Pakistan not honouring pact: BSF IG on ceasefire violation
Less than a week after India and Pakistan DGMO’s (Director General of Military Operations) met to de-escalate cross border fire, Pakistani Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing in Akhnoor sector, along the International Border (IB) in Akhnoor Sector targeting BSF posts.
Two BSF personnel, including an ASI, were killed on Sunday in unprovoked shelling from Pakistan.
On May 29, Indian DGMO Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan and Pakistan’s Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, agreed to honour the 15-year-old ceasefire understanding. However, the truce has not even lasted a full one week.
Calling it a violation of the ceasefire pact of November 2003 in “letter and spirit”, BSF IG of Jammu, Ram Awtar told India Today, “Pakistan is not honouring ceasefire pact, while Indian forces are following the orders.”
“A decision to speak to Pakistan rangers over the violation has not been taken since we are busy with the mortal remains,” he added.
As per the BSF, Pakistan targeted forward duty points in Pragwal around 0115 hours, causing critical injuries to Assistant Sub-inspector N Yadav (48) and constable VK Pandey. Both were immediately given medical assistance but they succumbed to their injuries.
This is the first attack post DGMO level talk.
A high level source said BSF was retaliating heavily and may have cost damage to 8-10 Pakistani posts. But IG, BSF in Jammu refused to comment on the on-going situation.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti opined that DGMOs should hold dialogue again.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, “It’s unfortunate that this has happened even after Directors-General of Military Operations (DGMOs) held dialogue. People on both sides of the border are dying. The DGMOs should hold dialogue again. This bloodshed must be brought to an end.”
On May 29, the DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to “fully implement” the ceasefire pact of 2003 to stop border skirmishes in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Speaking over the special hotline, the countries’ two military commanders reviewed the prevailing situation along the LoC and the IB. Ironically, the hotline contact was initiated by the Pakistani DGMO.
Seven civilians have also been injured in the cross border fire at IB.
Sources in BSF meanwhile say that nearly 50 cross border incidents have been reported since May 15. As per data, till May end, 1252 violations by Pakistan Army and Pak rangers at LoC and IB respectively. This coincides with 143 terror related incidents recorded by the security forces. The country has witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations this year.
