Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner, lodges protest over 'civilian killings'

Pakistan on Friday summoned Indian High Commissioner TCA Raghavan and lodged a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations, saying at least six civilians were killed in firing by Indian troops.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry summoned Raghavan to convey that Friday's ceasefire violations by the Indian side were not acceptable, sources said.

Chaudhry handed over the protest note to Raghavan, who was accompanied by his deputy JP Singh.

"While condemning the Indian practice of targeting civilians on purpose, Pakistan expressed its deep concern at the continued hostility at the LoC and the Working Boundary," the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

It said six civilians were killed and 47 others, including 22 women, were injured due to firing by Indian troops across Harpal and Chaprar sectors near Sialkot. "Pakistani troops initially exercised restraint however, responded befittingly when India started heavy firing. The firing ended today at 1100 hours.

"The Indian Government was urged to stop forthwith the ceasefire violations and observe the 2003 Ceasefire Arrangement for restoration of peace and tranquility at the LoC and the Working Boundary," it said. This comes less than a week after Pakistan called off the first-ever NSA-level talks between the two countries amid acrimony.