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Are 1999 events being re-enacted by Pak troops on IB? 10/20/2013 10:25:59 PM Et Report Jammu,Oct 20 : Is the situation on this side of the border belt, right from Poonch to Kathua, assuming as alarming contours as was witnessed in 1999 when several lakh people were forced to migrate to safer places ? This question has assumed utmost importance following repeated ceasefire violations being committed by Pak forces in which several security personnel were injured and normal life was totally paralysed. Those who fear 1999 events being repeated on this side of the IB say that targeting 25 Indian border outposts was a repeat of the 14-year old developments. Eyewitness accounts said that in 1999 number of civilians were killed and others were injured when the Pak Rangers targeted civilian houses right from Akhnoor to Samba. For days together majority of people, living in the border villages, were forced to be indoors for most of the time to escape being hit by bullets. Scores of houses and shops in Pallanwalla, Panjtoot and adjoining areas besides those in Samba sector were badly damaged by Pak firing. And when there was no respite from Pak firing several thousand families shifted to safer places. For over three years they had to live in tented colonies and in thatched huts. What was painful was the sight of those who would produce foodgrains for the region being forced to work as labourers to ensure their survival. Traders were the worst affected people because they had to shut their shops for over three years. Education of children was another sector that was hit hard by Pak firing. People had been promised help for building small dwellings at safer places. But the plan was dropped after the ceasefire agreement. People in Akhnoor sector favour deployment of some companies of troops on the most sensitive spots on the IB after Pakistan had moved troops to assist the Pak Rangers in targeting the Indian border outposts and in aiding militants in crossing into Jammu and Kashmir. If this was done the repetition of 1999 events could be prevented.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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