Et Report
Poonch , Aug 21: Pakistan army for the last 12 days have been targeting the forward areas in Hamirpur, Balakot, Mendher and Poonch sectors in Poonch district.Reports said mortars fired by the Pakistan army have created tension among the inhabitants of those villages which are in a radius of 1-3 kilometers from the Line of Control.Some villagers were injured with splinters, about 8-10 buffalos killed and many houses were damaged in villages Sandot, Basoni, Pathrigali, Lanjot in Balakot, Balnoi and Mendhar sectors. Those who have alternative accommodation at safer places migrate during nights while those who don't have spending sleepless nights inside their houses in a safe room when Pakistan army target army installations /forward posts near these villages, reports added. Sources said Pakistan army have increased the intensity of the firing for the last few consecutive days and apprehending heavy shelling in the near future Indian army reportedly have shifted some of their structures situated under the direct firing by the Pakistan army in Balakot, Hamirpur and other sectors.
"Civilians in these areas have been asked to remain inside their houses for more than 12-15 hours and trenches were also dug in case of heavy firing /shelling which is expected from Pakistan army during next few days," they said.
Riaz Khan a lecturer and officiating Lumberdar of village Sandote said, "We have been instructed by the army to remain inside the houses along with our live stock as Pakistan army targeting the areas at their own wish. Almost all the schools situated in Balakot, Sandote, Dabi, Dharati and Barooti areas were locked as parents not sending their wards to schools.
"About 15 villages in Balakot sector fall within 2-3 kilometer radius from LoC and are under direct firing range from across the border.
A senior army officer manning the area said that the present firing range of the weapons Pakistan army using to target "our areas is about 4-5 kilometers from LoC and most of these villages fall within that range"As there is no fixed time for firing from across the LoC, villagers facing lot of problems in performing their daily routine works including grazing of their live stock, farming and shopping.But army have took out a solution for that and villagers have been asked to follow signals from them (army) in shape of whistles, drum beatings immediately after noticing that firing has been started."Torrential rains, flash flood followed by mortar firing has created tension in the area. Some of us had miraculous escapes while some were injured and admitted in the hospitals.
We are facing present situation after a gap of more than 10 years. We don't know reason behind it but it has once again created fear among the people," said Karamat Ullha Khan, sarpanch of Balakot. AR Khan, headmaster middle school Dabi situated on the LoC said that they can't open school as there is no fix time for firing between both the armies. School has 22 students and four teachers and two rooms and one of them was damaged in 2002 firing. Village Dubi has 9 houses and about 50 souls as most of the families had migrated to POK in 1995-96.Most of the villagers including retired CRPF inspector Mehafooz Khan and Karamat Khan, sarpanch of Balakot were of the view that civil administration has neglected them and no help came from civil administration side.However, DDC Poonch Sajjad Ahmad said the matter has been brought to his notice by some persons. "It is matter of concern if some body has taken the money. SDM will be directed to find out the facts and if found true money will be reimbursed and more fianacial help will be provided to him for treatment," he said and added that soon he will visit the areas , as he was busy in providing helping hands to the people affected badly due to heavy rains and floods. |
