Situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in frontier Rajouri and Poonch districts continue to remain grim as several civilian areas were targeted by the Pakistan Army in the last 24 hours triggering panic among the border residents.
In response, the Indian Army gave them a ‘befitting’ reply and inflicted heavy damages on the other side of the LoC.
The district authorities in both the sensitive districts are keeping a close watch on the ground situation to prevent any loss of human lives in intense exchange of firing.
So far, border residents are staying back in their houses in forward areas amid palpable tension in air.
According to ground reports, the Pakistan Army targeted several residential areas in Nowshera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri while firing across Shahpur Kerni sector of Poonch continued till wee hours of Sunday. Some of the houses in Kalal and Deeng bore maximum brunt of Pakistani firing. Local police officers were rushed to the spot to instil sense of security among the local residents in the area.
Defence PRO in Jammu, Lt Col Devender Anand said, “The Pakistan Army initiated ceasefire violation in Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri around 10.00 a.m on Sunday”. He said, “The Pakistan Army fired mortar shells targeting civilian areas”. “The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively”, he added.
In Srinagar, the security agencies imposed strict restrictions to contain congregation of Shia muslims during Muharram processions in down town areas.
Following these restrictions, normal life too remained paralysed in most parts of Srinagar and other districts of Kashmir.
Barring one National Conference MP, Retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi no one from the National Conference could offer prayers on the occasion of death anniversary of Sheikh Mohd Abdullah.
Since both Dr Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah have been detained no other leader or party worker could reach the memorial to offer prayers on the occasion.
For the 35th day in succession, mobile internet services remained suspended and public transport facilities remained off the road. Markets too wore a deserted look in most parts of Srinagar. Only private vehicles were seen moving in uptown Srinagar. Following minor clashes in Hasnabad area of Srinagar on Saturday, the district authorities Sunday prevented free movement of local residents in down town areas of Srinagar.
Concertina wires were spread at entry and exit points to check movement of motorists and prevent assembly of mourners during Muharram procession. Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary told The Pioneer over telephone, “to ensure safety of local residents certain restrictions were imposed in down town areas in view of Muharram.
He said, no major untoward incident was reported in Srinagar on Sunday. He maintained these restrictions will remain in place for two more days on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Mukesh Singh IGP Jammu Zone, visited twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and conducted on the spot assessment and reviewed the present security scenario in view of the present situation in the State.
IGP Jammu held introductory meeting with all the territorial officers of both districts to review the security arrangements. The officers were directed to keep close surveillance over the activities of OGWs, mischief mongers, miscreants and trouble creators so that law & order is maintained at any cost.