Pakistan shelling: Situation along LoC 'very bad', says J&K Deputy CM

Schools have been shut and houses have suffered heavy damage. People who have migrated from LoC area will be provided safe shelters

There was an uproar in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly today as members, including those from the BJP and the CPI(M), raised the issue of Pakistan shelling along the Line of Control, forcing Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh to describe the situation as "very bad".

Singh said that administration has been directed to provide safe shelters and other facilities to people who have migrated from LoC area in Rajouri.

During the Question Hour in the assembly, BJP MLA Ravinder Raina said, "there are heavy firing and shelling going on along LoC in my Noushera assembly constituency in which people are suffering and migration of the people have taken place."

He said schools have been shut and houses suffered damages in the border areas and called for a reply from the government to this urgent situation.

Raina demanded to send a ministerial team to assess the situation in Noushera sector.

He was supported by CPI(M) member M Y Tarigami and members of BJP.

Replying on the issue, Deputy Chief Minister said that "situation is very bad along LoC due to Pakistan shelling. As a result of the shelling, migration has taken place."

He said that administration has been directed to provide all necessary facilities, safe shelters and ensure safety for people along LoC.

Fourteen people, including seven civilians, have been killed and over 70 others injured in intense shelling by Pakistan along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts, and the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts from January 18 to 22, leading to the displacement of thousands of border residents.

Over 300 schools along LoC and IB were closed last week as a precautionary measure in view of the firing.

Yesterday also, Pakistani troops violated ceasefire in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir by firing towards Indian posts.