MUZAFFARABAD: In a fresh ceasefire violation, Indian forces on Wednesday resorted to firing at a time when a two-member United Nations team was on a visit to the Khanjar (Baghsar) sector of AJK’s southernmost Bhimber district.

The vehicle was carrying Maj Emmanuel from the Philippines and Maj Mirko from Croatia of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (Unmogip) when the Indian troops opened fire at around 2pm.

The incident drew conflicting reports from the Inter-Services Public Rela­tions, the media affairs wing of Pakistan military, and the UN associate spokesman.

“The Indian [army] post committed ceasefire violation, targeting Unmogip vehicle moving along the LoC in Khanjar sector,” the ISPR said in a statement.

It pointed out that the UN vehicle was attacked even though it was carrying the blue Unmogip flag as per the standard procedure. Both officers remained unhurt, it added.

However, the UN spokesman was quoted by APP as saying said that the observers visiting areas along the Line of Control (LoC) heard gunshots “in their visit vicinity” but no one was injured.

“This afternoon in Bhimber District, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Unmogip military observers accompanied by Pakistani army escorts heard gunshots in their vicinity. There is no evidence that the Unmogip military observers were targeted by the gunfire. No UN military observer was injured,” Associate Spokesman Farhan Haq said in response to a question.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2017