Fresh tensions sparked off between India and Pakistan along the line of Control (loC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district following the death of a 35-year-old woman in an ‘unprovoked’ ceasefire violation late Wednesday night. Husband of the deceased lady also received bullet injuries when they were resting inside their house in village Pukherni in lam sector.
Over half a dozen villages were targeted by the Pakistan army using long range 82 mm and 120 mm mortars and automatic weapons across Nowshera sector.
As many as 27 families were affected in the heavy exchange of fire. Their houses bore maximum brunt of fire along with one middle school, Jhanger which was damaged due to shelling. More than 40 livestock also perished in heavy exchange of firing.
Defence spokesman in Jammu lieutenant Colonel Munish Mehta said “The Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms and automatic weapons from 10:40 last night on Indian Army posts along the loC in Nowshera belt of Rajouri district.” They also shelled forward posts and civilian areas using 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, he said.“The Indian Army posts retaliated strongly and effectively,” he added.
The firing which continued till early morning of Thursday forced local residents to shift to safer places as their houses fall in the direct line of fire of the Pakistani guns. Following flared up tension the district administration decided to close down the schools in the area.
Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri Dr Shahid Choudhary has also issued orders for closure of all schools situated in 0-2 km range from lOC and buildings where camps have been established. Schools will remain closed on 12 May, 2017.
Bleeding profusely the couple was rushed to the Sub division hospital in Nowshera around 2.00 am amid heavy exchange of fire. The woman identified as Akhtar Bi succumbed to her injuries before reaching the hospital while 40-year-old Haneef Mohd received treatment and was declared out of danger. He had received injuries on his left thigh.
Speaking to the reporters before he was discharged from the hospital Haneef Mohd said, “I along with my wife were resting in our room when firing from the Pakistani side of the loC started around 10.40 p.m.” He said, “After some time our house was hit by barrage of bullets and before I could understand any thing I saw my wife lying in a pool of blood. I faced difficulty in shifting her as I myself was injured. The last rites of Akhtar Bi were performed by the local villagers late Thursday evening while tension prevailed in the forward areas.”
To take stock of the relief measures Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mandip Bhandari along with Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri Shahid Iqbal Choudhary carried out tour of various areas in Nowshera affected due to shelling from across the line of Control.
An amount of Rs 1.10 lakh as immediate relief and assistance was provided to NOK of Akhter Bi. Bhandari reviewed the relief measures and also inspected the relief camp established by district administration under supervision of SDM Nowshera. Two relief camps have been established in Nowshera where 50 persons comprised of around 15 families have been settled.
District administration has also earmarked additional camps and deputed teams of officers for establishment of camps which may be required in case of further ceasefire violation.
He also convened a meeting of representatives and affected families from various villages including Pukherni, Qila Darhal, Sarya, Khamba and Jhangar. Issues related to compensation, loss assessment, cultivation of crops, coordination with Army, construction of bunkers, provision of power supply and availability of ambulances were discussed during the meeting.