Unprecedented Shelling, Firing Along LoC In Kashmir, 5 Soldiers Dead

At least six civilians, four Indian Army soldiers and a BSF trooper were killed in the multiple incidents of cross-border shelling across north Kashmir on Friday. Dozens of civilians have been wounded in the cross LoC shelling, which locals termed “unprecedented”.

The shelling is continuing along the LoC in Uri, Gurez and Poonch areas of Kashmir.

“Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC spread across multiple sectors to include Dawar, Keran, Uri and Naugam. Pakistan used mortars and other weapons,” Srinagar-based defence spokesperson Lt Colonel Rajesh Kalia said. “Three Indian Army soldiers have been killed in action and three soldiers wounded,” he said. He said the army retaliated strongly causing substantial damage to Pakistan Army's infrastructure and casualties across the LoC. “Several ammunition dumps and multiple terrorists launch pads have been damaged,” he said.

Site of shelling along LoC. Photo: Asif Umar

Local sources identified the three civilians killed in Uri as Irshad Ahmed, Toub Mir and Farooqa Begum. Internet services were also suspended in Kupwara amid heavy shelling.

Peoples Conference condemned and expressed deep and grief and anguish over shelling on civilian areas along the Line of Control. While terming the flare-up on the LoC “highly unfortunate and deplorable”, Peoples Conference said that targeting the elderly, women and children is not only uncivilized but also inhumane and barbaric.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and injured. We pray for peace to the departed souls and swift recovery of the injured. We urge the LG administration to provide adequate compensation to the families of the victims and urgent medical attention to the injured.”

The cross-border shelling was also witnessed in the Gurez sector. The residents in Uri said that many of them have left their village in the biting cold to escape the shelling.

“The government over the years has failed to provide us bunkers that are a must for people living in border areas. We die every time there is shelling but no one is listening to our plight because we do not matter to those who live in luxury. Every government has failed us,” a resident of Silikore village said.

Local sources identified the injured civilians in the Gurez as Rehana Khursheed (14),  Munaza Jamsheed (12), Jabar Ahamad Ganie, Sada Bagem and Abdul Aziz.