2 soldiers hurt as Pak violates truce again

Our Correspondent

Rajouri, February 9

The Pakistan army violated truce agreement thrice on the second consecutive day today in Poonch district, in which two soldiers received injuries.

On Saturday, Naik Rajeev Singh Sekhawat (36) had attained martyrdom, while three others, including a Major, had sustained serious injuries in Degwar sector.

The martyr was a resident of Luhakna Khurd in Jaipur district (Rajasthan) and is survived by his wife Usha Shekhawat. The injured soldiers include Major Rahul, Lance Naik Shivam and Sepoy Azad Singh.

On Sunday, about 1 pm, the Pakistan army resorted to heavy unprovoked firing /shelling with 120 mm mortars in Balakot, Goldh, Mankot and Mendhar sectors. Two Indian soldiers — Naik Phirerasan and Sepoy Vinges — were injured in Mendhar sector and were admitted to the Army Hospital in Rajouri.

According to reports, two houses were damaged in the shelling in Goldh and Basooni villages.

“The Indian Army has retaliated strongly and effectively,” said Lt Col Devender Anand, PRO Defence.

Advisory for border residents

Meanwhile, apprehending more ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Mendhar administration has issued an advisory for border residents.

“People have been advised to remain inside their homes and also keep their animals inside whenever shelling/firing takes place. No order has been issued about the closing of schools along the LoC so far. It depends on the situation,” said Sahil Jandyal, SDM, Mendhar.

Dr Parvaiz Ahmed, block medical officer (BMO), said ambulances have been kept ready as per the plan at various locations to shift the injured.

“To meet any emergency, telephone numbers of senior officers/ ambulance drivers have been issued to the border dwellers. Ambulances have been kept at Basooni, Sandote Mankote and at Balakot,” said BMO.

In retaliatory action, the Indian Army destroyed three forward posts of Pakistan army on Saturday. Three Pak soldiers were killed, while two were injured.

Violation thrice on second consecutive day

• On Saturday, Naik Rajeev Singh Sekhawat (36) (inset) had attained martyrdom, while three others, including a Major, had sustained serious injuries in Degwar sector. The martyr was a resident of Luhakna Khurd in Jaipur district (Rajasthan) and is survived by his wife Usha Shekhawat. The injured soldiers include Major Rahul, Lance Naik Shivam and Sepoy Azad Singh.
• On Sunday, about 1 pm, the Pakistan army resorted to heavy unprovoked firing /shelling with 120 mm mortars in Balakot, Goldh, Mankot and Mendhar sectors. Two Indian soldiers — Naik Phirerasan and Sepoy Vinges – were injured in Mendhar sector and were admitted to the Army Hospital in Rajouri.