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Heavy firing exchanged on Jammu IB

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 1/31/2015 2:06:25 PM

JAMMU, Jan 30: Pakistani troops resorted to night-long firing and mortar shelling on Border out Posts (BoPs) and hamlets along the International Border in Jammu district, prompting the Border Security Force (BSF) to retaliate.
Pakistani Rangers resorted to heavy small arms firing and mortar shelling in civilian areas and BoPs along IB in Arnia and R S Pura sub-sectors in Jammu district throughout the night. Pakistan's shelling was retaliated by BSF troopers and both sides exchanged fire for more than six hours.
The shelling injured three people, including two men and a woman, in Arnia town last evening. There was no injury in the shelling later in the night or in the morning as 2-3 shells landed Arnia town this morning at 8.00 AM.
However, an uneasy calm again prevailed on the international border in Jammu district Friday as tension was palpable in Arnia and R.S. Pura towns because of shelling by Pakistan Rangers.
Pakistani mortar shells had hit a school and a residential house in Arnia town which is 3.5 kilometres away from IB. A senior police officer who visited Arnia Friday said things were returning to normal in the town as well as in R S Pura.
"Things are fast returning to normal after yesterday's firing by Pakistan rangers in which three persons were injured. Pakistan shells hit a school building, a residential house and another structure in Arnia yesterday resulting in injuries to three persons," the officer said.
The brunt of Pakistan firing on the international border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts is borne by villagers living close to the border in these districts.
"Our lives are thrown upside down by these firing incidents. Besides endangering our lives, agricultural activities, education of children, livestock and other routine activities of life are all being held hostage by these firing incidents,” said a local resident Bansi Lal, of RS Pura town.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu alongwith IGP, Jammu Rajesh Kumar today visited Jugnu Chak BSF post and other border areas hit by Pakistani shelling. During the visit, Divisional Commissioner interacted with the people and took stock of their problems and advised to stay indoors during evening hours.
Earlier, Divisional Commissioner briefed the Governor about the situation at the border. He informed that three injured civilians were timely shifted to GMC Jammu and are undergoing treatment where all medicare facilities are being provided to them. Divisional Commissioner was informed by the concerned officers that temporary arrangements for providing safe shelters to the people have been put in place to ensure their safety.
MLAs elect Bishnah and R S Pura, District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Director Health Services, Jammu and other district officers of the administration accompanied the Divisional Commissioner.
As reported Thursday evening, three civilians were injured in heavy firing along the International Border. The forces from across the border started unprovoked firing around 7.15 PM Thursday evening, targeting Indian forward posts and civilian areas. The injured have been admitted to GMC Hospital, Jammu.