Srinagar: Stung by India’s pre-dawn missile strikes on multiple terror camps, Pakistan’s immediate retaliation was an escalation of firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border.
Pakistan had been indulging in repeated ceasefire violations ever since India took a series of diplomatic steps against its neighbours following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
No sooner had India carried out Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 than Pakistan ramped up firing along the LoC border.
Heavy artillery shelling on Wednesday from the Pakistani side killed 10 innocent civilians residing close to the border in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir, and left over 30 people injured. Dozens of people were also injured in Rajouri and Kupwara sectors.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the evacuation of civilians from forward areas near the LoC and International Border, India Today reported, citing sources.
Shah, who is now in a meeting with chief ministers and top officials of 10 border states, is also in constant touch with Border Security Force Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah over phone.
Civilians near the LoC have been advised to be shifted to safer locations, considering their safety and security. The idea is to move as many people as possible to safer areas before nightfall, with threat of further Pakistani attacks expected in the dark hours.