ISLAMABAD: Indian security forces resorted to
unprovoked firing on the Pakistani border posts in the Nakial sector
near Kotli district of Azad Kashmir and Pukhlian, in the Head Marala
area, in Sialkot sector on Sunday. The fighting was the latest in a
spate of recent cross-border skirmishes between the two neighbours.
Tensions have recently flared up in the heavily militarised Kashmir
valley with both sides accusing each other of cross-border firings. But
the first of Sunday’s incidents took place near the border close to the
eastern city of Sialkot in the neighbouring Punjab province.“The Indian
border security forces resorted to unprovoked firing on the Pakistan
Rangers posts near Pukhlian, Head Marala area, in Sialkot sector,” a
senior military official, told AFP. “Intermittent exchange of fire
continues. No loss reported so far,” added the official on condition of
anonymity.The official said after the exchange of fire in the Punjab,
the Indian troops also resorted to unprovoked firing at the Line of
Control (LOC) in the Nakial Sector in Kotli district of Azad Kashmir. Indian
Defence Minister A. K. Antony on Thursday hinted at a stronger military
action along the LoC after Delhi accused the Pakistan Army of
involvement in a deadly overnight ambush on Monday that killed five
Indian soldiers.Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tried to ease
tensions with India by urging both sides to work swiftly to shore up a
10-year ceasefire threatened by the recent attacks. INP adds: Indian
Army Chief General Bikram Singh has reprimanded his top commanders in
Jammu and Kashmir for not launching a massive retaliatory strike against
the Pakistan Army along the LoC after five Indian soldiers were
allegedly killed in a cross-border strike in Poonch sector on August 6. General
Singh visited the Nagrota-based Headquarters 16 Corps outside Jammu a
day later and, according to top sources, asked senior commanders as to
why local commanders along the volatile border did not order artillery
and mortar fire at the Pakistani posts. Meanwhile, Indian External
Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed said on Sunday that Pakistan was
responsible if the LoC attackers came from its borders.In an interview
with a TV channel, Khursheed said the Indian Army had briefed the
defence minister on the situation. Khursheed further said the recent
attack along the LoC could have been an effort to sabotage the peace
process between Indian and Pakistan. APP adds: Pakistan on Friday called
upon New Delhi to protect the passengers of the Dosti Bus. In a
statement, Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said: “It is
essential for both sides to take steps to cool passions and resume a
meaningful dialogue.” The spokesman said the stopping of the Dosti Bus
was a regrettable incident. Chaudhry said Pakistan was ready for
talks with India at any level for the resolution of outstanding issues.
He said resumption of dialogue was imperative for peace and any delay
would further complicate matters. He said it was the responsibility
of the Indian authorities to provide security to Pakistani consulates
and diplomats. He said Pakistan had acted in a responsible manner and
India should pursue the same course to lower tensions. |
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