Resorting to cheap publicity tactics the Pakistani army Friday claimed Indian army had deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with two military observers on board along the line of control.
Highly placed Indian army sources, however, denied these claims while clarifying that these reports of targeting United Nations vehicles were not 'true'.
In Jammu,Defence spokesman Lt-Col Devender Anand also issued a written statement which said, "on December 18, at about 5.40 p.m Pakistan initiated 'unprovoked' ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the line of control in Mendhar sector in District Poonch". In a span of 10 minutes, Defence Spokesman further added, Pakistan army also violated ceasefire agreement in the Balakote sector of Poonch also. He added, Indian army retaliated befittingly.
Posting a series of tweets around the same time late Friday evening the twitter handle of Pakistan armed forces spokesperson said, "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".
The twitter handle also claimed in a separate tweet, "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. While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by the Pakistan Army to Rawalakot".
The publicity wing of the Pakistan army went too far to claim that "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 PeaceKeepers as well".
"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.
Pakistan Army stands in solidarity with #UNMOGIP officials and appreciates the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN mandated duties" the twitter handle of the DG ISPR tweeted.
