokesperson said.