2 civilians hurt as Pakistan continues shelling

Pakistani troops continued heavy shelling and firing on border outposts (BoPs) and civilian areas along the international border (IB) in Jammu on Tuesday, injuring two civilians.

A BSF official said Pakistani Rangers continued to fire on Indian BoPs and civilian areas with 82 mm mortar bombs and shelling has now spread to all sectors from Akhnoor to Samba along the IB.

The Indian troops gave a befitting reply, he said.

S D Singh Jamwal, Inspector General of Police, Jammu, said two civilians were injured due to fresh firing in the Arnia sector of Jammu district.

The injured includes a 70-year-old woman, identified as Kaushalya Devi.

The fresh shelling has created a wave of panic among the border residents, some of whom have migrated to safer areas, a report said.

Eyewitnesses told DH over the phone that panic-stricken people in forward areas have become sitting ducks for Pakistan and it is a miracle that 82 mm mortar shells are not directly falling on their houses.

"The people have taken shelter inside their houses with lights switched off. As soon the shelling began, authorities made announcements from loudspeaker-fitted vehicles asking people to stay indoors," they said.