Heavy shelling in Uri, Kupwara; around 20,000 residents flee
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, May 9: Srinagar airport, Awantipora air base and North Kashmir’s Garrison town of Baramulla came under Pakistani drone attack tonight and the Air Force took counter measures to neutralise it even as heavy shelling continued in Uri and Kupwara sectors of North Kashmir forcing thousands to flee.
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The Koil Air base in Awantipora area of Pulwama district came under drone attack tonight and a dozen of huge blasts were heard. It was followed by low intensity blasts which lasted for around 5-10 minutes.
Around 10 blasts were heard in Srinagar International Airport which continued for 2-3 minutes. An official said that the counter measures were activated at both the places by the Indian Air Force and drones were neutralised.
Earlier in the evening, a blackout was enforced across the Kashmir valley and sirens were heard at a few places. In Srinagar, mosque loudspeakers were used to convey to locals to switch off their lights as a precautionary measure.
The blackout was enforced after attacks this evening in Jammu, which sent the locals rushing to their homes in panic.
The Garrison town of Baramulla where the Army’s Division headquarters is located also came under drone attack. The attack has been going on for the last two hours and the Army has taken measures to thwart the attack and drones are being shot down. Huge blasts are being heard and there is panic among the people.
Earlier, over 10,000 people fled from shelling from Uri sector and majority of them had taken shelter in Baramulla town.
Large numbers of people fled from Uri in the dead of night after intense shelling from Pakistan in which a woman was killed and five others were injured.
As per official figures, at least 48 structures mostly residential houses were damaged in the Pakistan artillery shelling. Gingal area of Uri was the worst hit in the recent shelling including tonight.
An official said that around a dozen Army installations were attacked with drones and Army took measures to shoot them down. However, no loss of life or property has been reported as the attacks are on.
The Tanghdar and Chowkibal areas also came under intense shelling today. Few Army installations were also targeted in the district with drones which Army neutralised.
Earlier in the day 650 families were relocated to safer places from Karnah, 50 from Taad, 48 from Keran, 10 from Jumgund, 650 from Machil and 10 families from Kralpora. Some of them were provided accommodation in Government schools and other safer places where others have taken shelter with their relations in the district.
For the third consecutive day, the authorities have decided to close three airports including Srinagar International Airport till May 14 amid heightened tension.
The Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee has now cancelled tomorrow’s May 10 flight, extending the uncertainty for hundreds of pilgrims.
In an official notification, the committee announced the cancellation of Flight No. SG-5210, originally scheduled for Saturday.
“Due to the prevailing situation, the flight has been cancelled. A revised schedule will be communicated accordingly,” the notification read.
“So far, four Haj flights and over 250 commercial flights have been cancelled since May 7, including 84 on Friday alone, with 42 arrivals and 42 departures, an official at Srinagar International Airport said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shujhat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer of the J&K Haj Committee said, “We are in touch with all concerned agencies, but as of now, the situation remains unchanged and uncertain. Pilgrims and their families are requested to remain patient until we receive clearance for rescheduling.”
The schools and colleges have already been shut till tomorrow. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that since Monday is holiday, the decision on re-opening will be taken that day.
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