Indian Army punishes Pak on LoC amid exodus in Uri sector

Indian Army has launched a massive punitive action to punish Pakistan army for its misadventures along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector, even as the people continued to flee their homes from the vulnerable villages to escape shelling.

"Indian Army in a strong, determined and definitive manner has retaliated on the LoC and ensure that Pakistan is yet again punished for this misadventure," said Brigadier YS Ahlawat, Commander 12 Brigade in Uri.

Indian Army said since February 19, Pakistan army has been continuously carrying out ceasefire violations along LoC in Uri sector.

"Displaying extreme cowardice and unprofessionalism, it has been targeting innocent villagers living along border and indiscriminately using mortar shelling, causing damage to the houses of civilians. In a befitting reply, Indian Army has retaliated accurately with heavy fire on Pakistan posts which were involved in ceasefire violations," said Brigadier Ahlawat.

Pakistan army has shelled several border villages including Balkote, Silikote, Tilwari, Churnda, Hatlanga and other neighboring hamlets along the LoC villages. On Saturday, Pakistan army had made announcement on public address systems asking people living in border village to flee triggering fear and a chain reaction.

"The villagers have been evacuated to the Government Higher Secondary School at Uri. As a first responder on the ground the army has swung into action and immediately provided much required succor and relief to the villagers," said Brigadier Ahlawat

Commander of 12 Brigade said since the start of hostilities, the Army has speedily extended medical facilities to injured villagers. "The local commanders on ground are personally monitoring safety of the people and extending all the assistance that is required on the ground. So far army has provided food medicine and water. Drinking water is very important during current conditions," he said.

Official figures reveal that around 7,000 people have been affected due to the cross-LoC shelling in the area. "Ambulance and bulletproof vehicle will also be made available to meet any exigency during any escalation of situation along LoC," said Javaid Mustafa Mir J&K Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uri, Dr Sagar D Doifode said a free medical camp was established at the make-shift camp so that medicare facilities are made available round-the-clock. Moreover, a helpline with the telephone numbers has also been established to avail assistance in case of any eventuality.

"People of valley especially those living near the LoC and International Border are the worst victims of cross-border shelling. Both the countries should end hostility for the sake of the human lives and start a sustainable dialogue to resolve issues," said Abdul Haq Khan, J&K Minister for Law, after visiting Uri.

Meanwhile, the Army said they are confident of establishing peaceful and safe conditions at the earliest to ensure early return of the displaced people to their homes.