Pakistan on Friday described the killing of its soldier who “inadvertently” crossed the Line of Control (LoC) as a violation of the bilateral understanding on inadvertent crossers, and warned that the incident could further vitiate the atmosphere between the two countries.
In a statement, the Foreign Office strongly condemned the killing of the soldier by the Indian Army on Thursday in the Khoi Ratta sector along the LoC. “The killing of our soldier who had lost his way and inadvertently crossed the LoC goes against the understanding reached between Pakistan and India on speedy return of inadvertent line crossers and has the potential to further vitiate the atmosphere.”
Pakistan also asked India to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident. According to the Pakistan Army, the soldier — Sepoy Ikhlaq — lost his way between two posts and crossed over the LoC. From the Army’s account, Pakistan’s contention is that the solider was first questioned by Indians and then killed as some civilians were witness to him being interrogated.
The hotline between the Directors-General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries was activated on Friday morning. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Indian DGMO revealed that the soldier was killed and agreed to hand over his body.
The ISPR, in a statement, said it was regrettable that the soldier was killed by the Indian troops even after he identified himself and explained his position. Further, according to ISPR, this is not the first such incident. “Pakistan returned Indian soldiers in the past who had similarly strayed.”
In October 2011, Pakistan allowed an Indian military helicopter with four personnel aboard to return after it strayed into its airspace in the Skardu sector.
Keywords: Khoi Ratta sector, LoC killings, India-Pakistan ties, Indian Army
"lost his way"....how is it possible? The LOC is fenced....he was in Indian territory...also when challenged...why did this "lost soldier" start firing, which resulted in injuries to Indian soldiers.
Pakistan should warn its soldiers not to cross the LOC
I am sure the families of our troops posted in the border will have grave concerns
every day about their loved ones. The media frenzy that follows each incident vitiates
the atmosphere and politicians and higher ups in military who never will be in the line
of fire resort to aggressive posturing. I pray that this dangerous saga ends soon. With
the Pakistan election nearing and army itching to take over civilian rule these
incidents play right into their hands.
This is very sad that a soldier has been killed by Indian Army. Afterall he was also a human, He also have got a mother, father and family. In turn if Indian authorities had allowed him to go back then I would have sent another message to Pakistan and the world.
First of all, i dont understand what was achieved by partition. India
still is not independent of the divisive forces which wanted partition.
Neither is there any peace.
Killing a human being, whether Indian or Pakistani, is unjust. India and Pakistan should amicably resolve their differences and live in peace and harmony. 65 years of mayhem on the border should end for ever.
Irrespective of whether the Indian version or the Pakistani version of events is true, the next time our chopper strays into Pakistan, we should not realistically expect them to spare our soldier's lives.
A vicious atmosphere is prevailing at the LOC in Kashmir between the
Indian and Pakistan Security forces that is frequently exploding into
inhuman killings of each other. What is of utmost importance at the
tense border is to bring civility now among these Border Patrols towards
each other and not resorting to arms at the slightest excuse. In this
respect, a point for consideration for our Army is whether the present
ceremonial practice of aggressive postures adopted every day at Wagah
border is necessary? Why it can not be benign exuding friendliness?
Indian Government/Military should investigate the case to unearth the truth. If indeed the Pakistani soldier had been killed after he stated that he crossed the LOC unintentionally and without malice, the forces that killed him should be disciplined. Killing of an innocent soldier who is not at war with us is not an acceptable behavior. This type of behavior will lead to the killing of one or more of our own innocent soldiers.
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