NEW DELHI: The situation along the International Border between India and Pakistan has become grim as more than 10,000 people from 50 villages have fled their homes and are living in temporary settlements in the safer areas of Jammu division.

According to defence officials, after a day of eerie silence, the Pakistani Rangers on Monday resorted to heavy shelling at the Border Security Force (BSF) positions in Kathua and Samba districts along the Line of Control. BSF constable Davinder Kumar of the 9th battalion was killed and a local woman, identified as Shibo Devi, wife of Dewan Chand of Baingalard village was hit by a mortar splinter.

The continuous ceasefire violations have paralysed life in the border villages with schools and colleges closed in the area and exams postponed.

Meanwhile eyewitnesses said that amid heavy exchange of shelling, many relief centers have been evacuated in some areas of Sambha District as the Pakistani shelling has extended as much as 3.5Kms inside the Indian region hitting places like Chakra, Sherpur and Londi.

“Following the indiscriminate firing, more people have abandoned their homes in Sambha and Kathua districts with more than 10,000 people currently lodged in various makeshift accommodations in safer places” said a defence official.

BSF director general D K Pathak briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the situation and will be visiting the border areas today to ascertain the current situation. Pathak during the visit today will also pay his respects to the soldier Davinder Kumar.

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