The ceasefire was violated nine days after Pakistan Rangers and BSF held a sector commander-level meeting and agreed to uphold the truce on the borders.
In yet another ceasefire violation, the Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday night resorted to heavy firing and shelling on the Border Security Force (BSF) troopers stationed at the International Border in Chamiyal that left four soldiers, including three officers, dead and five others injured.
"Since the ceasefire was on, that is the time we use to strengthen our defences. Our team was going with defence material when Pakistan fired at them. That is how the casualties happened," said KN Choubey, Additional Director General of BSF (Western Command).
The ceasefire was violated nine days after Pakistan Rangers and BSF held a sector commander-level meeting and agreed to uphold the truce on the borders. "Ceasefire is always a bilateral decision. We have maintained the sanctity of the ceasefire, Pakistan has not", added Choubey.
Choubey claimed that since the meeting took place on Pakistan's request of Pakistan, their main concern is lack of credibility. "Ceasefire announcements and decisions taken are meant to be honoured. We have honoured it, Pakistan has not. What Pakistan does is their business. How we respond to the betrayal is our job", he said.
Choubey said ceasefire or no ceasefire, there is no let up in the border domination and surveillance. "Every instrument that is required to protect the territorial integrity of the border is maintained, regardless of ceasefire or no ceasefire. What is going to unfold in terms of our operational preparedness is not something that I am going to share. We will suffice to say that we will maintain the dominance and territorial integrity", he said.
Condemning the killing of BSF soldiers, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti reiterated demand for cessation of hostilities along the borders to protect the lives and properties of people who, she said, have been caught in a distressing situation for the past few months.
"The suspension of operations elsewhere in the state has given the people a sigh of relief. Hope the same is extended to the rest of the borders and an atmosphere of peace returns to these areas," she said.
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