1,000 evacuated as Pakistani troops shell border villages in Rajouri

Pakistani troops heavily shelled areas along the LoC in Rajouri district for the second consecutive day on Sunday, causing heavy damage to buildings and forcing evacuation of 1,000 border residents.
The Indian Army effectively retaliated.

The Pakistan Army had on Saturday pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. “The Pakistani Army has resorted to indiscriminate firing of small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0645 hours along the Line of Control in Rajouri sector,” a defence spokesman said.
The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively. The firing is presently on,” he said.

Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, said fresh ceasefire violation has been reported in ‘chitibakri’ area of Chingus in Rajouri yesterday.

“Heavy shelling started in Manjakote area of Rajouri at O620 hours. More than seven villages have been affected”, the Deputy Commissioner said.

Choudhary said there was massive damage to buildings. He said the number of migrants at relief camps swelled to 978 overnight. Till now 259 families have been evacuated from three villages, he added.

Fifty-one schools in Nowshera sector have been closed for an indefinite period, while 36 in Manjakote and Doongi zones have been shut for three days. Nearly 4,600 students study in 87 schools, he added.

After the Pakistani shelling, 1,000 people were evacuated from various areas along the LoC in Rajouri district to safer places.