MUZAFFARABAD: As many as six civilians, including a woman and her young daughter, were injured in two districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday due to “unprovoked and indiscriminate” ceasefire violations by Indian troops from across the restive Line of Control, civilian and military officials said.

The casualties occurred in Khuiratta tehsil of Kotli district and Forward Kahuta tehsil of Haveli district, where Indian troops resorted to shelling at about 6pm and 1pm, respectively, “without any provocation”, they said.

Anwar Shaheen, an official in Khuiratta, told Dawn that Indian army used small and heavy arms to “indiscriminately target” civilian populations in Seri Chattar sector.

As a result, five persons were injured in Janjot Bahadar village, he said, identifying the victims as Naseem Begum, 40, wife of Mahmood Hussain; Muhammad Pervez Malik, 28, son of Ahmad Deen; Adil Hussain Mughal, 22, son of Muhammad Hanif; Shabnam Begum, 35, wife of Muhammad Zaheer Mughal; and her 10 years old daughter Areeba.

Mr Shaheen said that Naseem Begum was provided treatment at a military-run health facility, while the other four victims were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Kotli.

Indian troops also initiated “unprovoked” ceasefire violations in Rakhchikri sector of Haveli district, targeting civilian population, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media affairs wing, in a late night tweet.

As a result, a woman resident of Kairni village sustained injuries, it added. The victim was identified as 65 years old Naseeb Jan, wife of Lal Deen.

The ISPR said that Pakistan Army effectively responded to the Indian firing.

According to the ISPR and civilian officials, Indian troops have committed as many as 1,643 ceasefire violations in the current year, which have left 13 civilians martyred and another 125 injured.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2020