Pakistan forces violate ceasefire on fourth consecutive day in Jammu and Kashmir, 1000 border dwellers evacuated

Pakistan violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day in Chiti Bakri in Chingus area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri region on Sunday morning. The Indian army too is retaliating with full force while trying to counter the offensive.

The Pak army initiated indiscrimate firing since the morning with small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars alog the LoC. More than 7 villages situated in Manjakote area of Rajouri have been targeted in the firing.

Heavy damage was conducted as a result of the firing which caused heavy damage to buildings apart from forcing evacuation of 1000 border dwellers.

"Pakistani Army has resorted to indiscriminate firing of small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0645 hours along theLine of Control in Rajouri sector", a Defence Spokesman said. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively. The firing is presently on", he said.

On Saturday, Pak rangers had resorted to heavy mortar shelling in Nowshera sector of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. Two civilians died whereas three others including a BSF jawan were injured in the firing.

The shelling had affected five-six hamlets along the LoC including Sheri Makeri, Namakdali and Khamba. As many as 27 families have been affected due to the shelling in which many houses, and a school, have been damaged partially or severely.

"Heavy shelling started in Manjakote area of Rajouri at O620 hours. More than seven villages have been affected", Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said.

He further said that the number of migrants at relief camps had swelled to 978 and 259 families have been evacuated from three villages till now.

The DC also said that 51 schools in Nowshera sector have been closed for an indefinite period while 36 in Manjakote and Doongi zones havebeen closed for three days. 4,600 students study in 87 schools and 1000 people were evacuated from various areas along the LoC in Rajouri district to safer places.

"Risking their lives officials and police evacuated 996 people from various shelling hit villages and shifted them to various camps established by district administration where facilities of ration, cooking, drinking water, sanitation,first aid and proper accommodation have been provided," Choudhary said.

"So far, three camps have been made operational and 28others notified in wake of expected migration from affected villages, Choudhary said. Six ambulances have been pressed into action for shifting of injured and treatment. One mobile medical unit was stationed at Nowshera and another deputed to forward areas," he added.

Around 120 officers from various departments have been deployed to organise facilities at relief camp. The district administration has provided immediate reliefand financial assistance to the next of kin of the deceasedand to the injured, he said. A control room has been established in the office of SDM Nowshera for coordination.

ALSO READ: J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire with heavy mortar shelling in Nowshera sector of Rajouri; 2 civilians dead, 3 injured

Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chiti Bakri in Chingus area of Jammu and Kashmi's Rajouri pic.twitter.com/3phDVivf3l

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Further, Pak forces had also violated ceasefire in the Arnia sector on Friday while the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district had come under heavy fire on Thursday.

READ: BSF jawan injured as Pak violates ceasefire in Arnia of Jammu and Kashmir

On the other hand, Pakistan had on Saturday accused India of committing “ceasefire violations” and summoned the country’s Deputy High Commissioner. The Indian Deputy High Commissioner had however countered the allegation by asserting that the cross-border firing was initiated by Pakistani troops to give cover to terrorists.

With PTI inputs