'Desperate' Pak masking internal turmoil through ceasefire violations: Nirmal Singh

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir)[India] May 14 (ANI): In the aftermath of the constant ceasefire violations being carried out by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Sunday asserted that the attacks are a reflection of Islamabad's desperation and are being carried out as a way to hide its ongoing internal conflict. Singh while condemning the incident told ANI that the Indian Armed forces are ready with a plan to counter the attacks, adding that Pakistan will have to bear the brunt of their actions. "Over three of our soldiers have lost their lives. Several have been evacuated. Pakistan is desperate at the moment and they are doing all this to hide their internal turmoil. We will give a befitting reply to them and make sure they face the consequences of their stupidity," he said. At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured as Pakistan pounded 35 villages and Indian posts with mortars along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Saturday. "Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0715 hours along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector," said an official statement. In wake of the attacks a total of 193 families, comprising of 743 persons, took shelter in camps. As many as 609 border residents were evacuated late last evening. Furthermore, over 51 schools of the Nowshera region and 36 of Manjakote and Doongi zones have been closed for an indefinite period. Highlighting the security arrangements made by the authorities, Singh said evacuation procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of civilians in the region. "Families of those killed during the firing will be given compensation as per the norms. The Centre has assured Rs. five lakhs, while the state government will be giving the kin Rs. one lakh," Singh added. The government has set up make-shift tent camps and arranged food for the dislocated. Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said that the government has established four relief camps and another 26 are being identified in case people are evacuated from the region. "Four relief camps have been established and 26 others are being identified in case more evacuation is needed. We have 30 relief camps and have provided them with all facilities. Around 100 officers are on duty," Choudhary told ANI. Choudhary said around 20-25 villages are affected, out of which heavy shelling has been reported in Nowshera. He also added that two people have been killed and three others are injured, one whose condition is critical has been referred to Jammu for further treatment. (ANI)