Death toll from cross-border Indian firing near Sialkot rises to six
September 22, 2017
RAWALPINDI: The death toll from Indian firing across the border near Sialkot on Thursday has risen to six, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
The six civilians who were martyred include four women whereas a total of 26 people, including 15 women and five children, were injured along the Working Boundary in Charwah and Harpal sectors.
ISPR DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor shared on Friday morning a picture of the injured being treated at CMH Sialkot:
On Thursday evening, four citizens, including two women, were reported martyred in the incident.
"Pakistan Rangers Punjab befittingly responded on posts targeting civil population," said the ISPR.
The villages located on the border bear an empty look as residents have moved for safer areas.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep grief and condolences with the bereaved families.
Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the killing of innocent civilians.
The Punjab chief minister also ordered the Sialkot district commissioner to establish relief camps for residents of border villages who are migrating towards safer land owing to the Indian shelling.
Punjab Rangers DG visits area
Punjab Rangers Director General Major General Azhar Naveed Hayat Khan visited the Harpal and Charwa sectors of the border today where the Indian army committed unprovoked firing Thursday night.
Khan met troops and appreciated their effective response, said the ISPR. He also visited the families of victims of recent cross-border firing incidents.
The Rangers chief assured them that Indian violations are always responded effectively and will continue to be done so.
Indian high commissioner summoned to FO
Later in the day, Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale was summoned to the Foreign Office to record a protest over the incident.
The envoy was handed a charge-sheet by acting foreign secretary Aitzaz Ahmad.
It stated that the targetting of civilians is against international law and called for an immediate halt in cross-border firing.
