IB remains relatively calmer

JAMMU: A day after intense shelling and firing by Pakistan left five people including a BSF jawan dead here, the situation on the International Border (IB) in Jammu region remained by and large peaceful but schools in the affected areas were closed as a precautionary measure for the second day today, officials said.

Barring minor incidents of firing at two places during the night, the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts remained almost peaceful compared to the past few days, a senior BSF officer said.

He said a few shots were fired at the Indian side in Samba and Akhnoor sectors in the early hours today.

Four civilians and a BSF jawan were killed while 12 others were injured yesterday as the Pakistan Rangers rained mortar shells on villages and border outposts in one of the worst ceasefire violations on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering fear and panic among the border residents.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Jammu Arun Manhas said over 50 families were displaced due to yesterday's intense Pakistani shelling in R S Pura, Bishnah and Arnia sectors of Jammu, and were provided shelter at different camps by the government.

Schools within five kilometres from the International Border remained closed as a precautionary measure, he told.

He said though there was no report of firing since yesterday afternoon, several precautionary steps have been taken to avoid civilian casualties and the camps activated for the displaced persons have been provided all required facilities.