The shelling on border is an act of desperation by "politically unstable" Pakistan which is emerging as a serious threat to peace in sub-continent, ruling National Conference said today.
"Silence of guns after the ceasefire agreement during the tenure of (former prime minister) Atal Bihari Vajpayee had instilled a sense of confidence among the people living along Line of Control and International Border.
"However, the intermittent firing from across the border in the recent past has vitiated the atmosphere to such an extent that insecurity prevails among the residents," NC's Provincial President Devender Singh Rana said on his visit to Arnia where shelling and firing by Pakistani troops has killed five people and injured several others.
"This (firing) has terribly affected activity in the border areas," he said.
Rana lauded the valour of people living in forward areas for braving the brunt with courage and fortitude. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of the injured.
"The entire state is saddened by killing of innocent civilians and displacement of the border dwellers due to continuous shelling," he said while interacting with the displaced people who have taken shelter in a camp.
The Provincial President reiterated the need for identifying safer zones near the borders so that people can take refuge during such eventualities. He said Omar-led government has taken up the issue with the Centre.
Referring to the visit of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah yesterday to the affected areas, Rana said that party cadre has been directed to ensure safe lodging of the border people who have suffered immensely due to firing.
