Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 8: Crisis management groups have been set up along the Indo-Pak border for evacuation of people affected by shelling and firing by Pakistan and to ensure all facilities for them at shelter camps.
“Border Security Force (BSF) is doing a commendable job. They are responding to Pak firings adequately and effectively. They are responding as per the situation, but the matter of concern for us is the targeting of civilian areas. But our endeavour is to protect them, ensure their evacuation and facilities for them in the camps”, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Rajesh Kumar said while talking to reporters here this evening.
“Crisis management groups have been activated in the borderline from Poonch to Kathua district”, IGP said, adding that one each group will be deployed in all these places along the border to first carry out evacuation of people and then provide food and shelter to them.
“All civilian departments, besides police, are part of these groups which undertake evacuation in emergency situations,” he said.
The IGP said, “As per the need, security set up has been put in place for the camps as well as villages. For people who do not intent to leave their homes, bunker-type bullet proof vehicles have been put in place for them”.
“We had educated people about their safety in various border areas and the people in border areas of Hiranagar and Samba left their homes, and the result of this was that major damage was averted even when Pakistani troops intentionally shelled in Kathua and Samba districts last night”, IGP said.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu while speaking said that cross border firing has been continued since last 4 days. In the firing total 8 deaths have been reported so far including 2 reported today morning from Samba district.
He further stated that 75 people were injured in the incident. Out of total injured person those who sustained minor injuries were discharged from hospital after initial treatment, he said, adding that the condition of other patients was stable and only one patient is critical in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
He added that Government would provide Rs 1 lakh compensation to the family of deceased and Rs 5,000 per head to injured persons.
Shantmanu added that around 3000 persons were residing in 10 camps established in district Jammu. He said around 2000 persons were putting up in about 7 make shift camps in Poonch district. “We have also established small 16 camps in Kathua district were 2000 people are residing”, he stated.
Deputy Commissioners are ready with contingency plan in order to meet any emergent situation, he said, adding that border residents shall follow the warnings being issued by the authorities from time to time.