Indian diplomat summoned as Indian troops target civilians along LoC

One woman martyred and six others injured in latest ceasefire violation in Nikial and Jandrot sectors

Indian Charge de Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was once again summoned at the Foreign Office by its chief spokesperson to denounce New Delhi’s fresh ceasefire violation that martyred a women and injured seven others along the Line of Control (LoC) on Saturday.

Dr Mohammad Faisal, the Director General (SA & SAARC, strongly condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations that have surged since August 5 when the Modi government revoked the special status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed states.

In today’s incident, a 40-year-old woman, identified as Fatima Bibi who is a resident of Balakot, embraced martyrdom while seven others including women sustained injuries when Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Nikial and Jandrot Sectors along the LoC.

The injured were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for immediate medical treatment, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

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The Foreign Office has summoned Indian officials several times to condemn the unprovoked firing.

The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and Working boundary have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars, and automatic weapons, said a statement issued by the FO.

“This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations,” it added.

“The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws. The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation.”

The chief FO spokesperson, during today’s interaction, urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement, investigate incidents of ceasefire violations, instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit and maintain peace along the LoC and the Working Boundary.

Dr Faisal also urged New Delhi to permit UNMOGIP play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.