RAWALPINDI: Three soldiers of the Pakistan Army martyred in unprovoked Indian forces firing on Line of Control (LoC) were laid to rest in their native towns with full military honour on Tuesday.
Subedar Mohammad Riaz, a resident of Jhang, Sepoy Shahid Mansib from Abbotabbad, and Lance Havaldar Aziz Azizulla from Noshero Feroz embraced shadaat on LoC early Tuesday morning at Rawalakot Sector’s Rakhchakri area, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.
“Three brave son of soil laid their lives in the line of duty. Indian troops resorted to unprovoked fire in Rakhchakri , Rawalakot Sector along Line of Control( LoC),” ISPR said.
ISPR later in the afternoon said Indians increased Ceasefire violations along LOC during last 48- 72 hours. Pakistan Army responding befittingly which has caused heavy damage on Indian side.
Exchange of fire has damaged many Indian posts, 7 Indian soldiers killed while 19 injured. Three Pakistani soldiers were martyred yesterday during the exchange of fire who are being buried with full military honour.
Indian forces opened fire in Khuiratta Sector deliberately targeting civilian population. An 18 years young boy got martyred while 3 women got injured. The injured have been evacuated to hospital.
Pakistan army responded effectively, the military’s media wing added. Reports of casualties on Indian side, it further said.
Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal also tweeted regarding India’s LoC violation and said three soldiers were martyred and one was injured.
“Indian unprovoked aggression along LoC is condemned and is being effectively responded,” the FO spokesperson said.
Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan in the wake of an alleged suicide attack on an Indian army convoy in Pulwama district of Indian occupied Kashmir on February 14.
A day earlier, the Pakistan Army rejected Indian claims that a Pakistani F-16 was shot down in an air battle on February 27. “Reference repeated Indian claims about shooting down of Pakistani F-16 by India and use of F16 in air battle on 27 February. The event of 27 Feb is part of history now. No Pakistani F16 was hit by Indian air force,” said ISPR.
ISPR added that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) were carried out by JF-17 from within Pakistan airspace. “Later when 2 Indian jets crossed LOC they were shot down by PAF. Whether it was F16 or JF17 which shot down 2 Indian aircrafts is immaterial,” added the statement.
“Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self-defence. India can assume any type of their choice even F-16.” (With additional input from INP)
