–FO summons Indian envoy, protests repeated violation of LoC ceasefire agreement
MUZAFFARABAD: A 13-year-old girl embraced martyrdom while her mother and a minor boy were injured as Indian troops resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Indian troops initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation in Hajipir and Bedori sectors along the LoC last night, targeting the civilian population.
“Due to indiscriminate firing of Indian troops in Mensar village, Bedori sector, a 13-year-old girl Iqra Shabbir embraced shahadat, while her mother and a 12-year-old boy sustained serious injuries,” ISPR.
Indian Army troops unprovoked CFV in Hajipir & Bedori Sectors along #LOC last night targeting civil population. A 13 yrs old girl, village Mehnsar, Bedori Sector, embraced shahadat, her mother & 12 yrs old boy got injured.
Pak Army troops responded effectively to Indian firing.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) June 21, 2020
Pakistan army “troops responded effectively to Indian firing,” the military’s media wing added.
Subsequently, the Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday summoned Indian envoy Gaurav Ahluwalia to register Pakistan’s “strong protest” over the ceasefire violations.
“The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons,” a statement from the Foreign Office said.
It added that India has committed 1,440 ceasefire violations since the start of this year, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and causing “serious injuries” to 104 others.
According to the statement, Director General (South Asia & Saarc) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri emphasised that “such senseless acts, in clear violation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding and complete disregard for international human rights and international norms” further escalate the tense situation between both countries.
Chaudhri added that India would not be able to “divert attention from the worsening human rights situation” in occupied Kashmir by increasing tension along the LoC. “The Indian government must realise that its irresponsible policies and unilateral actions are increasingly imperiling peace and security in the region. India must act responsibly in the interst of regional peace and security.”
The DG called upon India to respect the 2003 ceasefire understanding and investigate incidents of all violations. He also called upon the neighbouring country to “maintain peace along the LoC and the WB”.
Chaudhri also urged that India allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its role according to the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
India’s increasing ceasefire violations across the LoC has heightened tensions across the border between the two countries.
On Saturday, Indian forces resorted to indiscriminate firing across the LoC injuring three Pakistani civilians critically.
“Indian Army troops initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation using mortars and automatics in Nikial Sector along LOC deliberately targeting civilian population. Due to indiscriminate fire in Khanni and Ooli villages, three innocent civilians received critical injuries.
“All injured evacuated and being provided with medical care,” the ISPR had said.
