Villagers living along border areas asked to remain vigilant

Jammu: With Pakistani troops repeatedly shelling border areas, authorities have advised villagers living along the Indo-Pak border in Samba district to remain vigilant and stay indoors.

"People (of border hamlets along International Border) should remain vigilant. Villagers are advised to stay indoors and at safer places during cross border shelling", Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga said.

Ganga visited villages of Samba district which were hit by cross border firing and assessed damages due to mortar shelling in Mawa and Bainglarg villages in Samba district on Saturday.

While interacting with the affected families, the Minister assured them of all necessary help from the Government and directed civil administration and police to be vigilant in the areas and respond at times of border shelling.

He also directed officers to remain present in their respective jurisdictions to deal with any emergency situation.

SSP Samba Joginder Singh informed the minister that bullet proof vehicles have been deployed which could be used in case of any emergency.

During his visit to the villages, the Minister handed over relief from Red Cross Society to villager Kalu Ram who lost his cattle in the firing.

Later, he also visited village Bainglarh, and gave away relief from Red Cross Society to Kishore Sharma who also lost his cattle in the firing.

Villagers also informed the Minister about various local issues including construction of permanent bunkers, hike in compensation given to persons killed in cross border firing and creation of a separate township for people living in border areas.