The Pakistan foreign ministry on Thursday summoned Indian Charge d’Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia to register Pakistan’s strong protest over ceasefire violations by Indian armed forces along the Line of Control (LoC). Director-General (SA and SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry summoned the Indian envoy for ceasefire violations along the LoC on June 17, after four innocent civilians were martyred and one injured.

Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian armed forces in Bagsar and Nikial sectors of the LoC, three residents of Ratta Jabbar village in Nikial sector were martyred. They were identified as 27-year-old Razeem, 25-year-old Tehzeeb, 13-year-old Ali Maroof.

In Lewana Khaiter village in Bagsar sector 60-year-old Rasheeda Bibi was martyred, whereas 61-year-old Muhammad Hussain sustained serious injuries.

The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and Working Boundary have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons.

In 2020, India has committed 1,410 ceasefire violations, resulting in 12 deaths and 102 serious injuries.

The director-general condemned the targeting of innocent civilians and underscored that such senseless acts, are a clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and complete disregard for international human rights laws and norms.

He maintained that by raising tensions along the LoC and the WB, India cannot divert attention from the grave human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.

“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 interest of regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

The director general called the Indian envoy to respect the ceasefire agreement, investigate these incidents and maintain peace.

He also urged the Indian side to permit the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2245247/1-fo-summons-indian-envoy-ceasefire-violation-along-loc/