The External Affairs Ministry on Wednesday summoned Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan here to lodge a strong protest over the violation of Indian air space and handed over a dossier with specific details of the complicity of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit in Pulwama attack.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also conveyed its strong objection to Pakistan's "vulgar display" of an injured pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention and wanted his "immediate and safe return."
The Pakistan diplomat was summoned over the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including the violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts, according to a statement by the external affairs ministry.
"This is in contrast to India's non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on 26 February 2019. It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India," it said.
"Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan's political and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control," the statement put forth.
Also Read
It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.
It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody.
"It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism," the statement said.
Earlier today, India summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah and lodged a strong protest over Pakistan Air Force's violating the Indian airspace in a bid to attack Indian military posts.
Pakistan summoned India's Acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over the alleged "ceasefire violations" after New Delhi foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force this morning to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane.
The Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal told the Indian diplomat to "respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement" and "its forces should respect and maintain peace on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary," according to a statement by the Pakistan foreign ministry.
A day after India carried out air strikes on a JeM camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity today, with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down.
India said it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force this morning to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was "missing in action".
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
