Pakistan not quiet even on New Year’s eve, began firing at midnight: Defence Minister on ceasefire violation

New Delhi: Condemning the continuous ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said that Pakistan doesn’t seem to learn lessons.

He said, “Pakistan doesn't like to stay quiet even on the New Year day, last night it began firing”.

Earlier in the day, Inspector General (IG) of BSF, Jammu Frontier, Rakesh Sharma asserted that BSF never fires ‘first’ towards the Pakistan side along the International Border.

He said that the neighbouring country should be ready to suffer collateral damages if the Indian side retaliates.

Read: Retaliate with double force: Defence Minister on truce violation by Pakistan

"If Pakistan rangers fire on us, we will also fire on them. If they suffer collateral damages (in our action), they (Pakistan) should be ready for that," Inspector General (IG) of BSF, Jammu Frontier, Rakesh Sharma told reporters here on Thursday.

Asked whether there were instructions from the Centre to give befitting reply to Pakistan, the IG said, "There were already clear instructions in the past as also this time and will continue in future too."

Read: India retaliates after soldier is killed, 4 Pakistani jawans dead

"But we never open fire on Pakistan first. You have seen that we have never fired first on the Pakistan on IB. If we are being fired upon, we will not sit silent, we will retaliate," the IG said. The IG termed Thursday's firing by Pakistan as an act of frustration.

"See how Pakistan rangers have snipped the patrol party of BSF. This is utter frustration of Pakistan as they are not getting an opportunity to infiltrate into this side."