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Indian troops on Friday “specifically targeted” a United Nations vehicle carrying two officers of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) from across the Line of Control, in what Pakistan’s Foreign Office termed a “new low” in their conduct.
The incident occurred at around 10:45am when Indian border forces resorted to “unprovoked firing” in Chirikot sector in Azad Jammu and Kashmir along the LoC, FO spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri told a weekly press briefing in the capital, Islamabad.
The officers were on their way to Polas village to meet with the victims of Indian ceasefire violations when they came under fire.
The UN vehicle was damaged but the officers remained unhurt, the FO spokesperson said.
The officers were immediately evacuated by the Pakistan Army and brought back to the UNMOGIP field station in Rawalakot.
“The reprehensible act of unprovoked firing by India on the UNMOGIP officers is indicative of a new low in the conduct of Indian occupation troops,” Chaudhri said.
In a series of tweets, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also said Indian forces resorted to unprovoked firing in Chirikot sector and “deliberately targeted” a UN vehicle with two military observers on board.
“It must be noted that the UN vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings,” the Pakistan Army’s media wing said, adding that while the vehicle was damaged, the two observers “luckily remained unharmed” and were evacuated to Rawalakot.
Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of #LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector. It must be noted that the UN (1/4) pic.twitter.com/9MB0uLpq6d
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020
The ISPR also shared pictures of the UN vehicle targeted by Indian troops with bullet holes visible.
“Such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but UN Peace Keepers as well,” it said.
“This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in [the] UN Charter. It is indeed a new low for Indian Army.”
The ISPR said the Pakistan Army stood in solidarity with UNMOGIP officials and appreciated the “selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN-mandated duties”.
