Pak troops shell Indian border
town. Hundreds flee homes

Heavy shelling and firing by Pakistani troops on the Indian border town of Kargil has killed two and injured nine, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes in the cold desert of Ladakh.

The attack on Saturday morning killed a year-old-child and a school teacher in Kargil. Fear has gripped the region and civilians in adjoining villages are also on the run.

A defence spokesperson has said the 'unprovoked attack has caused extensive damage to civilian life and property.'

Pissu, Dra, Theng and Baroo villages in the area too came under heavy shelling which began early on Saturday morning.

Several shells landed in Kargil, forcing the people to flee to adjoining Chickdan village and Sunnu Nallah.

All government offices and schools have been closed and only a few families now have been left behind due to lack of transport.

Authorities confirmed the situation in Kargil is tense and that "only the sound of explosions can be heard."

Senior officials have reached the area and efforts are afoot to provide relief to those who have migrated.

Late in the afternoon, Kargil's district administration shifted the local hospital to Tichumik village as the condition of the injured deteriorated with continuous shelling.

The hospital staff is unable to work in Kargil as the fierce exchange of mortar and bullets showed no sign of abating.

Last week too, Pakistani troops had shelled Kargil. The situation there has been reviewed at a meeting in Jammu on Saturday.