Temple, houses damaged in Pak shelling

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 1: A temple and some houses were hit by bullets as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing and mortar shelling in different sectors along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Kathua and Poonch districts. The Army and Border Security Force (BSF) retaliated befittingly and there was no report of loss of life on the Indian side.
The temple of Lord Shiva and houses suffered minor damages in the firing in Manyari, Chandwa and Londi villages of Hiranagar sector along the International Border in Kathua district, reports said.
A couple of bovines also sustained bullet injuries and were treated by veterinary doctors.
The firing from across the border started around 9.45 pm last night and the exchange of fire between the two sides continued till early today, causing panic among the border residents who were forced to spend the night in underground bunkers, reports said.
Some of them had narrow escape in Pakistan shelling and firing as mortars fell close to their houses.
A defence spokesperson said Pakistani army also resorted to mortar shelling and small arms firing in Shahpur, Kirni and Qasba sectors along the LoC in Poonch district.
“At about 7.30 am, Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along LoC in Shahpur, Kirni and Qasba sectors. Indian Army retaliated befittingly,” the spokesperson said.
While there were no casualties on the India side on the LoC, Pakistan is reported to have suffered heavy damages.