Schools remain shut due to heavy shelling and firing along LoC

Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Oct. 25 (ANI): In the wake of the continuous ceasefire violation by Pakistan on the Line of Control (LoC) and heavy shelling in residential areas along the International Border, the concerned authorities have ordered the closure of all schools in Rajouri district as a precautionary measure. This decision has been taken to ensure the safety and security of students. Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Ajmal, a teacher said, "Day before yesterday the students were studying and suddenly from Pakistan's side firing came. They were running here and there because of firing. There were 18-20 kids near the border. I ran and took the students and kept two or three of them in the houses. I took them home. The mortar fell at a distance of 10-15 meters from the school," "The children are very scared to leave their homes. Their parents are afraid to send their kids as the firing can happen anytime," he added. Mohammad. M Hafiz, a student, told ANI, "My school is close to LoC, day before yesterday after heavy firing from Pakistan's side, everyone at school got scared and wanted to reach home safe. We're very scared, firing can take place anytime. We're facing a lot of problem. Schools are, therefore, kept closed as safety measure." Two BSF jawans have lost their lives in cross-border firing along the Jammu International border (IB) during the past one week. The locals in Rajouri showed remains of mortar shells fired from across the border during several ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Pakistani Rangers resorted to small arms fire and mortar shelling on at least three places in R.S. Pura and Akhnoor Sectors. (ANI)