A massive exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops created panic in Uri sector of Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Residents said they were worried about escalation of skirmishes in the wake of heightened tensions between Indian and Pakistani troops.
Naresh Vij, spokesman, Srinagar-based XV Corps, told The Pioneer that Baaz battalion of Pakistan Army opened fire in Uri on Tuesday afternoon without any provocation. “The exchange of fire continued between 12: 30 pm to 2 pm. There was no casualty on our side. Our troops retaliated in a controlled manner,” Vij said.
Army sources said Pakistan opened indiscriminate fire on three Indian posts in Kamal Kote area of Uri. In the firing that lasted for more than one hour, there were no casualties on the Indian side. Sources said two Pakistani soldiers have been wounded. “I can’t say anything about casualties on Pakistani side,” Vij said.
Panic gripped civilian areas along the line of Control in Uri and Karnah after reports about the Poonch skirmishes poured in. “Each time there is tension between the two armies anywhere along the loC, a sense of uneasiness descends on border residents,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, a resident of Garkote village in Uri.
He hoped that the talks between India and Pakistan would resume immediately de-escalating tensions between the two countries.
Villages in Uri witnessed a lot of devastation during 1998 and 1999 when artillery shelling was routine there. The situation has improved since the ceasefire was announced in November 2003 though occasional exchange of artillery fire rattles peace.