Army chief warns against 'aggression' amid Kashmir tensions

Gen Raheel says resolving Kashmir issue is vital to peace in region


Afp/Ibriz Sheikh October 18, 2014

KAKUL: Army chief General Raheel Sharif vowed Saturday to thwart any "aggression" against the country, in a thinly-veiled warning to arch rival India after a spate of deadly cross-border firing incidents in Kashmir.

At least 12 civilians have been killed on the Pakistani side and thousands on both sides of the de facto border have fled their homes since October 6, which marked the beginning of some of the worst frontier shelling in years.

"Sentiments of goodwill and amity notwithstanding, let there be no doubt that any aggression against our beloved country will get a befitting response and no sacrifice will be too great in this sacred cause," En Raheel said, in an apparent swipe at India.

The nuclear-armed neighbours, who have fought two wars over Muslim-majority Kashmir, have traded blame for the recent violence in the disputed Himalayan region.

"We persistently seek peace in the region and beyond," Sharif said while addressing a parade at a military academy near Islamabad.

But "lasting peace in the region will only come about with the fair and just resolution of Kashmir issue," he added.

Pakistan Army on Tuesday said it had voiced concern to India at continued firing across the Kashmir frontier and in Punjab province when senior officials from both sides spoke via a special hotline.

Clashes occur regularly along the disputed border known as Line of Control (LOC) as well as along the frontier dividing Indian Kashmir from Pakistan's Punjab province.

Further, the chief said the people of Kashmir should decide their fate as the quest for peace is the nation’s greatest strength.

“Lasting peace in the region will only come about with a fair and just resolution of Kashmir issue in accordance with the will of Kashmiri people, as enshrined in the UN resolution,” said General Sharif.

Speaking on the war against terrorism, General Sharif stated that Operation Zarb-e-Azb was not merely an operation but a concept and a resolve and a commitment of the nation.

“The commitment is to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism

once and for all,” said General Sharif.

The army chief said that the displaced people of FATA would return home sooner than expected as all intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies and military operations were playing a commendable role in the operation.

Concluding his address, General Sharif entrusted the newly trained cadets with the responsibility of leading the country with dignity and honour.

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COMMENTS (34)

Haider | 9 years ago | Reply

@Mazhar Plebiscite in 48 is completely diff from that in 2010 I think....In 2010 Pakistan faced worst crisis of terrorism with terrorist attacks happening on day to day basis.Even a Pakistani at that time didn't want to live in Pakistan forget Kashmir still 8% voted while 14% voted for India (India is emerging a big nation every year.Better and Improved) still 14%...Hype of Independence is very high since 20th century.Why not make it independent when 78% wants independence.

While I think the facts were 43% in India want Independence an d. 44% in Pakistan Kashmir wanted independence..... While 75-95% people in only Kashmir part removing Jammu in Indian occupied Kashmir want independence...

In 48 secenrio was completely different as 1 year back Pakistan gained independence and reason was seperate land for Muslims.That hype was enough. Situations in 48 and 2010 were completely different

Pakistan have morally supported freedom fighters.But those Kabailis are those people who want revenge from genocide by Indian army.Even your film "Haider" states this..I won't reject PAKISTAN support to Kabailis bcz pak and India have been in proxy wars since 47..Be it Baluchistan or Kashmir......

"India made Kashmir Independent"...This is from Wikepedia page After rumours that the Maharaja supportedthe annexation of Kashmir by India, militant Muslims from western Kashmir[22]and Pakistani tribesmen made rapid advances into theBaramullasector. Maharaja of Kashmir Hari Singh asked the government of India to intervene. However,India and Pakistan had signed a non-intervention agreement. Although tribal fighters from Pakistan had entered Jammu and Kashmir, there was no solid legal evidence to unequivocally prove that Pakistan was officially involved"

When India intervened.Pakistan also did again.Bcz in this case India would have taken entire Kashmir...Pakistan had no choice then to support Freedom Fighters.

Mudassir | 9 years ago | Reply

Why this army cheif speaking on my behalf? Dont remember voting for him. Let Nawaz Sharif/parliamentarians speak about this.

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