Pak targets posts in Uri; three civilians injured

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 19

A day after the Army claimed to have foiled a Border Action Team (BAT) attack in the Poonch sector in the Jammu region, at least three civilians were injured when the Pakistan army violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) at Hajipeer, Uri sector.

The ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan troops in the Uri sector at 5.15 pm, the Srinagar-based defence spokesman said

“Own troops are retaliating appropriately. Unconfirmed reports indicate casualty on the Pakistan side,” the defence spokesman said.

He said Pakistani troops were targeting the civilian population in Churunda village near the Line of Control.

Defence sources said the Pakistan army opened fire at Indian posts in Churanda, Uri, 130 km north of Srinagar, around 3 pm and the two sides exchanged heavy fire.

“There was a ceasefire violation by Pakistan at Churanda and our forces retaliated strongly,” an official said, adding that the exchange of fire was continuing.

A police officer said three civilians were injured in the Pakistani firing and had been taken to a hospital.

“One of the injured has been identified as 48-year-old Zulekha, wife of Jamal Din of Churunda, Uri, “ he said.

The ceasefire violations have been frequent along the LoC in the Jammu region. However, the LoC in Kashmir has remained relatively calm. In October 2012, three civilians, including a woman, were killed in the ceasefire violation at Churanda, Uri.