India fuels fire on LoC

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - INDIAN Army Chief General Bikram Singh on Monday ordered an “aggressive” response to any cross-border firing allegedly by Pakistan which protested continued LoC violations by New Delhi during the commanders meeting that discussed a recent deadly flare-up in the disputed Kashmir. Addressing a news conference in New Delhi, General Bikram Singh said: “I expect all my commanders at the Line of Control to be both aggressive and offensive in the face of provocation and fire.”

The tone and tenor of the Indian Army Chief is indicative of the designs of not only Indian military leadership but also civilian policy-makers in New Delhi as Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid had also hurled similar threats. The statement of General Bikram is particularly worrisome as it came exactly when military commanders from the two sides were holding flag meeting on the LoC to discuss the situation where Pakistan categorically rejected Indian assertions. Pakistan has already offered probe of the firing incidents by the UN, which reflects sincerity and truthfulness of its stand. However, Indians have rejected this offer, which clearly shows they have something to hide and would not like a neutral inquiry. There are clear indications that Indians are deliberately escalating tension on the LoC by indulging in ceasefire violations and killing of Pakistani soldiers, injuring civilians and damaging property. We believe that Pakistan must raise the issue at the UN Security Council and also sensitize members of the international community about real designs of India. There cannot be free for all dialogue process that only takes into account Indian interests and results into compromise on our positions on key issues vis-à-vis relations with the neighbouring country.