Published 09:11 IST, September 18th 2019
Indian Army rescues children as Pak targets schools, watch this video
The Indian Army rescued school children from Government school in Sandote village at Balakote sector of Mendhar Tehsil as cross-border firing from Pakistan
The Indian Army rescued school children from Government school in Sandote village at Balakote sector of Mendhar Tehsil as cross-border firing ensued along the LoC by Pakistan which has continued targeting civilians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday had raised concerns over the continuous ceasefire violations by the Pakistan army. The MEA said that Pakistan has resorted to a total of 2,050 unprovoked ceasefire violations this year, killing 21 Indians. The Ministry also mentioned that the Indian government has asked Pakistan to follow the 2003 ceasefire understanding and asked them to maintain peace along the Line of Control (LoC).
Indian Army rescues school children
In a video that has emerged, soldiers of the Indian Army can be seen ushering children of a government school in Sandote village at Balakote sector as the cross-border firing continued from Pakistan. The children are seen running away from the firing with the soldiers guiding them safely. The children were then safely evacuated from the location via an Army truck and visuals reveal the children being dropped off safely by the Indian Army. Here's the video of the incident, as posted by a news agency.
MEA statement on ceasefire violations
Speaking to ANI, the MEA said, "Highlighted our concerns at unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, including in support of cross border terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and border posts. This year, they resorted to over 2050 unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 21 Indians died." It also added that "We've repeatedly called upon Pak to ask its forces to adhere to 2003 ceasefire understanding and maintain peace and tranquility along LoC and the International border. Indian forces exercise maximum restraint and respond to unprovoked violations and attempts at cross border terrorist infiltration."
Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC
The Pakistan Army has repeatedly fired at Indian positions deployed along the LoC. It has been deliberately hitting at civilians living on the Indian side across the border during repeated ceasefire violations. As per reports, a civilian from the Silikote village of Uri sector was injured due to firing. On Saturday, Pakistan violated the ceasefire three times in just two hours.
Updated 09:53 IST, September 18th 2019