Woman injured as Indian troops deliberately target civilian population across LoC: ISPR

A woman was injured on Saturday as Indian troops deliberately targeted civilian population in a fire and mortar attack across the Line of Control, the military's media wing said.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident took place in the Khoi Rita sector along the LoC.

Pakistan Army responded effectively, targeting check posts from where the firing was initiated.

Cross-LoC ceasefire violations

In a media briefing on Thursday, ISPR chief Maj Gen Iftikhar said that despite an appeal by the UN secretary-general for a ceasefire violation at the LoC due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, India's "cowardly" tactics continue, due to which 1,927 cross-border incidents of violence have occurred.

"They deliberately targeted innocent Kashmiris living along the border," he said, adding that 16 people were martyred and 58 injured.

Of those martyred, five were children, seven were women and four men. Among the injured were 41 children and 50 women.

"Heavy weapons were used each time. Pakistan Army responded effectively to each of these attacks but being a professional army we only target military targets and posts from where these violations occur," said Maj Gen Iftikhar.

He said that on July 22, international media were given permission to visit Azad Jammu and Kashmir. "The delegation was given complete access to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir population. They witnessed firsthand the ceasefire violations and also spoke to the victims of these."

"On the contrary, on the occupied Kashmir side, international media and the UN observer group have no access to the Line of Control. But we have nothing to hide which is why we have always provided access to international media which is free to go wherever they wish in Azad Kashmir."

He said that the government has decided to protect people and their homes against such violations and in this regard will see to the construction of shelters within the residences. "About a 1,000 have already been built and more are being made."