What happened:
On Friday, the Indian Army resorted to unprovoked violence at the Line of Control (LoC) by targeting a United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) vehicle, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). Two military observers were in the vehicle, which was damaged in the Indian attack, according to the ISPR. Both observers were rescued and safely evacuated to Rawalakot. According to the Pakistan military’s media wing, the UN vehicle was on its way to meet the victims of Indian ceasefire violations at the Polas Village in Chirikot sector.
Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of #LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector. It must be noted that the UN (1/4) pic.twitter.com/9MB0uLpq6d
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020
Pakistan condemned the Indian Army for its unchecked aggression, and also shamed it for targeting innocent civilians and UN peacekeepers across the border. “It must be noted that The UN vehicles are clearly recognisable even from long distances due to their distinct make and type and clearly visible markings,” said the ISPR.
…Such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but #UN Peace Keepers as well. This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete (3/4)
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 18, 2020
“Such illegal and unlawful acts, against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but UN Peacekeepers as well,” said the ISPR. The Pakistan Army stated that it stands in solidarity with UNMOGIP officials and appreciates “the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN mandated duties”.
The background:
Tensions between both nuclear armed nations have heightened over the last couple of days, especially after the EU DisinfoLab exposed how India was using NGOs and fake websites in an effort to attack Pakistan’s international reputation. The websites, exceeding 265 in number, are designed to influence the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) with the objective of damaging Pakistan and its credibility, according to EU DisinfoLab, an NGO that researches and tackles disinformation campaigns. On Friday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi warned the international community that India planned to conduct a surgical strike against Pakistan. Terming the situation as very sensitive, he said Pakistan was fully aware of India’s conspiracies and vowed that Islamabad would respond befittingly should New Delhi initiate military action. The foreign minister said that this misadventure, in Pakistan’s opinion, was being done to divert attention from serious issues.