Ceasefire violation; 6,000 border migrants shifted to 16 relief camps

*Ration, blankets disbursed; public meetings organised
KATHUA: District administration, Kathua, has established 16 relief camps where more than 6,000 migrants from 43 border villages have been shifted in view of heavy shelling across International Border in Hiranagar sector. Early evacuation was started last evening keeping in view the inputs regarding expected firing from across the border. A number of meetings were organised in various villages for sensitising public and shifting them to camps in a smooth manner.
Major relief camps have been set up at Hiranagar-A, Hiranagar-B, Chhan Khatrian, Marheen, Kootah, Gadhyal, Haria Chak, Plat, Kanachak and Chak Kahan. As many as 61 school buildings and 18 Panchayat Ghars have been notified as relief camps and 30 health institutions declared a emergency centres. At Hiranagar 1,300 migrants are camping, 600 at Hiranagar-B, 1,500 at Chhan Khatrian, 500 at Marheen, 350 at Haria Chak, 290 at Chadwal, 250 at Kootah and 800 at Chak Kahan.
Administration has provided 38 quintal ration, 32000 biscuit packets, 8,400 water bottles, 6,000 blankets, 30 carpets, 50 tents, 50 Tarpaulin, 30 LPG light systems for power supply, 160 medical kits at 16 first aid centres and deployed 16 District Officers as Camp Officers apart from 27 Nodal Officers. Coked food was provided at all the camps. Tankers of drinking water have also been pressed into action. Arrangements have been put in place for round the clock power supply.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Dr Shahid Iqbal supervised the establishment of camps and provision of supplies at all the camps. The DC accompanied by SSP Mohan Lal, ADC Prasanna Ramswami, Asstt Commissioner Revenue, SDM Hiranagar, SDPO Hiranagar, ExEn PHE, PDD, Mechanical, PWD, Asstt Director CAPD, Tehsildars and BDOs visited all the camps and forward areas. DC and SSP visited the areas and camps in all the areas thrice and assured all help from district administration and also elaborated the plan of action for further evacuation.
A total of 57 villages have been affected directly or indirectly. Firing continued during the day time and till late evening. Joint teams of administration, police and BSF also visited all the villages. A central response centre has been established at Hiranagar for supply of essential items and services for all the camps and new camps to be established.