ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (NNN-APP) – Pakistan’s army said today (Thursday), that, a Pakistani soldier and two civilians were killed, in Indian forces’ firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region.
An army statement said, Indian army “initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation” in Kailer and Rakhchikri sectors, along the LoC.
“In Kailer sector, Indian troops targeted Pakistan army posts with automatic and heavy weapons. Pakistan army responded effectively,” the statement from the army’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said.
“Reports of heavy losses to Indian troops in men and material,” said the statement, adding that, during exchange of intense fire, a Pakistani soldier was killed.
The statement said, Indian army troops “deliberately targeted civilian population” in Rakhchikri sector, and a 16-year-old girl and a 52-year-old woman were killed, while a 10-year-old boy and a 55-year-old woman got injured.
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said, a senior Indian diplomat was summoned to register Pakistan’s strong protest over the “ceasefire violations” by the Indian forces, which resulted in serious injuries to innocent civilians.
The Indian side was called upon to respect the 2003 ceasefire understanding, investigate this and other such incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the working boundary, the statement said.
Pakistan and India declared a ceasefire along the LoC, the de facto border between both countries, in the disputed Kashmir region. However, both sides have routinely exchanged fire and accused each other of ceasefire violations.
Tension heightened after India lifted the special status for the Indian-controlled Kashmir in Aug last year. Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations, suspended trade relations and train service with India in response.– NNN-APP
