2 civilians injured by Pakistan Army shelling in Poonch

People in the shelling-hit villages rushed to the safety of their homes and bunkers

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At least two civilians were injured on Tuesday as the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The mortar shelling from across the border started in Balakote area of Mendhar sector around 1.20pm, prompting strong retaliation by the Indian Army, the officials said.

They said two civilians were injured in the Pakistani shelling and are being evacuated to hospital.

People in the shelling-hit villages rushed to the safety of their homes and underground bunkers, while the children in some schools falling within the range are being taken to safety, the officials said.

The Army also defused three live mortar shells fired by Pakistan troops along the Line of Control in Poonch district, officials said on Tuesday.

With the safe defusal of the mortar shells by Army engineers, a tragedy has been averted in Karmara village of Poonch district, officials said.