New Delhi/Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday said seven of its soldiers were killed in “unprovoked” firing by Indian troops across the LoC, prompting it to summon the Indian envoy here to warn that India’s “belligerent” attitude may lead to a “strategic miscalculation”.
Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed at the LoC in the Bhimber sector in an alleged ceasefire violation by Indian troops late on Sunday night, according to a statement by the army. Pakistani troops responded to “unprovoked” Indian firing and targeted Indian posts “effectively”, it said.
Foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry summoned Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale on Monday afternoon and condemned the “unprovoked ceasefire” violation by the Indian forces on the LoC. It is for the second time in a week that Pakistan has summoned Mr Bambawale.
Silence is not weakness: Pakistan
The foreign secretary deplored the increasing Indian ceasefire violations at the LoC and the Working Boundary, especially in the last two months, an official statement said.
He emphasised that this “belligerent attitude” of Indian forces was a “serious threat to the regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation”, the statement added.
The foreign secretary asked the Indian High Commissioner to convey to the Indian government that it must stop the provocative firing and observe the ceasefire.
Pakistan is pursuing a policy of restraint, which should not be construed as a sign of weakness, the statement quoted him as saying. He underlined that the Armed Forces of Pakistan do not initiate fire, but will always respond in a befitting manner, if fired upon, the statement said.
Pakistan on November 10 summoned Mr Bambawale to the Foreign Office to protest over alleged ceasefire violations and use of artillery by the Indian forces.
