Two BSF jawans injured in Pak shelling on LoC

Tensions have escalated on the Line of Control (LoC) after Pakistan army resorted to indiscriminate firing and shelling, injuring two Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers in the Rajouri district of Jammu division.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered closure of schools and educational institutions in four zones near the LoC on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.

The fresh ceasefire violation started at 8.45am when Pakistani army resorted to heavy firing and shelling on the Indian forward positions and civilian areas.

"The Pakistan army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 8.45am in Bhimber Gali sector along the Line of Control," said Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand, defence spokesman at Jammu.

Two BSF jawans sustained minor injuries in the ceasefire violation. Indian army immediately swung into action and retaliated strongly to silence Pakistani guns. "The Indian army is retaliating strongly and effectively," said Lieutenant Colonel Anand.

Shelling was also reported in Tarkundi Gali, Lambi bari, Khorinar, Dhar and Panjgrian areas of the Manjakote sector in Rajouri. The District administration of Rajouri decided to close schools in four zones on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.

"72 schools in four zones shall remain closed on Wednesday. No student was stuck in any of the schools near LoC in Manjakote on Tuesday. Officials in forward areas are assessing damages," tweeted Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, district development commissioner of Rajouri.

More than 21 people have been killed in Pakistani shelling near the LoC and the international border across Jammu and Kashmir since January 17. Over 75 people have suffered injuries and more than 50,000 people have fled their homes in the Jammu division alone.

Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu visited forward areas along the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of North Kashmir.

"The Army Commander was appreciative of the measures and Standard Operating Procedures instituted by the units and formations to meet the challenges of infiltration bids and ceasefire violations," said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, defence spokesman at Srinagar.

Commending the troops for their dedication to duty and high standards of professionalism, the army commander asked them to continue strict vigil to thwart any nefarious designs of inimical elements.

Lieutenant General Anbu also lauded the excellent synergy amongst all the security forces, be it the Line of Control or the hinterland to meet any emerging security challenges and maintain safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people.

Cross-Fire

The J&K govt has ordered closure of schools and educational institutions in four zones near the LoC 
Fresh ceasefire violation started at 8.45am when Pakistani army resorted to heavy firing and shelling