40-year-old woman killed in Pak shelling along LoC

A 40-year-old woman was killed in shelling by Pakistan in Mendhar area of Poonch district on Saturday morning.

“Raqia Bi, 40, wife of Mohammed Shabir of Kalarian Gohlad village, died on the spot when a Pakistani shell landed in verandah of her house and exploded with bang,” said a police officer.

He said the incident occurred around 5.20am when the woman had just woken up and was washing her hands and face for getting ready for the morning prayers (Namaz).

“The Pakistani army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatic weapons and mortars from 0515 hours in Poonch sector along the LoC,” a defence spokesman said

“At 5.20am, two Pakistani shells exploded in Upper Gohlad village. One exploded without causing any harm but another exploded in the verandah of Raqia’s house killing her instantly,” the police officer said.

The officer said three more shells were fired by Pakistani Army at 6.45am but they didn’t cause any harm because they exploded in the fields.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 0515 hours in Poonch sector along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday.

Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively. Firing ceased at 0645 hours, he said.