Indian COAS attempting to divert attention from citizenship law protests: DG ISPR

Says Pakistan Army will respond to any misadventure by the Indian armed forces

ISLAMABAD: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Asif Ghafoor on Thursday said the escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) threatened by the Indian army chief is an effort to divert the world's attention from violent protests against the anti-Muslim law.

DG ISPR took to Twitter to state that the provocative statements made by the Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat regarding the preparations for escalation along the LoC aimed to divert the world's attention from the citizenship law passed by the Modi government.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to drive the law through parliament last week has ignited nationwide protests that have often turned violent, with six people killed.

Pakistani Hindus reject India’s offer for citizenship

The anti-Muslim law offers citizenship rights to Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Parsi and Jain communities migrating from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, but not to Muslims.

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat, in a statement on Wednesday, had said that the situation along LoC could escalate anytime and the Indian Army was maintaining high level of readiness to cater to different contingencies.

"Provocative statements and preparations for escalation along LOC by Indian COAS appear to be an effort as usual to divert world attention from widespread protests in India against CAB."

Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor also stated that the Pakistan armed forces will respond to any misadventure or aggression by the Indian Army.

 

Provocative statements and preparations for escalation along LOC by Indian COAS appear to be an effort as usual to divert world attention from wide spread protests in India against CAB. Pakistan Armed Forces shall befittingly respond to any Indian misadventure or aggression.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 19, 2019

During the past week of unrest, hundreds of people have been arrested, authorities have cut the internet in some flashpoint areas and banned large gatherings in others.

Police have fired tear gas into crowds and been accused of beating protesters, including women and students, fuelling the anger.