Labourer martyred in LoC firing

ISLAMABAD: One person was martyred in unprovoked firing by the Indian troops across Line of Control (LoC) in Rawalakot/Satwal Sector on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the unprovoked ceasefire violation by the Indian troops resulted in the martyrdom of a labourer, working at a civilian crush plant, at Poonch river bank, says a press release.

Meanwhile, South Asia and Saarc Director-General Dr Mohammad Faisal summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh at the Foreign Office over the incident. The Foreign Office, while condemning the incident, said 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 February 15, 2018, the Indian occupation forces also deliberately targeted a school van leaving the children severely traumatised and martyring the driver. “The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation,” said the statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Dr Mohammad Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the incidents of ceasefire violations. He also instructed the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and the Working Boundary.

He urged that the Indian side should permit UNMOGIP to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions. On Monday, the Pakistan Army destroyed an Indian border post that targeted and killed the minor boy. At least two Indian soldiers were also killed in the swift retaliatory attack by Pakistan armed forces. Despite calls for restraint, India continues to indulge in ceasefire violations. In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 391 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the Working Boundary, resulting in the martyrdom of 16 innocent civilians and injuries to 65.