India Closes Educational Institutions, Directs People To Stay At Home

All the schools within 5 kilometres of the border have reportedly been closed.

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th February, 2019) India has closed all educational institutions near Pakistani border in view of the increasing tensions.

All the schools within 5 kilometres of the border have reportedly been closed.

The Indian authorities have directed the locals residing near Pakistani border to stay at home and not go out unnecessarily.

Besides, Indian Air services have also been temporarily halted in several districts of India's Jammu and Kashmir state.

"Air services temporarily stopped in our airport as well in several others in the state," a representative of Srinagar airport said.

Indian media reported earlier in the day that a jet of the Indian Air Force had crashed in Bagdam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Both pilots were killed, according to preliminary information.

Tensions heightened between India and Pakistan and took a military turn after India intruded intro Pakistan's territory on Tuesday.

Indian aircraft on Tuesday violated the Line of Control (LoC) separating the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region but soon returned back to India after a response from the Pakistani Air Force.

"Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back," military spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter.

"Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage," the spokesperson said.

Pakistan retaliated on Wednesday shooting down two Indian planes.

The Pakistani army tweeted earlier that two Indian jets had been shot down after they crossed the LoC.

"In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," DG ISPR wrote in his tweet.

"Today, Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace. This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.