J&K official, two security officers among seven killed in Pakistani shelling in Jammu region

A Jammu and Kashmir government official and two security officers were among seven persons killed in mortar shelling and drone strikes by Pakistan in the Jammu region on Saturday, PTI reported.

The deaths were reported hours before India and Pakistan agreed to stop all firing on land, air and sea at 5 pm. India alleged on Saturday night that Pakistan repeatedly violated the agreement.

Earlier on Saturday, Additional District Development Commissioner (Rajouri) Raj Kumar Thapa and his two staff members suffered injuries when an artillery shell hit his home in the town of Rajouri, PTI reported.

All three were taken to the Government Medical Hospital, where Thapa succumbed to his injuries.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Thapa was a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. “Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired,” he said. “…I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace.”