Pakistani troops targeted over 60 hamlets and scores of border posts in heavy overnight shelling in Kathua and Samba districts, with mortar bombs landing deep inside Indian territory.
Nearly 10,000 people have fled from border villages after the latest round of ceasefire violations by Pakistan which has left four jawans and a woman dead since New Year eve while five Pakistani rangers were killed in retaliatory firing by India.
50 villages and many border posts were targeted in Kathua up to 2300 hours on Monday and the shelling resumed around 0400 hours today, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Shahid Iqbal Choudhary told PTI, adding it was so strong that mortar shells landed about four kilometres inside the Indian territory.
The 82mm mortar shells landed in Sherpur, Chakra, Lachipur and Londi areas of Hiranagar sector, which are located deep inside Indian territory, he said.
BSF troops also retaliated resulting in exchanges till 0700 hours today, the DC said.
However, there was no loss of life or injury to anyone among civilians in the firing and shelling since last night, officials said.
In Samba, Pakistani shelling continued till 22:30 hours last night targeting over 10 to 12 villages and several BoPs, SSP, Samba, Anil Magotra said.
On January 3, two army jawans and a woman were killed while 11 people were injured in the firing. While Pakistani firing on January 1 had left two persons dead, including a BSF jawan, and nine injured. Five Pakistani Rangers had been killed in retaliatory firing.
The cross border shelling has sparked fresh wave of fear prompting at least 9,000 people living in the border villages to migrate and take shelter in temporary relief camps set up by the Jammu and Kashmir government in safer places.
Around 4,500 people have migrated from 11 villages after shelling across International Border in Kathua district. District administration has established 10 relief camps at Haria Chak, Hiranagar, Nagial, Plat, Chak Kanha, Banyari, Chadwal, Sherpur, Nagri and Sallan where 1,841 migrants of 491 families have been provided safe accommodation and basic amenities.
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