The government on Tuesday protested against the Pakistan Army violating cease-fire obligations by firing on army posts in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistani troops reportedly fired grenades, bombs and mortar shells. The Indian side retaliated with gunshots. The exchange continued till the wee hours of Tuesday.
Locals urged the authorities to investigate the matter.
"This firing has been continuing for the last five days and there is so much fear that we stay inside our houses from 10 am to 2 am. Pakistan has really troubled us and they are not letting us even have our food. They throw bombs and are constantly firing; we are very troubled," said Shah Mohammad, a local.
Several officers have sustained minor injuries. This was the fourth incident of firing across the border.
"There has been a lot of firing since the last few days. There are so many blasts that the walls of our house vibrate and when we sleep, we feel that our house is going to collapse. We are facing so many problems, we can't even sleep peacefully. In 2002, we had migrated and I feel we will have to again resort to migration," said Arvind, a local.
Meanwhile, the Rawalkot-Poonch bus service has been suspended because of heavy firing.
"Yes, there has been ceasefire violation. Such incidents are common and happen every now and then, but this time it has taken a serious turn. This is because there have been several casualties, which is why trade is halted. We are waiting for the authorities to hold a meeting and resolve the issue, so that we can resume the services," said Development Commissioner of Poonch Ajit Kumar Sahu.
The restive region of Kashmir has witnessed numerous militant attacks, insurgency, and infiltration attempts from across the border in the last two decades.
