Pakistan accuses India of ceasefire violations along LoC, summons envoy

Indian deputy high commissioner to Islamabad JP Singh was summoned by the Saarc director general on Tuesday as Pakistan accused India of firing in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) along the Line-of-Control (LoC).

Pakistan lodged its protest against the two civilian casualties caused by what it called unprovoked ceasefire violations by India.

"The Indian deputy high commissioner was summoned by the director general (SA & SAARC) today. A strong protest was lodged against the unprovoked ceasefire violations on 23-24 October 2016, by the Indian forces along the LoC in Phuklian and Chaprar Sectors, which resulted in martyrdom of two civilians including one-and-a-half years old girl. Six civilians were also injured as a result of the Indian shelling," a press release issued by the Pakistan's foreign affairs ministry said. 

It was conveyed to the Indian side that it should investigate the incident and share the findings with Pakistan, instruct its troops to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit, refrain from intentionally targeting the villages and maintain peace, the release said.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Army started heavy shelling at Indian Army positions in Noushera sector of Rajouri district, prompting the army to give a “befitting response”.

“From 10am, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Noushera sector of Rajouri district by targeting our positions with mortar bombs and small arms fire”, an army officer said.

There was no report of any loss of life or the property on the Indian side as the firing from both the sides was still going on.

A 6-year-old boy and a BSF Jawan were killed and 10 people including 8 civilians were injured in the shelling on Monday when Pakistan Rangers targeted over 25 border out posts in the hamlets along the International Border.

There have been over 40 ceasefire violations from the Pakistani side since the Indian side carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir targeting terror launching pads, post the attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18.