Three civilians killed in heavy shelling by Pakistan forces on LoC

Authorities have closed all educational institutions within 5 km from the LoC in these two districts and asked people to remain indoors.

Police said a woman and her two children were killed in Salotri village of Jhalas area in Krishna Ghati sector of the LoC when a shell fired by Pakistan army exploded inside a house on Friday night. / ABP NEWS GRAB

Jammu: Three civilians were killed in shelling by the Pakistani army on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Pakistani forces targeted civilian areas with mortar bombs and heavy guns, including Howitzer 105 mm. The Indian forces retaliated effectively. Police said a woman and her two children were killed in Salotri village of Jhalas area in Krishna Ghati sector of the LoC when a shell fired by Pakistan army exploded inside a house on Friday night. The woman’s husband Mohd Yunis was also injured. "Besides, four others including two civilians and two army soldiers have been injured in Pakistani shelling and firing," a police officer said. Local residents have described the hostilities on the LoC as 'war-like situation'. Authorities have closed all educational institutions within 5 km from the LoC in these two districts and asked people to remain indoors. Indian and Pakistani soldiers have been trading heavy fire on the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts since the last eight days. The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire for over 60 times during the last one week by targeting over 70 civilian and forward areas along the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violation, numbering 2,936 by Pakistani troops, in the last 15 years. Pakistan continues to violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the pact during flag meetings between the two sides. (agency inputs)