Indo-Pak armies trade heavy artillery in Kupwara

Srinagar: Amid the global scare of deadly coronavirus, the armies of India and Pakistan Friday afternoon exchanged heavy artillery on the Line of Control at Keran sector in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district amidst the abrupt internet shutdown for several hours.
Officials said Pakistan army restored to unprovoked ceasefire violation with heavy artillery, which was retaliated “befittingly by Indian army.”
They said that this afternoon Pakistani rangers targeted the forward posts of Indian Army in Keran sector with heavy artillery without caring about the civilian population living at the LoC and other places, who could be seen running for cover. The fire was retaliated heavily, in no time and Pakistani army’s efforts to cause damage was given befitting reply, the officials said.
The locals living in areas like, Zurhama, Jumgand, Farkin and Panzgam, Juktiyal and adjoining areas said they thought war has started and many of them shifted to safer places. The locals said that after every shell was fired their houses were shaken like never before.
“The elderly with ailing conditions and children seemed to be more frightened due to heavy shelling,” said locals.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara, Shriram Ambarkar said that the cross border shelling started early in the afternoon and ended about 02:00 pm.
He said that the damage to civilian population or any injury caused isn’t known so far but they are assessing the situation.