India targets UN Observers vehicle along LoC

India Thursday targeted UN Observes vehicle along the Line of Control, said Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhary in a media briefing.

The incident occurred at around 10:45am when Indian border forces resorted to "unprovoked firing" in Chirikot Sector in Azad Jammu and Kashmir along the LoC, Chaudhri told a weekly press briefing.

The officers were on their way to Polas village to meet with the victims of Indian ceasefire violations when they came under fire. The UN vehicle was damaged but the officers remained unhurt, the FO spokesperson said. The officers were immediately evacuated by the Pakistan Army and brought back to the UNMOGIP field station in Rawalakot.

Pakistan Army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement that Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector.

Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of #LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector. It must be noted that the UN (1/4) pic.twitter.com/9MB0uLpq6d

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020

“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. While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot,’ added the ISPR.

Condemning the incident, the ISPR statement added that such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of 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 the Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in the UN Charter. It is indeed a new low for the Indian Army. Pakistan Army stands in solidarity with UNMOGIP officials and appreciates the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in the discharge of their UN-mandated duties.”

FO Spokesperson Chaudhary also echoed the same sentiment and said: "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. Pakistan strongly condemns the continuing CFVs by India in clear violation of international law; the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; and against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct."

He noted that India had committed 2,992 ceasefire violations so far this year alone, resulting in 27 deaths and serious injuries to 249 civilians, including 92 women and 68 children.

He called upon India to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, investigate the incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations, and maintain peace along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB).

"Pakistan also urges India to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," Chaudhry said.

Surgical strikes

Chaudhary said they have received information from very credible sources that India is preparing to conduct so-called surgical strikes in Pakistan.

He said India is also trying to woo world powers to get the green light for conducting the strikes in Pakistan.

However, he said Pakistan armed forces are ready to give a befitting reply to India in case of any aggression.

He warned India that any escalation on military front can result in the dire consequences for the whole region.

Chaudhary asked India to remain refrained from any misadventure for the sake of regional security and stability.

He said Pakistan has shared the dossier regarding Indian state-sponsored terrorism activities.

The FO Spokesperson demanded of United Nations Human Rights Commission to take action against India in the light of EU Dis-info Lab report.

Afghan peace process

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan completely supports intra-Afghan dialogue and Pakistan has a clear stance that all the parties should resolve their issues through dialogue.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has talked to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Taliban delegation under Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was currently visiting Pakistan and had held meetings with the foreign minister and the prime minister.

“Pakistan completely supports the Afghan peace process and ready to facilitate the process and is in contact with all the Afghan parties in this regard.”

Chaudhary said any military conflict between Pakistan and India could lead to jeopardising the Afghan peace process as well.

The FO Spokesperson also rejected the rumours regarding any Pakistani delegation’s visit to Israel.