Indian army opened fire on United Nations vehicles near the Line of Control (LoC) which had UN military observers on board, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said on Friday.
“At 10 45 hrs, On 18 Dec 2020, Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of LOC, and Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with two Military Observers on board, en route to interact with cease fire violations (CFV) victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector,” the statement said.
It added that “it must be noted that the UN vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings.
The statement said that this attack signifies mal-intent of the Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but UN Peace Keepers as well. This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in UN Charter.
“It is indeed a new low for Indian Army.”
“Pakistan Army stands in solidarity with with UNMOGIP officials and appreciates the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN mandated duties,” the statement added.
Following this attack the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Pakistan strongly condemns the continuing ceasefire violations CFVs by India in clear violation of international law; the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; and against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct.
The spokesperson said: “This morning at around 1045 hours, Indian occupation force in IIOJK resorted to unprovoked firing in Chirikot Sector of the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian troops specifically targeted a United Nations vehicle, carrying two officers of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The officers were on their way to Polas village to meet with the victims of the Indian Ceasefire Violations. The UN vehicle was damaged. Fortunately, the officers were not injured.”
The officers were immediately evacuated by Pakistan Army and brought back to the UNMOGIP field station in Rawalakot. The reprehensible act of unprovoked firing by India on the UNMOGIP officers is indicative of a new low in the conduct of Indian occupation troops, said the statement.
This year alone, India has committed 2,992 ceasefire violations to date, resulting in 27 death and serious injuries to 249 innocent civilians, including 92 women and 68 children.
Pakistan calls upon India to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate such incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB), said the MoFA.
Pakistan has also urged India to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.
