Srinagar: With Pakistan resorting to heavy firing on Monday in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir killing one Border Security Force (BSF) soldier, over 7,000 people residing along the border in Samba and Kathua districts have been evacuated to safer places. Besides, BSF Director General (DG) DK Pathak is also rushing to border areas in the state.
Officials said Pathak briefed Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the evening about the incidents of heavy mortar shelling across the international border. They said the BSF chief will visit the forward areas in Samba-Kathua areas tomorrow even as he is expected to review defence preparedness along the IB which has been continuously witnessing incidents of ceasefire violations since December 31.
Kathua Deputy Commissioner Kathua Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary said Pakistan has started shelling in all the border villages and that more than 5,000 people living in 57 villages on the Indian side are in danger. "We are unable to launch rescue operations," he added.
Earlier in the day it was small arms fire, now they are using heavy mortar shells, he said, and added that the situation is very serious and that Pakistani shells have landed 3 to 4 km inside Indian territory.
Earlier, the Pakistan forces had opened fire on four BSF posts on Sunday night in the Samba and Hiranagar sectors. The posts were targeted with small arms. However, no damage was reported.
Meanwhile, there was firing also at the Punjab border in Palah village near Pathankot on Sunday night. No casualties were reported. The police and BSF have stepped up security, asking the villagers to not panic but remain alert.
Speaking on the situation along the border, Defence expert Lt Gen Raj Kadyan said, "Firing has escalated as government formation is underway in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to violate the ceasefire."
Internal issues expert Sushant Sareen said, "I do not think India will stay quite. The elections are now over. Pakistan is doing nothing de-escalate the situation."
In view of the fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the Home Minister chaired a meeting of the top security brass during which the situation at the border, including damage to civilian assets, was reviewed.
Officials said Singh asked the security agencies, especially BSF, to remain alert and ensure that apart from giving a befitting reply to Pakistan Rangers, the force should ensure the security of its personnel and strive for zero casualty.
They said the Home Minister also asked these agencies to be vigilant in the wake of Pakistan's statements that they would now "communicate (with India) in the language they understand".
The BSF DG, during his visit, will also pay his respect to the mortal remains of trooper Davinder Kumar who was martyred today after a Pakistani mortar splinter hit him inside his bunker in Samba sector.
Four security personnel and a woman have been killed in the Pakistan shelling and firing during the last one week, officials had said, adding, five Pakistani Rangers and a girl were killed in retaliatory firing from the Indian side.
"Pakistani Rangers resorted to ceasefire violation and opened small arms firing in one post in Samba district and two areas in Kathua district late last night," officials said.
Residents of border villages continued to leave for safer areas in view of the latest round of ceasefire violations by Pakistan since New Year eve.
(With PTI inputs)
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