India troops violate truce, target UN vehicle

UNMOGIP vehicle damaged, two observers luckily remained unhurt, says ISPR

KARACHI:

Indian troops fired at a United Nations vehicle on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC) as they violated the ceasefire without any provocation on Friday, the military’s media wing said in a statement, adding that the UN military observers on board the vehicle luckily remained unhurt.

“At 1045 hrs, on 18 Dec 20, Indian army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of [the] LoC. [The] Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 military observers on board,” the ISPR said.

The UN military observers were en route to Polas village in Chirikot sector to interact with villagers affected by unabated ceasefire violations (CFV) by India, it added.

“It must be noted that the UN vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings,” the ISPR said.

Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of #LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector. It must be noted that the UN (1/4) pic.twitter.com/9MB0uLpq6d

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020

 

The vehicle was damaged in the Indian fire, but the two UN military observers travelling in it luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued and evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot.

“Such illegal and unlawful acts, against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of [the] Indian army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but UN peacekeepers as well,” the military said.

…vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings. While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot. (2/4) pic.twitter.com/NvDvjHKN6d

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020

 

…Such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but #UN Peace Keepers as well. This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete (3/4)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020

 

The UNMOGIP replaced the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), originally established in January 1948 to investigate and mediate in the dispute between the two countries.

The Foreign Office condemned the incident and said India must follow the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit.

The late Pakistani prime minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, declared a unilateral ceasefire along the LoC to celebrate Eidul Fitr in November 2003. The next day, Indian officials welcomed the Pakistani declaration. Military leaders then formalised the truce in their weekly phone call.

Indian border guards, however, have frequently breached the agreement with impunity and targeted civilian population living along the LoC in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

New Delhi has committed 2,992 ceasefire violations so far this year, resulting in the death of 27 people and injuries to 249 people, according to Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri.

He urged the UN military observers deployed along the LoC to play their mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.