Leaders of the Congress Party on Monday condemned the ceasefire violations by Pakistan across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir at a time when both nations were celebrating Eid-ul-Zuha.
"Most unfortunate that firing is on from Pakistan side in Jammu and Kashmir, unfortunately Government of India is also keeping silent; condemn firing from across the border. Given that Jammu and Kashmir has faced devastating floods, instead of showing compassion to the flood victims it is spraying bullets from across the border. I strongly condemn Pakistan's army, its administration," Congress leader and former union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI here.
Criticising the present BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Azad said, "When the BJP was not in power and during the time of election campaign it made a strong pitch that our government was weak in facing these issues, but now when it is in power the nation has seen the highest incidents of ceasefire violations in the shortest period of time since the BJP assumed power. It is most unfortunate that the government of India is keeping silent."
Former foreign minister Salman Khurshid told ANI, "People are angry and disheartened that the neighboring country is not able to understand that it affects both the countries and also of the mankind. And doing this on the day when we are in a festive mood which is important for both is not good and therefore, it is saddening. It is the duty of the government that while showing its firmness and patience it must take appropriate steps."
One Border Security Force (BSF) jawan has been reportedly injured in the ongoing ceasefire violation by Pakistani Rangers here.
At least five civilians have been killed and 30 others injured in Pakistan's firing in Arnia area of R S Pura sector along the international border in Jammu.
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Media reports earlier said that four to five civilians, including two women, were also killed when Pakistani Rangers started fired randomly at Border Security Force posts and civilian areas in the sector at around 1.30 a.m. on Monday morning.
Heavy mortar shelling was also reported from the area, where some of the shells hit a local bus stop. The firing in Arnia and RS Pura Sectors is still going on.
Meanwhile, unprovoked firing has also been reported at BG sector area of Poonch around 8.30 A.M this morning. The BSF has replied back with an equal response to the fresh firing from Pakistan.