Continued mortar fire from Pakistan along LoC in Balakot, Mankot, Mendhar and Poonch areas has caused closure of about 35 schools located close to the Line of Control. Many villagers living close to the LoC are forced to shift to other places for safety. The schools remain closed because Pakistani firing is targeting school buildings and other structures. The purpose of this firing of the enemy is to force the local population to clear the areas because clandestine sneaking in of the jihadis is obstructed by the local population. The civil administration is tongue-tied and only vague answers are given to questions raised by media persons when they meet them. But facts of situation cannot be kept in hiding because the affected people have openly come out to demonstrate their anger and resentment against firing. We are aware that our jawans, who are assigned the duty of protecting the LoC, are there to give Pakistan a befitting reply. But why the authorities are not taking retaliatory steps is not clear. The need of the hour is to silence enemy’s guns and instill confidence among the people living close to the border.