Summary Deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas especially children is deplorable, the FO said.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Foreign Office summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh today (Tuesday) and condemned unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control on 19 February in Khuiratta Sector, Jijot Bahadar village, resulting in the shahadat of Ayan Zahid, an 8 years old boy.
“Despite calls for restraint, India continues to indulge in ceasefire violations. In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 335 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the shahadat of 15 innocent civilians and injuries to 65 others,” the Foreign Office stated in a press release.
“This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed more than 1970 ceasefire violations.”
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The FO further stated that the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas especially children is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws.
Earlier, on 15 February 2018, the Indian occupation forces also deliberately targeted a school van leaving the children severely traumatized and martyring the driver. The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation.
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The Foreign Office urged India to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations and maintain peace on the LoC and the Working Boundary. Indian side should permit UNMOGIP to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.
