Pakistan shells iconic temple in Jammu, angering devotees
In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistan shelled the Arnia sub-sector of Jammu on Friday night. The shelling damaged the iconic Gayatri Mandir leaving devotees shocked and angered. No human casualty was reported, but some cattle was killed along with houses and cattle sheds being damaged. The targeting of the temple elicited a sharp response from the BJP.
"During the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, Pakistan violated ceasefire by resorting to firing using small to heavy weapons at Sai, Treva and Jabowal forward posts in Arnia sector. Indian forces retaliated. The firing stopped by Saturday morning," said a police spokesperson.
The shelling was carried out using both small and heavy weapons. One of the shells landed on the Gayatri temple and damaged its roof. Apart from vandalizing the temple, the shelling also damaged the Arnia town, inciting panic among the local residents. Three to four shells landed in the town, reportedly. The local administration has issued guidelines for staying safe during incidents of shelling.
"Pakistan has no regard for human life or places of worship. Even when two armies fight in open war they don't destroy places of worship. Destroying a temple is the most degradable thing by any army," said BJP spokesperson Sunil Sethi.
