Ceasefire violation continues between India, Pakistan

The ceasefire violation continued between India and Pakistan at the Line of control (LoC) as Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing and mortar shelling during the early hours of Wednesday. According to an official of the local administration, Indian troops opened fire late on Tuesday night and continued till Wednesday morning. The Assistant Commissioner Kotli area of Kashmir, Dr Azam said that the Indian forces resorted to firing with small arms in Khoi Rata and Nakyal sector, while they used heavy weapons in Goi sector of the Pakistani side of Kashmir. They also used mortar shells and opened unprovoked firing in Mandol, Kakota, Tetrinot and Donga Ghamir of Batal sector and caused panic among residents of the area. No loss of life has yet been reported. Kashmir has been a major reason of clash between India and Pakistan in the past, but recent tension arose as India accused the Pakistan Army of being involved in the killings of its five soldiers on the Indian side of Kashmir. Allegations were clearly denied by the Pakistan foreign Office and military leadership, stating that those allegations are baseless. On August 8, Pakistani military officials alleged that Indian troops opened unprovoked fire and seriously wounded a male civilian along the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan side of Kashmir. Pakistan has also condemned the aggression by the Indian protestors targeting its High Commission in New Delhi and demanded the Indian government to provide security to the diplomats. Moreover, Indian protesters also stopped Dosti bus (friendship bus) traveling from New Delhi to Lahore city chanting slogans against Pakistan. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, urged India to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries by opening dialogue and desolving all disputes. A positive response by the Indian government is yet awaited to regain and maintain peace in the region.