May 25, 2002	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12,1423

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ISLAMABAD, May 24: Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen Muhammad Yusaf Khan on Friday said that in case of any misadventure by India, the Pakistan army would not only defend but take the war into enemy’s territory.

“We do not want war but if the enemy ventures an aggression we will respond with our full might,” the VCOAS said while addressing soldiers at forward positions on the Line of Control.

“Let there be no mistake. We will not only defend but also attack when the time comes and carry the war into the enemy’s territory,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Indian army continued unprovoked and indiscriminate firing at Pakistani territory in which two people were reported killed and six others injured.

The report of the killing of two civilians was received from Baqsar in the Bhimber sector where two others were wounded. In the Rawalakot sector, four civilians suffered serious injuries. The victims were taken to nearby hospitals.

During his visit, the VCOAS was briefed about the operational situation and preparedness. In his address, he reiterated: “It is a fundamental and intrinsic part of our faith to fight and die for a just cause. You are the proud inheritors of great traditions. Live up to them.”

He further said: “In the ultimate struggle you will not be alone. The whole nation stands by you. At the hour of reckoning, thousands of volunteers will swell your ranks. Even, the courageous people in Indian held Kashmir who have been subjected to unprecedented tyranny and oppression will also rise in the rear of enemy forces, compelling them to fight on all fronts.”

Gen Yusaf examined the defence preparedness and lauded the measures taken by the commanders.

He also appreciated the high morale of troops.

He offered condolences to the families of those civilians who had been killed in Indian shelling on local population.

The VCOAS was accompanied by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Syed Arif Hassan.