Uneasy calm again on international border in Jammu

Jammu, J Jan 30 (IANS) An uneasy calm again prevailed on the international border in Jammu district Friday as tension was palpable in Arnia and R.S. Pura towns because of shelling by Pakistan Rangers.

The shelling killed three people, including two men and a woman, in Arnia town Thursday evening.

They have been admitted to government medical college hospital in winter capital Jammu.

Pakistani mortar shells had hit a school and a residential house in Arnia town which is 3.5 kilometres away from the international border.

Pakistan's shelling was retaliated by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and both sides exchanged fire for more than six hours.

A senior police officer who visited Arnia Friday said things were returning to normal in the town as well as in R.S. Pura.

"Things are fast returning to normal after yesterday's firing by Pakistan rangers in which three persons were injured. Pakistan shells hit a school building, a residential house and another structure in Arnia yesterday resulting in injuries to three persons", the officer said.

The brunt of Pakistan firing on the international border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts is borne by villagers living close to the border in these districts.

"Our lives are thrown upside down by these firing incidents. Besides endangering our lives, agricultural activities, education of children, livestock and other routine activities of life are all being held hostage by these firing incidents", said Baldev, 46, a resident of R.S.Pura town.