Thirteen civilians were injured in continuous firing and shelling along the International Border (IB) by Pakistani troops for second consecutive day on Tuesday.
“Thirteen civilians were injured, in which three are serious, in Ramgarh Sector on the IB of Jammu due to Pakistan firing in Araspura, Arnia, Ramgarh, Samba, Hiranagar sectors. It’s sad incident. The police are assisting in shifting the injured to the hospitals,” said Director General of Police (DGP) S.P. Vaid.
Officials in Jammu said India and Pakistan resumed firing on Tuesday around 7 a.m. “Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling on both 30 outposts of the security forces and over two dozen villages near the IB in Jammu all day,” said the officials.
Indiscriminate shelling and firing spread in Arnia, R.S.Pura and Ramgarh sectors during the day, said the officials.
At least two dozen villages were affected by the shelling. All schools near the International Border have been closed and the administration advised people “to remain indoors till the situation returns to normal”.
Additional deputy commissioner, Jammu, Arjun Manhas, said a total 745 people have been put up in seven shelter camps in R. S. Pura and Bishnah. “The district administration in Jammu is making all possible efforts to accommodate affected persons comfortably,” said Mr. Manhas.
The fresh firing comes a day after eight-year-old baby was killed and six injured in Pakistani firing along the IB on Monday.
On Sunday, Pakistan had sought end to ceasefire violations by calling up counterparts in Jammu. “However, the pledge to silent the guns was not maintained,” said an official. Two BSF jawans and five civilians were killed in the past week on the IB in Jammu.
Ceasefire holding in mainland Kashmir: DGP
Meanwhile, DGP Vaid the Ramzan ceasefire “was successful thus far”. “The initiative of the Prime Minister has helped in general improvement in law and order. The situation especially in south Kashmir has eased and is serving as confidence building measure for families who want their boys to return back home,” said DGP Vaid.
