Daily Times

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Friday strongly protested over the latest ceasefire violations by India in Harpal and Chaprar sectors at the Working Boundary resulting in the deaths of eight civilians, including a woman and a child.

Indian High Commissioner Dr TCA Raghavan was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry to lodge the protest, a statement issued from the office of Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah here said.

According to the statement, 47 civilians were injured out of which 10 were in critical condition. The injured are undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital, Sialkot. “The government of Pakistan offers its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prays for the quick recovery of the injured,” the statement added.

Mainly three villages Kundunpur, Bajra Garhi and Thathi were targeted. Many houses have also been damaged. Firing by the Indian side started on Thursday night, when Pakistani troops confronted India for using an excavator, near the Working Boundary without following the established standard operating procedures.

According to the statement, Pakistani troops initially exercised restraint, but responded befittingly when India started heavy firing. The firing ended on Friday morning. It said that while condemning the Indian practice of targeting civilians on purpose, the government expressed its deep concern over the continued hostility at the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.

The statement said the Indian government was urged to stop forthwith the ceasefire violations and observe the 2003 Ceasefire Arrangement for restoration of peace and tranquility along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.