ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday termed violence by Indian armed forces in Indian-held Kashmir as ‘New Delhi’s state-sponsored terrorism’, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During his visit to the Line of Control (LoC) in Haji Pir Sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the army chief said India had unleashed its aggression and frustration on the people of Indian-held Kashmir as well as people living in Pakistani villages along the LoC and the Working Boundary. However, he made it clear that the Pakistan Army would keep its response purely in the military domain in accordance with its values. “The violence perpetuated by the Indian forces in Held Kashmir is state-sponsored terrorism by all definitions,” he said. “This violence riles up passions on this side of the LoC, as the people of Pakistan cannot remain indifferent to the barbaric treatment meted out to defenceless Kashmiris, including women and children,” he added.
The COAS said the Kashmiris had a right to live without fear and repression. He reiterated support for Kashmiri’s political struggle for their right to self-determination. “We will always stand by their rightful political struggle for the right to self-determination and recourse to basic human rights,” he said.
The COAS was also given a briefing on the situation along the LoC, ceasefire violations by the Indian forces and operational readiness of the formation. The COAS appreciated the operational preparedness and high morale of the troops.
Earlier, upon his arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Rawalpindi Corps Lt Gen Nadeem Raza and General Officer Commanding Murree.
It was the fourth visit of the COAS to the heavily militarised LoC after taking over the reins of the Pakistan Army.
During his previous visit to the LoC in March, the COAS had dismissed Indian propaganda about the presence of alleged rogue elements along the unmarked dividing line in Kashmir. “Indian propaganda regarding presence of miscreants along the Line of Control is aimed at spreading unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but it will never succeed,” he had said during a visit to AJK’s Neelum Valley. “People of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are fully aware of Indian atrocities in Held Kashmir as well as Indian agendas,” Bajwa had said on the occasion.
