16 killed in heavy border shelling
At least six soldiers and 10 civilians were killed and 12 others hurt in heavy shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control in north Kashmir, in Uri and in Kargil in Ladakh today.
Heavy shelling in Hajinar area in Karnah sector in north Kashmir claimed 16 lives and left seven others hurt, Minister of State for Home Mustaq Ahmad Lone told Rediff On The Net. In Karnah, one shell landed on the army hospital. Details of casualties are still awaited. It was learnt later that in the Uri sector, seven civilians had also been wounded.
Official sources said Pakistani troops shelled the villages and positions along the LoC in Karnah, Tangdar, Gureh and Uri since early this morning.
Police sources said those injured had been airlifted to Srinagar for treatment.
Defence ministry spokesperson Major Purshottam, while confirming that intense shelling had occurred along the LoC, confirmed the killing only of four soldiers, including two paramilitary Border Security Force personnel. He said the firing was unprovoked and that Indian troops had fired back, silencing the Pakistani guns.
The number of Pakistani casualties is not known.
Police sources said almost all the locals had fled Kargil and the adjoining villages. One woman and a soldier had died in intense shelling in this area two days ago.
Two soldiers were also killed and five others injured when militants set off a landmine near Surankote in Poonch district yesterday. Two of those injured are supposed to be in a critical condition.
Troops are also searching in the Doda district for the militants who shot down 16 Hindu villagers two days ago. Meanwhile, curfew in Kishtawar and Bhaderwah was relaxed today and the situation in the Jammu region was reportedly peaceful.
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