After witnessing ‘death and destruction’ in heavy Pakistan shelling along the line of control in Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri sector of Baramulla, the Union Territory administration on Wednesday activated its evacuation plan by shifting border residents from several vulnerable places to safer zones.
The Poonch city wore a deserted look in the evening as a large number of residents migrated to safer places after 12 civilians, including four children, were killed in the shelling.
The villagers from forward villages, falling in the direct line of fire, were also evacuated, and those left behind were directed to spend the night inside bunkers to prevent further loss of lives in the shelling. The decision was taken to prevent loss of lives and property in the event of a fresh escalation between India and Pakistan.
So far, the International border has relatively remained calm, compared to the line of control in the region, as it has been witnessing repeated incidents of ceasefire violations since April 23.
The local authorities relayed messages to the village elders and former public representatives to relocate to safer places and shelter points made functional by the district authorities at various places.
The residents from the forward villages of RS Pura, Arnia, Ramgarh, Pargwal in Akhnoor, and several other places in Hiranagar and Kathua were shifted to safer places till late evening.
The BSF jawans have been kept on high alert to respond to any misadventure from the Pakistani side.
Fresh assessment made by the security agencies prompted the UT authorities to take this timely measure on ground zero. When contacted villagers from the border belt of RS Pura claimed, they have been advised by the local authorities to stay alert during the night and shift to safer places as Pakistan may resort to mortar shelling to escalate the tensions along the International border as well.
It is learnt, Indian Army flattened several Pakistani forward posts in strong retaliatory firing along the line of control in Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla and Kupwara sectors on Wednesday.
A border resident from Jeora farms in RS Pura Syed Ali said the village had suffered immensely and had even been burned to the ground in the past by Pakistani shelling.
“We have been told to move out for our safety, and we are following the directions of the government,” he said, adding the village has a population of more than 1,000, mostly earning their livelihood by selling milk and milk products.
He said they are afraid of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan following the recent civilian killings by terrorists in Pahalgam.
The residents of Gagrian and adjoining villages, including Pragwal near the LoC in Akhnoor sector, said they have also been informed by the authorities to shift to safer places.
“We have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our security forces to secure the borders. A policeman came to the village and asked the people to take shelter either in a government accommodation or at a relative’s house for the time being,” Mangat Ram said.
“It is safe to move out for the time being till the situation normalises,” Ram said. The officials said the district administration has mobilised all its resources to make necessary arrangements for the convenience of people, especially females, so that they do not face any problem at the temporary shelter homes.