Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s day-long visit to Jammu on July 17, Pakistan has once again escalated tension along the International Border by resorting to ‘unprovoked’ firing and targeting of civilian areas.
On Wednesday, Pakistani rangers targeted at least five BSF posts in Kanachak area of Akhnoor and also lobbed 82 mm mortar shells on civilian areas killing one middle-aged woman and injuring six others, including two BSF jawans.
This is the fourth incident of a major ceasefire violation in Jammu region in last ten days.
Meanwhile, fresh hostilities triggered panic across the border belt in Jammu with fears of further escalation lurking in the minds of local residents.
According to ground reports, “the unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side started around 8.45 am and continued till 4.45 pm”. One of the forward BSF post was targeted by Pakistani rangers to inflict maximum damage on the BSF jawans. “At least three 82 mm mortar shells hit the BSF post in the Kanachak area of Akhnoor” official sources revealed. Pakistani rangers even targeted the bullet-proof vehicle rushed to the forward post to evacuate injured the BSF soldiers.
Villages wore a deserted look as locals chose to remain closeted inside their homes. The normal life was paralysed after the firing started. Children and women took shelter at safer places while the local govt functionaries swung in to action to make alternate arrangements for night shelters.
Agricultural laborers working in the nearby fields had to run for cover after several houses were hit by splinters of long range mortar shell.
The deceased woman identified as Bholi Devi was sitting in her courtyard when she was hit by splinters of mortar shell which exploded near her house.
Four other civilians in the Kanachak area received injuries and were treated in a local hospital. Two BSF jawans, injured in the cross border firing, were rushed to Government Medical College hospital.
Meanwhile, high alert has been sounded along the 190 km long International border in Jammu region to prevent any misadventure from across the border.