20 injured in Pakistani firing in Jammu and Kashmir

Twenty people, including 15 civilians, were injured in overnight Pakistani firing at the border in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Rangers again started firing at Indian positions in Hira Nagar sector of the international border in Kathua district Wednesday morning.

"Four army soldiers were injured in Pakistan firing on the LoC in Poonch district, one BSF trooper and 15 civilians were injured in firing by Pakistan Rangers on the international border in Jammu district during the night.

"Pakistan has again started firing at BSF positions and civilian areas in Hira Nagar sector of the border in Kathua district Wednesday morning," a senior police officer told IANS in winter capital Jammu.

Since Pakistan started its recent series of ceasefire violations on the LoC and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir Oct 6, five people have been killed and 50 were injured.

In retaliation to Pakistan targeting civilian habitations in Jammu and Kashmir, the union home ministry Wednesday put on hold a scheduled flag meeting between Pakistan and Indian paramilitary forces to discuss the recent hostilities.

Union Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh, who represents the Jammu Lok Sabha seat in parliament, is arriving here Wednesday to review the border situation.

More than 20,000 residents of 30 villages along the international border in Jammu region have been shifted to safer locations.