India responded vigorously to the Pakistani offensive on Friday. (File)
New Delhi:
India on Saturday summoned the charge d’affaires of the Pakistani High Commission to register a strong protest against the massive bombing by Pakistani forces on several areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, which left at least nine dead. .
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India also condemns, in the strongest terms, the “deliberate targeting” of innocent civilians by Pakistani forces, saying it was very deplorable that the Pakistan chose a festive occasion in India to disrupt the peace. and perpetrate violence in Jammu and Kashmir through coordinated fire along the LoC.
“The charge d’affaires of the Pakistan High Commission was summoned today by the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest was lodged against the unprovoked violations of the ceasefire by Pakistani forces in several areas along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on November 13. , resulting in the deaths of four innocent civilians and serious injuries to 19 others, ”the MEA said.
In addition to civilians, five security personnel were killed in the Pakistani offensive.
“India has also strongly protested Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including backing cover fire provided by Pakistani forces,” MEA said.
“Pakistan once again recalled its bilateral commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any way,” he said.
Indian forces responded vigorously to Friday’s shelling, and military sources said there were scores of casualties on the Pakistani side.
About 6 to 7 Pakistani army soldiers, including two SSG (Special Service Group) commandos, were killed and 10 to 12 wounded, according to army sources.
Several Pakistani army bunkers, fuel dumps and launch pads have been destroyed and set on fire, they added. Videos released by the military showed the targets were destroyed.
