Soldier among three martyred by unprovoked Indian firing along LoC: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Army soldier and two civilians embraced martyrdom when Indian Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations in Kailer and Rakhchikri sectors along the Line of Control, the military’s media wing said in a statement on Thursday.

Indian troops targeted Pakistani posts with automatic and heavy weapons in Kailer Sector, Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

However, Pakistan Army responded effectively, resulting in heavy losses to Indian troops, it said, adding “during an exchange of intense fire, 34 years Lance Naik Ali Baz, resident of District Karak, embraced Shahadat.”

Read also: 'Pakistani woman martyred, girl injured by unprovoked Indian shelling along LoC'

In Rakchikri Sector, Indian forces deliberately targeted the civilian population in which a 16-year-old-girl and a 52-year-old woman were martyred while a 10-year-old boy and a 55-year-old woman got injured in Kirni village.

The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons.

India has so far committed 913 ceasefire violations this year.

India shall always get befitting response, says Bajwa

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said the Indian Army will always get a "befitting response" to ceasefire violations along the LoC.

According to an ISPR statement, the Army chief's remarks came during a visit to the LoC where he was received by Corps Commander Rawalpindi Corps Lieutenant General Azhar Abbas.

Gen Bajwa was briefed about the latest violations by Indian forces "deliberately targeting innocent civilians along LOC" and the Army’s response, said the statement.

"Blatant atrocities by Indian occupation forces on innocent Kashmiris and unethical targeting of civil population in [Azad Jammu and Kashmir] is unacceptable," it quoted Gen Bajwa as saying.

He said that such provocations by Indian forces are "a threat to regional peace and stability" and that the Indian Army "shall always get a befitting response" to ceasefire violations.

"Pakistan Army shall protect innocent civilians along LoC and defend honour, dignity and territorial integrity of motherland at all costs," said the Army chief.

Gen Bajwa noted with appreciation the "operational preparedness and high morale of troops", said the statement, adding that the officers were lauded for their "continued vigilance and professionalism".

The Army chief also acknowledged the strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols and the "proactive assistance" provided by troops to the AJK government in its fight against the disease.

"Army will continue to support the national effort against the pandemic," said Gen Bajwa.