With cross-border firing escalating, India on Tuesday registered a strong protest with Pakistan in Islamabad over targeting of civilians along the line of Control (loC) and International Border (IB) even as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh directed a quick rehabilitation of people living in the firing zone. The Central Government on Tuesday also asked Indian security forces to respond appropriately to the firing from Pakistan’s side.
During a high level review meeting of the Government to assess the situation on the loC and borders, there was also an agreement to have a long-term plan in place given the recurring firing by Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief Dalbir Suhag, Director General Border Security Force KK Sharma, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officials of the Home Ministry.
Sources said Rajnath also asked to map security agencies the areas that were witnessing more ceasefire violations. He also told the officials that the rehabilitation of the civilian population living along the loC and IB was utmost priority to prevent any further civilian causality. The overall law and order situation was also reviewed. Nearly 200 schools affected by firing from Pakistan side have been closed in view of security situation.
“The Minister said the forces will give a befitting knock-out punch to those vitiating atmosphere in India and along the borders,” sources said after the meeting. Sources added that the top security brass briefed Singh and Parrikar on the steps taken to counter firing by Pakistani forces.
Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan in Islamabad on the civilian killings on the Indian side. Singh met the Pakistani Director General (SA and SAARC) and conveyed India’s anguish over the ceasefire violations along the borders and loC resulting in 8 civilian causalities and 22 injuries on the Indian side.