Pak must apologise for violating ceasefire: ministry

Indicating a toughening of stance, the Defence Ministry has termed the recent violations of ceasefire along the Line of Control by Pakistani troops...

Indicating a toughening of stance, the Defence Ministry has termed the recent violations of ceasefire along the Line of Control by Pakistani troops “unpardonable” and has called for an apology from Islamabad if it doesn’t have “valid reasons” to explain the cross-border firing incidents.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of a CII-sponsored defence function in the capital the Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju expressed surprise over the violations, one of which led to the death of an Indian soldier in the Medhar sector. “After five years of ceasefire, an untoward incident like this is unpardonable. If they don’t have a valid explanation, I’m sure they will apologise at the appropriate forum,” said the minister.

At a recent flag meeting in the Medhar sector, India registered a strong protest with Pakistan about the three incidents, which took place within the past month. The matter was also raised by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his Islamabad visit.

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While Pakistan has denied the involvement of its troops in the cross-border firing, the Indian contention is that any fire coming from across the border is the responsibility of the Pakistani army.

Meanwhile, Pallam Raju said that the army is anticipating an increase in infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming months as the snow in the high passes has begun melting with the advent of summer. However, he said that “adequate security measures” are being taken to ensure that this does not impinge upon the election process in the state.