FIRING BY PAKISTAN

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LOK SABHA

There has been frequent exchange of firing along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir since December 18, 2001. Firing has been more pronounced in the Siachen, Kargil, Dras, Punch, Rajouri and Jammu Sectors in J&K over the last three months.

The loss of property suffered in J&K during March 31 to May 31, 2002 is as under :-

Government buildings - 3

Educational Institutions - 1

Houses - 17

Shops - 8

Bridges - 2

Since December 18, 2001, 1386 Pakistan soldiers/civilians are assessed to have been killed/wounded and approximately 432 of their bunkers and six guns have been destroyed/damaged.

The details of Soldiers/civilians killed and injured by the Pakistani firing during the last three months are given below:-

 

Killed Injured

Army Personnel 28 136

(April 01 to July 10, 2002)

Civilians 233 110

(April 01 to June 30, 2002)

Government of Jammu and Kashmir has been providing ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin in case of death and Rs 75,000/-, Rs 5,000/- and Rs 1,000/- for permanent disability, grievous injury and minor injury respectively to the civilians.

As regards soldiers, a comprehensive welfare package has been worked out and implemented for next of kin of deceased battle casualties killed in enemy/terrorist action. Facilities also exists for resettlement of war disabled soldiers.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Kunwar Akhilesh Singh and others in Lok Sabha today.