STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: In wake of intensive shelling across international border in Hiranagar sector more relief camps have been opened and more than 2,500 people have been evacuated to safer places making the number of migrants in relief camps 4,300.
Due to intense shelling further evacuation process has been witheld to avoid targeting of buses ferrying border residents however three bulletproof vans were pressed into action at Bobiyan, Pahadpur, Manyari and other forward areas. Four more relief camps have been opened making the number of camps to 14.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr Shahid Iqbal, SSP Pawan Parihar, Addl SP Nasir Ahmed, SDM Sohan Lal and SDPO Diwakar Singh rushed to forward areas to oversee evacuation and rescue process. Relief camps have been opened at Sallan, Chhankhatryan, Chak Haria and Upper Londi. More blankets and ration items have been dispatched for camps.
DC Kathua has ordered closure of all schools in Hiranagar and Marheen sector and also issued notification for postponement of ongoing examination of Class XI.
Five milch animals were killed in shelling which also damaged 12 houses partially. Number of migrants is expected to cross 12,000 as more than 50 villages have been affected with increased intensity and range of shelling. The emergency response centre established by district administration at Hiranagar has issued high alert in wake of heavy shelling which has affected more population and areas.