Two Pakistani civilians lost their lives, while another was critically wounded as the Indian army opened fire from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Sattwal Sector, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media department.
The ISPR’s statement accused the Indian Army of displaying their “usual inhumane approach towards innocent Kashmiris” by shooting at a group of shepherds in the Sattwal Sector.
As a result, one civilian died on the spot, and two others sustained severe injuries. An update from the ISPR later informed that a second civilian succumbed to his injuries, bringing the death toll to two. The ISPR identified the casualties as Obaid Qayyum, 22 years old, and Muhammad Qasim, 55 years old, both residents of the village Bara Dari Tetrinote, Tehsil Hajira, in the Poonch district.
Response to Indian Aggression
The ISPR voiced concerns over the Indian forces’ approach, stating they have taken innocent lives to propagate their misleading narratives and fabricated allegations. This was likely a veiled reference to a joint statement issued after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, which the ISPR perceived as an endorsement of India’s actions.
Despite strong protests from India, the ISPR affirmed that Pakistan retains the right to respond appropriately to safeguard Kashmiri lives along the LoC. They urged the Indian side to respect the fundamental human rights of Kashmiris, particularly their absolute right to cultivate their lands.
India’s Destabilising Actions
Muhammad Ali, a national security expert, commented on the incident, outlining four different aspects of India’s destabilizing actions in the region. He opined that India appears to have gained a sense of importance due to attention from global powers and is trying to blame Pakistan for acts of terrorism. Contrary to this narrative, he argues, the Kashmiris face the brunt of the suffering.
Ali highlighted that India is now indiscriminately targeting innocent civilians and freedom fighters. He insisted that the reality of India’s actions should be brought to the world’s attention. He also noted that the Pakistan Army and the Kashmiris are always prepared to respond firmly to any Indian attacks at the LoC.
Connecting the timing of this incident to the recent joint statement from The White House after Modi met with Biden, Ali suggested that India might be attempting to demonstrate to Pakistan that it has the backing of the Biden administration.