Infant killed, 7 injured in cross-border firing

Infant killed, 7 injured in cross-border firing

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An eight-month-old infant was killed and eight people were injured in firing between Indian and Pakistani forces along the International Border since Sunday evening. A stray bullet had hit


the deceased, Nitin Kumar son of GopalDass, in his sleep last night at his home in Sherpalai, 2 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor’sPallanwala area. Yash Pal, in charge


police post Pallanwala, said the parents of the child took him to hospital where doctors confirmed he had died of bullet wound. In Arnia area of RS Pura along the International Border, a


special police officer and six civilians were injured after Indian and Pakistani forces resumed firing at each other’s territories on Monday morning after a pause during the preceding night.


RohitChoudhary, a border resident, said today’s firing was unusual because in the past Pakistani forces fired at this side during night hours. “They have changed tactics to harass civilians


and it is very disturbing,” Choudhary said. An official said Pakistani army resorted to “unprovoked firing” at BSF outposts in Arnia, Narayanpur, Sai, Ramgarh and Chamliyal areas along the


International Border. Arnia bore the brunt of shelling. Arnia is the biggest municipal town along the 198-km IB with a population of more than 20,000 people and it is within the firing range


of Pakistani forces, said the officer. A police officer said Pakistani forces have been firing 80 mm and 120 mm mortar into residential areas. The injured policeman has been identified as


Gurucharan Singh Sani and the injured civilian are Sudesh Devi (55), Darshana Devi (60), SohanLal (28), Madhu (45), Mohinder Kumar (43), Anil Kumar (30), all residents of Arina. Additional


deputy commissioner ArunManhas said that as precautionary measure schools within the radius of 5 kilometres from the border have been closed. Over 150 schools are situated in the range along


the IB in the region. Life in areas close to the border like Kathua, Samba, Ramgarh, Arnia and RS Pura has been thrown into disarray due repeated exchange of firing between the two


countries that often accuse each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement.  Six people, including two BSF soldiers, have been killed on this side since May 15. Many people have been


killed on Pakistani side also. As many as 40,000 villagers of Arnia and adjoining border hamlets have reportedly moved to safer areas. Jammu district administration has arranged for night


stay, food and sanitation for the affected population. PAKISTAN HAS NO RESPECT FOR RAMADHAN  By firing across the border they (Pakistan) have proved they don’t believe in Ramadhan, Islam and


the Holy Quran. The country that claims to be following the Quran and Islam is involved in murders and killings during Ramadhan. The entire world is watching them and their nefarious


activities during the holy month. Security forces have been directed to give a befitting reply to each and every bullet.