Narowal: At least three people, including a Rangers official, were injured in the Shakargarh Sector on Thursday when Indian forces shot at civilians living in villages along the Working Boundary.

According to information obtained from officials, Indian forces had, without any provocation, targeted people living in Bhopalpur, Tughal, Chak Nihala and Agore villages, injuring three. The mortar shells fell on a graveyard and fields surrounding Bhopalpur village. The officials added that the Chenab Rangers had shot back, after which firing from the Indian side stopped.

Shakargarh Assistant Commissioner Amir Shehzad said, “Due to the bombardment, a woman named Nisar Begam, a resident of Bhopalpur, and Muhammad Sabar, resident of Tughal village, were injured while they were working in the fields.” He added that Abdul Ghafoor, a Rangers employee, was injured as well.

They were first taken to the Basic Health Unit in Chak Amroo and later to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Shakargarh.

Narowal Deputy Commissioner Ali Anan Qamar said, “After the firing, a relief camp was established at the Government High School where we have ensured the availability of medicine and hospital staff.”

He added that ambulances had been sent to all villages targeted by Indian forces and emergency had been announced at the Shakar­garh THQ Hospital and the Narowal DHQ Hospital. “Officials of the district administration are present at the scene in order to provide all possible help to those affected.” Mr Qamar said, adding that a control room had also been set up, and he was personally monitoring it.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2017