Civilian killed in Pakistan shelling, firing

Jammu, Jan 22 : A civilian was killed and three others injured in heavy overnight shelling and firing by Pakistan Rangers on the international border in Jammu district, officials said on Monday.

The death toll from the recent Pakistan ceasefire violations on the international border and Line of Control (LoC) has risen to 12 with the death of another civilian on late Sunday evening.

Police said after a day long calm, Pakistan Rangers again violated ceasefire in Pargwal, Arnia, Kanachak and R.S. Pura areas of Jammu district targeting border security force (BSF) and civilian facilities.

“Pakistan rangers started heavy shelling and firing in Kanachak and Pargwal areas at 8.30 p.m. on Sunday,” a police officer said.

“A civilian identified as Gopal Dass was injured in Kanachak. He later succumbed to injuries. Three civilians including a woman were injured in R.S. Pura and Arnia areas where Pakistan Rangers started indiscriminate shelling and firing on Sunday night,” he said.

Border Security Force (BSF) sources said heavy casualties were inflicted on Pakistan side in retaliatory firing by the BSF.

“Over a dozen fatal casualties were caused in BSF retaliation… majority of these casualties were suffered by Pakistan Rangers.

“Around two dozen posts of Pakistan rangers were also decimated in retaliation by our troops,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, authorities have said schools in areas affected by Pakistan shelling near the international border and LoC in the Jammu region shall remain closed on Monday because of safety concerns of children and staff.

IANS