The Hindu : Heavy shelling in Poonch

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 31, 2002

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Heavy shelling in Poonch

By Luv Puri

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, and his son, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah, surveying the damage caused to a house in Poonch in the shelling by Pakistan. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

Srinagar May 30. Four civilians, including a woman, were killed and 21 persons injured when Pakistan resorted to heavy mortar shelling on Poonch town region near the Line of Actual Control on Wednesday.

The injured were taken to the District Hospital and the condition of three was stated to be serious.

Local residents said the shelling was one of the most intense in recent times. ``The entire town has turned into a war zone.''

A report said some shells fell on the Poonch Garrison but they did not cause any damage. The affected areas of Poonch town include Allah Pir, Kansar, Purani Poor, Malti and also a local bus stand.

Poonch is overlooked by Haji Pir Mountains which is dominated by Pakistani troops giving them a strategic advantage.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah, along with senior Army officers visited the areas devastated by Wednesday night shelling.

The Chief Minister also went to the district hospital where the injured were admitted.

Fidayeen attack

In a fidayeen attack on the District Police Lines, Doda, three security personnel were killed. Two militants who carried out the attack were also killed in the encounter, which lasted for at least 14 hours.

Police said the militants struck at the District Police Lines on Wednesday evening.

They first killed the two guards at the entrance. Then they managed to make their way into the complex and killed a Special Police Officer.

The militants took refuge in an ammunition dump and sought shelter in a garage.

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