Islamabad Telegraph Report
Islamabad: A convoy of Military Observers of United Nations came under attack by Indian troops in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector. Luckily none of the UN staff got hurt.
According to ISPR statement, these Observers were on their way to meet victims of Indian troops violation of Cease of Fire.
“Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of #LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with two Military Observers on board, en-route to interact with victims of Cease Fire Violation (CFV) in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector.
It must be noted that the UN vehicles are clearly recognizable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings. While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot,” Pakistan Army stated later on Friday.
“Such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but #UN Peace Keepers as well. This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in UN Charter. It is indeed a new low for Indian Army. Pakistan Army stands in solidarity with UNMOGIP officials and appreciates the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN mandated duties,” Pakistan Army added.
It was not first time that United Nations Military Observer came under attack in Pakistan by Indian Troops.
In March 2018, two officials of the United Nations Military Observers group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) narrowly escaped a firing incident as Indian troops reportedly targeted their vehicle while they were visiting areas along the Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC).
A statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army’s media wing, claimed that “Indian troops committed unprovoked ceasefire violation.” The Indian troops deployed on LoC, “targeted UNMOGIP vehicle along LOC in Khanjar sector,” it added.
Incidents of cross-border firing have become a norm as tensions simmer between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. Exchanges of fire have been reported sporadically throughout the year.
On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is currently on a visit to UAE, said Pakistan has very specific and reliable intelligence of Indian plans to attempt surgical strikes against Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has made Pakistan Army on red alert to safeguard country’s sovereignty.