Pakistan army targeted civilians’ areas along the Line of Control (LoC) with long range mortar shells and automatic weapons in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on December 3, killing two persons including a woman and an 11th class student and injuring nine others, reports Daily Excelsior on December 4. Pakistan army used long range 120mm mortar shells to directly pound civilian areas at Shahpur, Kirni, Qasba, Bandi Chechiyan, Malti Top and Kalsan and their surroundings in Poonch District causing extensive damage to civilian property besides resulting into two fatal casualties of civilians and injuries to nine others. Some of the mortar shells landed at village Tokri, located just two and half kilometers from Poonch town, causing panic among the people not only in the border belt but also in the areas surrounding Poonch town with mortar shell explosions. The dead have been identified as Shaoaib Ahmad (16), son of Mohammad Bashir, an 11th class student of Christ School Poonch and Gulnaz Akhter (35), wife of Tariq Hussain, a resident of Bandi Chechian.
Meanwhile, Army captured a Pakistani national when he intruded into the Indian territory from the LoC in Nowshera sector of Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on December 3, reports Daily Excelsior. After preliminary questioning, Army handed over the intruder to Police. He has disclosed his identity as Tariq Mahmood son of Fazal Rehman, a resident of village Chai Nalla in Samahani tehsil (revenue unit) of Bhimber District in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, no incriminating material was recovered from his possession.