Jammu and Kashmir: Schools along LoC in Rajouri shut for indefinite period after Pakistan shelling

Schools remained close in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri near LOC for the third consecutive day as authorities ordered to close them for an “indefinite period” as a precautionary measure after two people were killed in shelling by Pakistani troops on Saturday. The army has also shut schools in Balakote sector, Poonch along the Line of Control (LoC) while asking people not to move out in border areas.

All the schools situated along the LoC in Rajouri district were closed on May 11 after a woman was killed and two others injured in Pakistani shelling on the intervening night of May 10-11. “We have closed the schools along the LoC in Rajouri district for an indefinite period,” Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said.

Two people were killed while three were injured when Pakistani army fired mortar bombs and automatic weapons along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday.

Five-six hamlets along the LoC including Sheri Makeri, Namakdali, Jangarh, Laam, Bhawani and Khamba belts have been heavily affected by the shelling.

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It is the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan in as many days.A 35-year-old woman was killed while her husband was injured as Pakistani army violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Nowshera sector on May 11.

As many as 27 families have been affected due to the shelling in which many houses, including a school have been damaged partially or severely, he said.

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More than 40 farm animals were also reportedly killed in the firing, he added. Two relief camps have been established in Nowshera where 150 people have been settled.The district administration has also earmarked additional camps which may be required in case of further ceasefire violation.