Antony Blames Pak for Shooting

FIRING\\ Defence Minister A.K. Antony blamed the Pakistan Army for the killings of five Indian soldiers along the Line of Control (LoC) and the ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir. Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the situation along the LoC and International Border, Antony said, “Firing will have an impact on our stand on LoC and as well as relations with Pakistan.” The minister accused the Pakistani Army for ambushing five Indian soldiers along the LoC recently, and said, “Nothing can happen on Pakistan’s side of the border without the know of their Army.” He said specialised team of the Pakistani Army are involved in LoC killings. The government was forced to make a statement on the ceasefire violations following pressure from the Opposition. As per the Army, Pakistan has violated ceasefire more than 70 times so far this year itself—a jump of nearly 85 per cent over the same period last year. Also, casualty figures of soldiers as well as injuries to civilians have been more than compared to last year. Three ceasefire violations were reported along the LoC in Mendhar sector overnight also. The Indian Army has responded fittingly to the provocations from the other side, which has been using heavy weapons including mortars.

Pakistani troops had targeted Indian posts in Mendhar, and Poonch's Balakot sector, Deri Dabsi and Pattri Gala areas, using automatic weapons and mortars. A top Army commander had yesterday warned that Pakistan was making a “serious mistake” and said a befitting reply would be given with “full force” at the time and place of its choice.