Pakistan has registered protest with India over the use of artillery by the Indian forces, saying that such weaponry is being used after 13 years.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry summoned Indian Ambassador Gautam Bambawale on Thursday and complained over “unprovoked ceasefire violations on the LOC and the Working Boundary”.
“He deplored the use of artillery by the Indian Forces in Shahkot and Jura sectors on the LoC on November 9, 2016 and highlighted that such weaponry had been used after 13 years, reflecting India’s intention to further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and security,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office said.
The Foreign Secretary observed that the “indiscriminate firing and shelling from the Indian side deliberately targeting villages and civilian populated areas” has resulted in the death of 26 civilians in the last two months, it said.It said 107 people were also injured.
The statement said the UN Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has the UN mandated responsibility for maintaining peace and tranquility at the LoC and the Working Boundary.
“While Pakistan is fully cooperating and providing full access to UNMOGIP, we urge India to permit the UNMOGIP to visit and observe the LoC and the Working Boundary,” it said.
(With IANS inputs)