J-K: 25 schools shut due to LoC firing

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 19 (ANI): In the wake of the ongoing firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, around 25 schools would remain closed in the affected areas. The development commissioner of the state's Poonch district told ANI, "Earlier in the day, there was heavy firing at Poonch's Shahpur. The firing at Line of Control (LOC) has gained its intensity. To ensure the safety of the citizens, around 25 schools in the areas affected by firing, would remain closed. Around 12-13 of them are in Balakote sector." The commissioner said that the situation in the district is being assessed and more schools are likely to be shut till the situation in the border area comes under control. He said that evacuation plans have also been prepared by the administration. "We have also prepared an evacuation plan, under which shelter arrangements have been made for people. They would be given food and security. We have also arranged for ambulances near the danger zones", he said. The district commissioner appealed the public to not touch unknown objects, as there are reports of unexploded shells being in the city. On Tuesday, around 50 children were trapped inside two government schools due to ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in the state's Nowshera sector along the LoC. The Indian army rescued 12 students of primary schools. (ANI)