Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry summoned the Indian high commissioner Thursday evening and condemned the continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations by Indian occupation forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary which, he said, were in complete violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and the International Law.
The foreign secretary deplored the use of artillery by the Indian occupation forces in Shahkot and Jura sectors on the LoC on Wednesday evening, saying that such weaponry had been used after 13 years, reflecting India’s intention to further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and security.
The foreign secretary observed that the indiscriminate firing and shelling from the Indian side deliberately targeting villages and civilian settlements over the past two months had resulted in martyrdom of 26 civilians and injuries to 107, including women and children.
The United Nations Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan had the UN-mandated responsibility for maintaining peace and tranquillity at the LoC and Working Boundary, he said, adding that while Pakistan was fully cooperating and providing full access to the UNMOGIP, India should also permit it to visit and observe the LoC and Working Boundary.
The foreign secretary also urged India to investigate the continued incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations on the LoC and Working Boundary and ensure respect for the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, in letter and spirit.
