ISLAMABAD: At least two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed as Indian troops fired across the Line of Control in Pakistani side of Kashmir, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday, dismissing the Indian claim of ‘surgical strikes.’
“India’s claims of surgical strikes are baseless,” DG ISPR Asim Bajwa said in a statement. “There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India.”
The media military wing added, “As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops”.
The exchange of fire took place in the Bhimber, Hot Spring, Kel and Lipa sectors, and lasted about six hours early on Thursday, the military’s media wing said.
Bajwa said the notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorist bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by Indian to create false effects.
“This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by re-branding cross-border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth,” the statement said. “Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded.”
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the “naked aggression of Indian forces”.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said he “strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces” and vowed the military was capable of thwarting “any evil design to undermine the sovereignty of Pakistan”.
Pak Captures Indian soldier
India confirmed Thursday that one of its soldiers has been captured by Pakistan.
Army confirmed that a soldier attached with the 37 Rashtriya Rifles has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control.
Army however said the captured soldier was not connected to the cross-LoC surgical strike. Pakistan has been informed by the DGMO over the hotline.
Such inadvertent crossing by Army and civilians are not unusual on either side and they are returned through existing mechanisms, an Indian Army official said.
Sharif Convenes Meetings
Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has conveneed a cabinet meeting on Friday to assess the deteriorating situation across the Line of Control (LoC) .
“PM Nawaz has decided to convene a cabinet meeting on Friday where deteriorating situation in Kashmir will be the top agenda,” a statement issued by the prime minister’s office said.
The prime minister has also called on Tuesday a meeting of National Security Committee with special invitation to all the chief ministers to deliberate at length the emerging scenario across the LoC and Kashmir.
Nawaz also called a joint session of the Parliament to reaffirm the national resolve for safeguarding the sovereignty of the country, the statement added. Agencies
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