UN voices concern over LoC skirmishes

The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following Thursday’s alleged unprovoked Indian firing across the Line of Control (LoC) which resulted in at least two civilian deaths and injuries to six more in different areas of Azad Kashmir.

“The situation (in Kashmir) continue to be of concern to us,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guetteres’ spokesman said in response to a question by a Pakistani journalist at the regular noon briefing.

“The secretary-general is monitoring the situation … he is watching,” Spokesman Stephane Dujarric added.

In Islamabad, Pakistan protested against India’s firing and urged New Delhi government to respect the 2003 ceasefire agreement at a meeting with Indian Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh, who was summoned to office.

“Indian troops opened fire at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at [the] LoC,” a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had said early Thursday.

Last week, a woman had been killed in a similar ceasefire violation by Indian troops.

Farzand Begum, 60, wife of Noor Hussain, perished when a shell landed on her house and exploded. She was a resident of Naali village in Bhimber district.

The latest incident of cross-border firing comes days after Indian army had claimed that it carried out an ‘operation’ on Pakistani posts along the LoC in a bid to prevent “infiltrators” from entering India. However, Pakistan has strongly denied India’s claims.

Source: Dawn News