The Indian Army on Friday rejected Pakistan’s claims that Indian troops targeted a United Nations (UN) vehicle in cross border firing along the Line of Control (LoC).
Pakistan’s Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR) claimed on Twitter that Indian troops “deliberately” targeted a UN vehicle with two Military Observers (MO) on board, en route to interact with Cease-Fire Violations (CFV) victims in Polas village in Chirikot Sector of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
“Reports of targeting United Nations vehicle are not true,” the Indian Army said in response to the claims.
In an earlier statement, an Army spokesperson in Jammu said that Pakistan resorted to CFV in Mendhar and Balakote Sectors. “At about 1740 hours, Pakistan initiated unprovoked CFV by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along LoC in Mendhar sector in district Poonch. Indian Army retaliates befittingly,” the spokesperson said.
Putting out pictures showing a UN vehicle that was hit by bullets, the DGISPR said in another tweet, “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. While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued and evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot.”
Stating that such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify “mal-intent” of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians but UN Peace Keepers as well, DGISPR added, “This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in UN Charter. It is indeed a new low for Indian Army.”
This year has seen a new high in the number of CFVs along the LoC with increased calibre escalation by both sides using medium artillery in addition to small arms and mortars.
