ISLAMABAD: While strongly rejecting Indian allegations of ceasefire violations, Pakistan on Saturday suggested India to hold an urgent meeting of the two countries' Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) in order to discuss the situation and halt firing along the working boundary and the Line of Control (LoC).
Earlier today, firing by Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) personnel along the working boundary killed at least two people, including a woman, and injured four others in Sialkot.
In Charwa and Chaparral sectors of Sialkot, heavy weapons and mortar shells were fired early in the morning. Chenab Rangers retaliated and the exchange of fire continued till 7am.
Official sources said unprovoked firing by Indian troops on the working boundary near Sialkot has been continuing for the past many weeks.
"Today (Saturday) again, Indian BSF personnel resorted to unprovoked firing in Chaparral and Harpal sectors on the working boundary near Sialkot which resulted in the death of two civilians, a woman and a 60-year-old-man," a Pakistani military official said.
“Intermittent exchange of fire is still continuing at this moment,” the official said.
A woman named Nazia was killed while her two daughters were severely injured in the attack. Several houses were also damaged and a number of livestock were killed.
Ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and working boundary between Pakistan and India continue intermittently, with casualties reported on both sides.
"DGMOs of both countries should meet immediately discuss ways and means to stop the current spate of firing along the working boundary and Pakistan is also sending a proposal to India for the meeting,” Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Dawn.
Expressing concern over what he called unprovoked Indian firing by BSF personnel, Aziz said the issue was affecting bilateral ties and peace in the region.
Rejecting Indian allegations of sending militants via the tunnel operating from the Pakistani side, Aziz said if India has any evidence, it should share that with Pakistan as indulging in blame games wouldn’t help.
Aziz recalled that the last meeting of DGMOs between the two countries helped in normalising the situation along the LoC and the working boundary and would be helpful again.
