The escalation at borders has reached its pinnacle. Five civilians were killed and nine others injured today in heavy mortar shelling and firing by Pakistani troops at Indian villages and border outposts along the International Border in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts. For over a week, there has been continuous firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
A senior police officer told news agency PTI that two civilians were killed and six injured in the shelling that started at 9 am today in Samba district. Pakistani Rangers also targeted civilian areas and posts in Kathua district. "In today's firing and shelling (in Kathua), three villagers have been injured, while a fourth person succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital," he said, adding that those injured have been admitted to hospitals. The police officer also said that hundreds of people have been evacuated and put in safe shelters and an operation to evacuate others is going on with use of bullet proof vehicles.