Pak ceasefire violations force 120 J-K schools to close

120 schools, including government and private institutions, across the Line of Control (LoC) in Balakot and Mankote, have been declared closed by the District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir due to the ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

Talking to ANI, DDC Poonch Tariq Ahmed Zargar said, "We have decided to close the schools today keeping the security of children in mind. 120 schools are closed today. We are keeping an eye on every situation. After monitoring the situation, we will take the decision for tomorrow by evening".

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh said, "Civilians in border areas hold strong morals. Matter of concern is statements of those people, who consider themselves mainstream politicians. When in power, they call Kashmir integral part of India but make irresponsible remarks otherwise".

Pakistan has violated the ceasefire by resorting to firing at Mendhar, Balakot, and Poonch of Jammu and Kashmir.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir's RS Pura Sector are reportedly fleeing from their homes in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

The Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in the RS Pura and Akhnoor sectors on Saturday.

The Indian Army is retaliating and cross-border firing is still on as per latest reports.

Saturday was the third consecutive day of shelling of civilian areas and border outposts (BoPs) in India by the Pakistan Rangers.

On Friday, at least 11 civilians were injured across Jammu and Kashmir in the firing from across the border.