While Pakistan continues to target civilians, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat has sent out a strong message to Pakistan saying that the Army will not stay silent and will hit back if Pakistan continues to disrupt peace in the Valley.
While addressing the media, Gen Bipin Rawat said,”We want peace at borders but as you know Pakistan continuously violates ceasefire that causes loss of life & property and in such a case we have to retaliate but if Pak wants peace, we expect them to take initiative, which will start with them stopping infiltration”.
“We suspended operations to show people the atmosphere of peace, I believe people are happy if things continue in a similar way we can say that continuing of NICO (Non-Initiation of Combat Operations) can be thought of, but if terrorist activities continue we cannot do so,” he further said.
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Moments after the Army Chief’s stern message, heavy clashes broke out between the security forces and protestors outside Jamia Masjid in Srinagar shortly after the Friday prayers were held.
Reports of terrorists hurling a grenade at a camp of 34 Rashtriya Rifles in Kulgam’s Nihama have also come in. However, no reports of casualties or injuries have come in so far.
A few days ago an 8-month old and an 8-year-old have lost their lives in the firing by Pakistan forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Soon after the horrific incidents were reported by the media, sources have told Republic TV that despite the ceasefire, Pakistan army troops targeted the civilian area, and the firing has resulted in the death of the baby.
Four civilians were killed and nine others injured in heavy mortar shelling and firing by Pakistani troops at Indian villages and BoPs along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts on Wednesday.
So far at least 5 civilians have been killed by the Pak Rangers and over 30 are severely injured.
While India has announced a Ramzan Ceasefire in the valley, Pakistan has stepped up efforts to create unrest in the valley.