Two civilians killed, 6 wounded in Pakistan shelling in J&K

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: After a relatively calm day, Pakistan resumed heavy shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) in different sectors of J&K on Thursday night, killing a woman in Uri sector of Kashmir and a man in Poonch district of Jammu. At least six other civilians were injured and a large number of houses were damaged as Pakistani troops intensified artillery and mortar fire along the LoC. Officials said the firing by Pakistan attracted befitting and effective response from Indian troops.

Three members of a family were injured when a Pakistani artillery shell struck their SUV while they were fleeing home in Rajarwar village of Uri towards Baramulla. The shell tore through the roof of their vehicle when they reached Mohurra, around three km from Rajarwar, fatally injuring 45-year-old Nargis Bano. She died on her way to Govt Medical College in Baramulla, about 40 km from Uri.

Bano’s death is the first reported civilian casualty in Kashmir Valley in the latest round of ceasefire violation along the LoC. Her grief-stricken daughter described the shelling as sudden and overwhelming. “We had never seen anything like this before,” she said.

The villagers said they would move to Baramulla. “There is no safety here. We don’t have bunkers,” one of them said.

Elsewhere in Kashmir, one person was injured as Pakistan rained mortar shells in Kralpora, Chowkibal and Dollipora in Kupwara district.

In Jammu, a civilian was killed and three others were injured in shelling by Pakistan in forward areas of Poonch and Rajouri districts early Friday. Thunderous explosions were heard early morning, resulting in a blackout and hooting of sirens to alert the people, officials said.

The shelling targeting civilian areas in Rajouri, Poonch and Jammu districts continued for one hour from about 3:50 am to 4:45 am. One Mohd Abrar was killed in Loran area of Poonch, while his wife and two others were wounded.

Large scale damage to properties were reported from both Kashmir and Jammu areas, including Uri, Kupwara and Poonch, due to the indiscriminate shelling.

Residents of villages close to vulnerable areas along the LoC are being evacuated to safe areas, or are moving away on their own. Uri legislator Sajad Shafi said around 30% of the local population had moved out. In Mendhar sector of Poonch, residents were evacuated from Balakote, Sagra, Balnoi, Ghani and Mankote.

Health minister Sakina Itoo visited Uri and offered condolences to the grieving family of Nargis Bano. She also met other affected families and visited wounded civilians in hospital, and directed the authorities to prioritise civilian safety and swift rehabilitation efforts.

In Jammu, Poonch SSP Shafket Hussain and deputy commissioner Vikas Kundal visited the border areas, including Khari Karmara and Mangnar, to reinforce security measures and oversee evacuation efforts.