Two civilians killed, three injured in LoC firing in J&K’s Rajouri

Jammu, May 13 (IANS) Two civilians were killed and three injured in Pakistan shelling on the LoC in Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, leading to an exchange of firing and shelling between Indian and Pakistan armies there as well as in Rajouri sector.

The Indian Army said Pakistani forces used small firearms, automatics and mortars, to which Indian forces retaliated effectively and strongly.

The shelling/firing was still continuing when last reports came in on Saturday evening.

"After Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked and indiscriminate shelling and firing on the Line of Control in Naushera sector, our troops retaliated effectively and strongly. Exchange of firing is still on at three places in Naushera and Rajouri sectors," Defence Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta told IANS here.

He said two civilians were killed and three injured in Pakistani shelling that began at 7.15 a.m.

The civil administration in Rajouri district announced indefinite closure of all schools along the Line of Control in the area till further orders.

As many as 14 families from the border villages in Naushera sector fled their homes on Friday following indiscriminate shelling by Pakistani troops.

On Saturday, more villagers were seen abandoning their homes to take shelter in safer places away from the line of enemy fire.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti regretted the loss of lives in the shelling and said that war will not resolve anything.

Talking to reporters, she said: "Conflicts and war will not resolve anything. We always maintain that India and Pakistan should work together for peace and not for confrontation."