Five killed, 29 injured in Jammu firing

At least five people were killed Monday and 29 injured in Pakistani firing in Jammu district, police said.

"The number of civilians killed in Pakistani firing in Arnia has gone up to five as one more person has succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to a hospital," a senior police officer told IANS here.

"So far, 29 people, most of them civilians, have been injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The firing is still going on. The Pakistani Rangers are using mortars and automatic weapons in the attack," he said.

The injured have been admitted to the government medical college and hospital in Jammu, where doctors have described the condition of some of them as very critical.

"We are taking all necessary steps to minimize further damage to life and property. The BSF (Border Security Force) is responding well to the firing," the police officer said.

The five civilians, who have been killed in the firing, include a 15-year-old girl Kajal and her 50-year-old father Parshotum Lal from Arnia.

Eye-witnesses told IANS mortar shells have fallen in Arnia bus-stand which is near to the border.

Villagers have started moving out of their homes following the firing.