COAS dismisses India's diversionary propaganda

Gen Bajwa says Delhi's claims of militants' presence along LoC aimed at spreading unrest in Kashmir

Indian propaganda about the presence of militants along the Line of Control (LoC) is aimed at spreading unrest in Kashmir, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying.

“People of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are fully aware of Indian atrocities in held Kashmir and [of] Indian agendas,” General Qamar said during his visit to the LoC at Kel Sector and the forward post at Sharda on Friday. “Pakistan Army shall continue to ensure protection and security of people along [the] LoC.”

The statement came a week after a 60-year-old woman was killed in unprovoked Indian firing along the Indo-Pak border.



Both sides routinely accuse each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement. However, it is impossible to verify claims from either side due to lack of access to the heavily militarised zone.

The army chief, who was briefed on the continuing ceasefire violations (CFVs), appreciated army’s “state of operational preparedness and response to CFVs”. He was also apprised about the army's support to ongoing housing and population Census.

Gen Qamar also directed the authorities to ensure progress and development works in the area in coordination with the AJK government.

The restive Himalayan region suffered a rise in violence last year after the killing in July of a popular young rebel leader in a gun battle with soldiers.