Gear up for effects of ceasefire breaches in Jammu, officials urged

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand Friday directed civil and police administration to be fully geared up in dealing with any eventuality arising out of frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the international border in the Jammu region.

He said in view of the recent firing on international border in Pargwal and R.S. Pura sectors, the administration should be ready with contingency plan and all-out efforts should be made to provide aid to those injured in the firing.

He directed civil and police officers to be stationed in their areas and maintain close liaison with the Border Security Force and the army to build confidence among the villagers and promptly attend to any untoward incident in the area.

The deputy chief minister addressed a public meeting in Pargwal village to listen to the problems faced by the border residents.

Besides senior civil and police officers, sarpanch (village council head), panches (council members) and prominent citizens of the area were present.

Responding to the problems highlighted by the people, Tara Chand issued directions for ensuring round-the-clock availability of doctors and paramedical staff in the health centre as well setting up mobile veterinary units.

He said required funds under the constituency development fund have already been released to purchase three new boats for the area so that an alternate mode of connectivity is ensured in case the road link is damaged during shelling, etc from the Pakistan side.

Earlier, after arriving from Delhi, the deputy chief minister drove straight to the government medical college hospital and inquired about the health of those injured in Thursday's firing incident.

He was informed five people, including three children and two women, sustained bullet injuries due to Pakistani firing.