70 border posts, 100 villages hit by shelling
Though Pakistan has started feeling the heat of strong Indian retaliation on “ground zero”, it continues to ignore the stern warning against escalating tension on border.
Pakistani rangers activated almost the entire length of the International border across Jammu frontier by targeting around 70 border outposts (BoPs) and over 100 forward villages with long-range mortar shells and heavy volume of firing late on Wednesday. There are a total number of 102 BoPs spread across 192-km long International border in Jammu frontier.
Unprovoked shelling from across the border triggered a fresh wave of terror among the residual population in some of the forward villages in Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, Pargwal and Kanachak sub-sectors.
Over one dozen civilians, including three BSF personnel, were injured due to splinter injuries in the last 24 hours across Jammu frontier.
The number of border residents leaving their homes is multiplying with every passing day as it is becoming difficult for them to survive under the shadow of death in complete darkness at the night.
“We are living in the direct line of fire. The shelling is getting more intense and my children cannot sustain the trauma so we too have decided to shift to safer places,” Koushal Kumar of village Chandu Chak told The Pioneer before shifting his family to a safe location. Koushal has decided to stay put in the village to look after the cattle.
Meanwhile, as fresh firing resumed in RS Pura and Samba sectors late on Thursday evening, the BSF jawans too were bracing for the long night ahead.
The BSF jawans have received clear diktats to follow “tit for tat” policy if provoked by the Pakistan Rangers by targeting their posts.
Ghulam Hassan of Jeora farms, camping in Chakrohi Government High School building, told The Pioneer that the intensity of fire was increasing every night and the border residents camping in their villages to look after their livestock were taking shelter in the community bunkers to ensure their safety.
“We do not feel safe here. last night two shells landed close to the relief centre in the open fields. The State Government must shift us to safer locations where we can look after our cattle as there is no provision for their survival needs such as fodder and water,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Arnia town in RS Pura and several forward villages in Ramgarh sector of Samba were hit hard by the Pakistani shelling causing splinter injuries to civilians.
The bustling Arnia town, with a sizeble population of over 20,000, continues to wear deserted looks with markets remaining shut and houses mostly abandoned. Scanty traffic in the form of movement of livestock in open auto carriers can be seen after a long gap on empty roads. Shops with broken shutters and punctured walls dot the main market area and present a look of ‘ghost town’.
A handful of people including an owner of a medical shop are putting up a brave front in the area, but they are doing so at their own peril. Medical practitioner Dr OP Saini said he has seen 1965 and 1971 wars, but never fled the area. “I have been living here since ages. I have never thought of fleeing. I am ready to face the destiny sitting in my house,” he said, adding, he is keeping his shop open to help some needy in difficult times as the entire market remains shut.
On Thursday, when several media teams arrived in the area they were greeted with intense mortar shelling. An woman was injured.
Tension prevailed in Akhnoor sector as well as Kanachak remained the focal point of shelling apart from RS Pura sector during the last 24 hours.
The local residents camping in relief centres set up by the State Government inside Government school buildings are a worried lot as they are not prepared for the long haul especially during the festive season.
To extend helping hand to the displaced border residents, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited several relief centres in Samba, Kathua and Bisnah and took stock of the arrangements by interacting with the affected population. large number of angry people apprised him of their genuine concerns. In response, Omar directed the State Government officials to provide succor to the people.
Omar said, he has also given directions for establishing temporary camps for cattle as also arranging fodder and medical facilities for them. He said Police Department has been asked to take measures for the safety of property of the migrants they have left back. He said other demands of reservation and allotment of plots presented by the affected people would be taken up at right forums appropriately.
The Chief Minister asked the Divisional officers to identify more places of temporary shelters for the population migrating from border areas for safety.