Young Woman Killed Amid LoC Flare-Up In Mendhar

Poonch Feb 28: A young woman was killed, hours after a soldier, who had come home on leave was injured, in alleged shelling by Pakistan along the line of control in this frontier district on Thursday.

Official sources said that 27-year-old Amina Kousar daughter of Mohammad Sadiq was killed when a shell landed at her residence at Takiya Ziayarat, Chhajla in Medhar sector in the frontier district.

The shelling is intermittently going on in Balakote, Mankote, Manjakote and KG sector of the border district since last couple of days amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following air strikes.

An official said that fresh shelling erupted at Mankote, Balakote and Mendhar sectors since yesterday evening. The Indo-Pak armies exchanged heavy shelling in these sectors. The residents of these areas are frightened since the escalation between the two countries.

The woman sustained critical injuries after a shell landed in the premises of her house and she was taken to nearby hospital where she succumbed later.

At least five persons including Naseema Akthar (28) of Mankote suffered injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. SDPO Mendhar Neeraj Padyar confirmed the death of the woman.

Earlier a shell fired by Pakistan army, landed in premises of the house of the soldier— Zakir Hussian (Lance Naik of 3 Jakli) son of Abdul Aziz as a result of which in he suffered serious injuries and was shifted to SDM Mendhar.

BMO Mendhar Dr Pervaiz Ahmad Khan told that after initially admitting Zakir, he was referred to district hospital in “critical” condition. Zakir is posted in Kupwara district of north Kashmir had had returned home recently on leave, officials said.