16 schools closed in Manjakote following cross-LoC shelling

DC Rajouri rushes to forward areas to take stock of situation, 

oversee evacuation of affected people

RAJOURI, JULY 17: Heavy cross-border shelling was reported in forward areas of Manjakote in district Rajouri at 8.30 am today.

According to District Administration Rajouri, a population of 4500-5000 in villages of Panjgrain, Rajdhani and Naika among others was affected. Two civilians were injured during shelling. One seriously injured Shah Begum W/O Mohammad Sharief R/O Panjgrain was admitted in district hospital Rajouri while other injured Sharief Ahmed was given first aid.

District Administration ordered closure of all schools early morning however 120 students were held up in Government School at Panjgrain and on report of headmaster senior officers coordinated for their safe evacuation as shelling was reported of have affected nearby area.

District Magistrate, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary accompanied by SSP Yougal Manhas, ACD Noor Alam, AC Defence Abdul Qayoom, CEO Lal Hussain and other senior officers rushed to forward areas to oversee arrangements for likely evacuation and emergency response. They also held meeting with locals at Panjgrain and briefed about preparedness. The DM briefed the locals about necessary arrangements kept in place for establishment of camps in case of any likely evacuation, provision of ration supply in affected villages, essential services and coordination for rescue. First aid medicines, tents, ration and other requisite items have been rushed as reserve.

The schools closed for an indefinite period include Primary Schools Sharmabasti, Korapani, Nangal, Tadyalla, Chakwa, Trutta Dhara, Mahal Rajdhani, Kalvatra Mohalla, Lal Beig, Rependi, Kotedhar, Chakli; Middle Schools Naika, Kundinakkar, Paryali, Lambibari and High Schools Khorinar and Dhar. An order for closure of schools was issued by the Deputy Commissioner soon after reports of heavy shelling in Manjakote. SDPO Manjakote Imtiaz Ahmed coordinate rescue at LoC while Tehsildar Mehmood Ahmed coordinated arrangements in villages as well as for camps. AC Defence and Tehsildar Manjakote have been deputed as nodal officers for emergency response and providing required relief.

District Administration sounded alert and advised the residents to stay indoors and field officers have been deputed for coordination. HS Ghambir Brahmna, HSS Kakora, HSS Manjakote, Panchayat Ghar and other locations have been notified as camps for likely evacuation. Four ambulances were rushed to Ghambir, Panjgrain and Manjakote. DC and senior officers also visited CHC Manjakote and proposed relief camps. Two ambulances were stationed in Ghambir Brahmna.

Meanwhile joint teams of Health, Revenue, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Agriculture and other departments have also been deputed for loss assessment, damage report and providing required assistance.