20000327

17,457 artillery,

mortars fired by

Indian forces in

last three months

MUZAFFARABAD: About 17,457 artillery and mortar shells were fired on the civil population living on and along the Line of Control in Azad Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian forces during the last three months.

This information was given to the world media team from the US and other European countries which had arrived to Pakistan for the coverage of President Clinton's visit.

The media team visited the Line of Control (LoC) at Chakothi some 56-km from here on Sunday.

Journalists and members of world media team were apprised that during last three months 35 civilians were martyred whereas, 113 sustained injuries due to unprovoked and indiscriminate Indian firing and shelling on the LoC.

In the briefing by local area commander, it was said that in 1999, 165 persons embraced martyrdom while 576 received injuries at the hands of Indian army.

It was also informed that inhabitants of the areas and hospitals, schools, mosques, residential and business areas and water reservoirs were the main targets of the Indian troops firing whereas Pakistani troops in retaliation only hit Indian posts and military installations.

The local commander said that due to heavy shelling and firing by the Indian forces in 1998, 90 percent population of Athmaqam was displaced from their hometown and was forced to take shelter in safer places.

Media team was informed that in 1999 Indian Army fired more than 53,800 artillery and mortar shells on civil population on the LoC.

It was also informed that all these violations of LoC by Indian troops were reported the UNMOGIP.

The commander said since the situation on the LoC had become tense, it was imperative to increase the number of UN observers to monitor the Indian violations on the LoC and to report to their headquarters.ÑAPP