Pak hits new low, targets three schools along LoC

JAMMU: Pakistan sunk to a new low when its army targeted schoolchildren in at least three schools along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Tuesday. The Pakistan army also pounded Indian posts and forward villages along the de-facto border in neighbouring Poonch, prompting India to retaliate in equal measure.

Ra jo uri senior superintendent of police You gal Man has told Hindu stan Times that over 200 children had to be evacuated to safety in bulletproof vehicles in Nowshera.

“Even at 5.45 pm, intense shelling is on. In a day-long exercise, we rescued 11 children from a school ,50 from another and then there was the third school where children had to be kept inside due to severe shelling. It all happened in Bhawani area of Nowshera sector,” the SSP said.

He said heavy shelling was reported in Bhawani, Sair and Kadali villages of Nowshera sector. “At least 11 students were trapped in the middle school and nearly 50 in the high school in Sair. Around 150 students were confined in a high school in B haw a ni. With great caution, we eventually rescued the children ,” Manhas said.

SECURITY PERSONNEL RUSHTOSPOT

Rajouri deputy commissioner Shah id Iqbal Choud ha ry rushed to B haw an ito take stock of the situation and evacuation.

“All the schools in 23 villages close to the LoC and new areas which came under Pakistan shelling on Tuesday have been closed in definitely. We are keeping a watch on the situation. Five relief camps are already in place where 840 families comprising around 3,500 villagers are residing,” Choudhary said.

“Field officers have been deputed for coordination and those staying close to the LoC have been asked to stay indoors ,” Choudhary said, adding that close to 5,000 people in the district have been adversely affected by the firing from the other side of the LoC.

At around 7pm, Choudhary tweeted, “217 Students rescued from all 3 schools by 730 pm. Great job by team. A narrow escape at Bhawani (sic).”

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Man is hM eh ta said there was an unprovoked ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in B him ber G ali and Po on ch sectors at 6.45am on Tuesday before the Pakistani troops opened heavy fire, including mortars, around 1.50pm in Nowshera.

On Monday, Pakistan army violated the cease fire in Ba lako te and Poonch sectors, killing a minor girl and a soldier besides injuring four others. Pakistani forces also violated the ceasefire in the Manjakote sector.

217 students rescued from all 3 schools by 730pm. Great job by team. A narrow escape at Bhawani (sic).

SHAHID IQBAL CHOUDHARY, Rajouri DC, on Twitter