Firing continued between Indian and Pakistani forces along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir for the third straight day on Saturday even as thousands of local residents in border villages have begun fleeing.
At least four people, including a BSF jawan, have been injured as Indian officials claimed Pakistan was deliberately targeting civilian targets early on Saturday. Pakistani Rangers targeted villages along the Chenab river to R.S. Pura throughout the night from late Friday and continued firing of shells in Arnia, Ramgarh, Samba and Hiranagar sectors.
The surge in tension over the past week has created panic in the region, with approximately 9,000 people living in border areas fleeing to safer places from Friday; an official said 1,000 people were moved to camps in R.S. Pura, Kathua and Samba.
Meanwhile, educational institutions along the IB and LoC in Jammu have been closed for three days due to the increase in tension.
Four people, including two jawans, were killed and 35 injured in firing on Friday.
(With agency inputs)
