In the second conversation between the Directors-General of Military Operations this week, India on Thursday warned Pakistan against repeated targeting of civilians along the Line of Control and the increase in ceasefire violations.
“Consequent to the ceasefire violations... along the Line of Control, Pakistani DGMO Maj. Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza was informed of deliberate targeting of civilian villages and schools while they were being evacuated. The Indian Army, as a professional force, takes due care to avoid targeting of civilians, and Pakistan’s Army is expected to do the same,” the Army said in a statement.
Indian DGMO Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt informed his Pakistani counterpart of the spate of ceasefire violations, including calibre escalation, coupled with sniping and infiltration bids. “The Pakistani DGMO was urged to exercise strict control on his troops and instruct them to refrain from any nefarious activity,” the Army said.
The two DGMOs spoke on Monday after a request from Pakistan. Then, Maj. Gen. Mirza raised the alleged targeting and killing of four Pakistani soldiers and a civilian in the Athmuqam sector in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, opposite the Keran sector in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Lt. Gen. Bhatt said the Indian Army “reserved the right to retaliate for any incident of violation of ceasefire,” but was committed to maintaining peace along the Line of Control.
