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Ravi Krishnan Khajuria
Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 30
The state administration today issued an advisory to the border people following Pakistan shelling on 10 posts and forward villages along the international border in Jammu district last night. Three civilians were injured in the gunfire.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu, IGP Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner AK Sahu and SSP Uttam Chand rushed to the Arnia and RS Pura sub-sectors today and took stock of the situation.
One bullet-proof vehicle and four ambulances have also been stationed in Arnia town to evacuate people during shelling.
“We talked to the people in Arnia today to get feedback of their problems. As a contingency plan, a school has been identified where 2,000 people can take refuge during shelling,” said Shantmanu.
The administration has made arrangements of blankets, water and toilets, he said.
“People have been advised to stay in the ground floor of their houses and keep away from windows and doors after sunset. We have asked them not to venture out of their houses during night. A banquet hall with the basic amenities has been arranged for those living in 30 kutcha houses in Arnia town,” said Shantmanu.
Hospitals with doctors and paramedical staff have also been geared up.
“The administration has identified camps where villagers could be kept if the situation worsens. There has been no migration so far and we are keeping a close watch on the situation,” he said.
On the three injured civilians, he said that two of them who were critically injured, Darshan Lal and Poli Devi, were operated upon at the Government Medical College and Hospital here. “Though not out of danger, they are recovering at the hospital,” he said.
The third shelling victim Vivek Kumar had sustained minor injuries. The victims belonged to ward number 3 of Arnia town.
Pakistan Rangers had fired 82 mm mortars and automatic weapons on Pittal, Vikram, Chinaz, Pindi, Pindi Charakan, Arnia town in Arnia sub-sector and Jeora Farm, Nawapind, Jagnu Chak, Khora, Sai, Nikowal and Jabowal in the RS Pura sub-sector.
The heavy exchange of fire between the Rangers and the BSF went on from 8.20 pm on Thursday till 2.30 am today.
In first week of January, Pakistan had targeted Samba and Hiranagar sub-sectors in Kathua and Samba districts, killing five persons, including two BSF jawans. The shelling had also led to the migration of over 10,000 villagers from border areas to 23 relief camps.
Assess ground situation: Guv
Jammu: Governor NN Vohra has directed the Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, to extend all necessary assistance to the people affected by the fresh ceasefire violation and assess the ground situation. He has also directed that special medical care should be provided to the injured. The Governor has wished speedy recovery to civilians injured in the heavy firing on Thursday evening.
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