RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has lodged five strong protests with the UN military observers against cease-fire line violations committed by the Indian troops in Kashmir during the last

week of June, it was officially stated here today [July 24].

Among other incidents, on June 26 an Indian platoon had opened fire with machine guns and rifles on Azad Kashmir civilians of Village Pandori, in Bhimbar area, while they were grazing their cattle near the demilitarised belt of 500 yards.

The Indian platoon fired about 2,000 rounds within four hours, intruded into Azad Kashmir territory and took away 31 cattle and wounded one Azad Kashmir civilian.

The same day, the Indian troops opened unprovoked fire with medium and light machine guns from their five pickets — Pirjamal, Moel, Rehana, Deori and Baukhan. It was directed towards Modhu Shahid, Koel and Chanir — three villages of Azad Kashmir.

As a result of this firing, two civilians of Koel Village were injured and one bullock was killed and another wounded. The firing, which continued for about four hours, was personally observed by the UN military observers.

Published in Dawn, July 25th , 2014