SIALKOT: At least 120 government schools in Sialkot border villages remained closed for the second consecutive day on Saturday due to a week-long unprovoked Indian shelling.

The district administration had closed all schools in border villages on Thursday for an indefinite period for the safety of teachers, students and the staff.

Most of buildings of these private and government schools had already been hit by Indian shelling in July and August. All private schools have been closed since July.

Some affected people in Joiyaan, Bajra Garhi, Harpal, Umeraanwali, Charwah, Dhamaala, Kingra and surrounding villages said they were living under constant fear.

RALLY: Activists of Jamaat-i-Islami and Shabab-i-Milli took out a rally on Saturday to protest targeting of civilian population by the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) in Sialkot border villages.

Led by former MPA Arshad Mehmood Baggu advocate, the participants marched on various city roads and chanted slogans against India.

The speakers strongly condemned the Indian shelling and termed it a severe violation of international laws and human rights as well.

They urged the United Nations to take serious notice of the brutal killings of innocent citizens by unprovoked Indian shelling.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2014