Pak extends range of firing, civilian areas affected

Pakistan continued with its firing across the border, extending its hostility to civilian areas in Samba district, Arnia, RS Pura and Kanachak sectors. A total of 35 Border Security Force (BSF) outposts and 25 villages were targeted from Sunday night till Monday morning, forcing about 10,000 people out of their homes.

Pakistan continued with its firing across the border, extending its hostility to civilian areas in Samba district, Arnia, RS Pura and Kanachak sectors. A total of 35 Border Security Force (BSF) outposts and 25 villages were targeted from Sunday night till Monday morning, forcing about 10,000 people out of their homes.

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"Pakistan started firing at about 10 pm Sunday with heavy weapons in Ramgargh (Samba district), Arnia, RS Pura and Kanachak sector, hitting 35 BSF posts. BSF troops also fired back in retaliation. The firing continued till Monday morning," a BSF official said.

"The figure of 10,000 is not static as many move back to their homes in the morning and return back late evening. But administration is providing them all necessary facilities," Shantmanu, divisional commissioner Jammu, said.

It was the first time that Pakistan targeted Ramgarh and Kanachak sectors this year. Last year, hundreds had migrated from these areas due to firing along the border. According to reports, two people have been injured and cattle have been hit.

The incident is one of the major serious ceasefire violations since the formation of Modi government. The intensity of the firing was such that guns could be heard in Jammu city, about 20-km from Kanachak area.