India slams Pakistan for aiding & abetting cross border terrorism

New Delhi: India has slammed Pakistan for aiding and abetting cross border terrorism. It said Pakistani forces continue to engage in providing supporting cover fire to infiltrators despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity.

Replying to a media query, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the incessant infiltration of terrorists and induction of weapons to fuel terror activities continues unabated. He pointed out that such activities are not possible without the support of Pakistani forces deployed along the LoC.

The Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission of Pakistan was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on 14th of this month. A strong protest was lodged over unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, on multiple sectors along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on 13 November, resulting in the death of four innocent civilians and serious injuries to 19 others.

The spokesperson said India also strongly protested Pakistan’s continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India. He said Pakistan was once again reminded of its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner.

Replying to a query on Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara, Mr Srivastava said this issue has been discussed in consultation with the concerned authorities in the Home Ministry. He informed that it has been decided that a Sikh Jatha from India will visit Janam Asthan Gurdwara Nankana Sahib from 27th November to 1st December on the occasion of the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

This visit will be as per the 1974 bilateral Protocol on visit to Religious Shrines between India and Pakistan. The spokesperson added that in view of the Covid pandemic, all health related protocols will be strictly followed, and the size of the Jatha is likely to be reduced.