Pak shelling triggers migration in Hiranagar sector

Sanjay Pathak

Kathua, October 21

Continuous shelling on border Bobiya and Pati villages on the Zero Line along the international border in the Hiranagar sector has triggered migration of locals.

The shelling started around 9.35 am today and has been going on intermittently, reports said.

Official sources said the district administration had launched an operation for the safety and rescue of the border residents. Due to the intermittent firing and shelling, the administration has decided to fully vacate Bobiya and Pati villages which fall in the firing range.

“The administration has sent its bullet-proof vehicle to Bobiya and Pati villages and shifted residents of the villages to a temple at Kunthal village in Hiranagar and Higher Secondary School, Hiranagar,” a source said.

Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Romesh Kumar and MLA, Hiranagar, Kuldeep Kumar along with civil and police officers visited Bobiya village today to assess the situation.

“We are fed up with repeated migration and suffering. India should take a one-time hard step to end our miseries,” said Surjeet Singh, a resident of Bobiya, who has taken shelter at the migrant camp in Kunthal village.

“Just after 20 days, we have again been forced to migrate from our homes,” he added.

Rani Devi, another Bobiya resident, said: “Due to the migration, our children are suffering. Their studies have been badly affected and their future seems bleak.”

Meanwhile, the Kathua Deputy Commissioner and the Hiranagar MLA held a meeting with the villagers and promised them all help.