On 24 June 2023, Pakistani side alleged that Indian soldiers fired across the line of control (LoC) in the Sattwal sector of Azad Kashmir at a group of Pakistani Kashmiri shepherds from Tatrinote. Two Pakistani Kashmiris were killed and one critically injured as a result of this incident.[1][2][3]
| 2023 India-Pakistan border skirmishes | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Kashmir Conflict | |
| Location | Sattwal, Poonch, Azad Kashmir |
| Date | 24 June 2023 |
| Target | Pakistani shepherds |
Attack type | Shooting |
| Deaths | 2 killed, 1 critically injured |
It was the first instance of the February 2021 LoC truce being violated. [4][5]
Victims
editThree casualties were reported by the ISPR; Obaid Qayyum (22), Muhammad Qasim (55), and a third individual who has not been identified yet. They were residents of Tatrinote Village near Hajira.[6][1] Initially, one shepherd was reported killed while the other two were critically injured but one of the wounded shepherds later succumbed to his injuries.[1]
Reactions
editAfter the shootings, Pakistan publicly condemned the killings and summoned the Indian Chargé d'affaires to lodge a protest in which it demanded the Indian government to open an investigation and respect the ceasefire to maintain peace on the LoC. Moreover, the Pakistan Armed Forces also stated "While a strong protest is being launched with the Indian side, Pakistan reserves the right to respond back in manner of its choosing to protect Kashmiri lives in the LOC belt" warning the Indian side of a retaliation if the need arises.[6][7]
The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir; Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, also condemned the killings terming India's belligerence as "the biggest threat to peace and stability in the region" and appealed for international intervention by the United Nations and the Security Council.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "In sequel to Indian Army unprovoked firing today while adopting an inhumane approach towards innocent Kashmiris at Sattwal Sector, one more civilian has embraced shahadat while one remains critically injured" (Press release). Rawalpindi: Inter Services Public Relations. 24 June 2023.
- ^ "Two civilians martyred after Indian soldiers open fire across LoC: ISPR". 24 June 2023.
- ^ "Civilian martyred, 2 injured in LoC firing by Indian forces: ISPR". 24 June 2023.
- ^ "Two martyred as India breaches Feb 2021 LoC truce". ETribune. 2023-06-24. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
- ^ "Unprovoked cross-LoC Indian firing martyrs two Pakistani civilians: ISPR". Geo News. 2023-06-24. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
- ^ a b "Today, at 1155 hours, Indian Army, in a display of its usual inhumane approach towards innocent Kashmiris, opened indiscriminate fire onto a group of shepherds in Sattwal Sector" (Press release). Inter Services Public Relations. 24 June 2023.
- ^ "Indian Charge d' Affaires Summoned to Register Pakistan's Strong Protest over Killing of Civilians" (Press release). Islamabad: Pakistan MOFA. 24 June 2023.
- ^ "AJK PM condemns India's naked aggression on LoC". Kashmir Media Service. 2023-06-24. Retrieved 2023-06-25.