Both India and Pakistan summoned each other’s envoys on Wednesday to register diplomatic protest against the ceasefire violations and killings of civilians.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Syed Haider Shah and conveyed its strong concern over the constant ceasefire violations (CFV) along the International Border and the line of Control. The Indian Government also protested the manner in which the photographs of eight officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad were displayed in Pak media along with ‘factually incorrect allegations' by its Foreign Office, jeopardizing their security.
"Despite calls for restraint, Pakistan forces have committed 16 ceasefire violations since 3 November 2016 alone. As a result, there have been three fatal casualties during this period among Indian security forces. The Government conveyed that such loss of life is unacceptable and is strongly protested. In addition, the injuries to civilians during the shelling by Pakistan forces are deplorable and strongly condemned," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
On the splashing of photographs of eight Indian officials in Islamabad, the MEA conveyed to Pak that such an act is against basic norms of diplomatic practice and courtesy, besides having the potential to endanger their security and safety. "It is expected that the Pakistan side will desist from such actions in the future and will ensure the safety and security of all members of the High Commission of India in Islamabad and their families," Swarup added.
In Islamabad, Pak's Director General (South Asia and SAARC) called Indian DHC JP Singh to condemn alleged ceasefire violations by Indian forces in Khuirata and Battal sectors. Pak alleged India of committing 222 CFVs out of which 184 it claimed were on working boundary.