New Delhi: In a strong message to Pakistan, India's Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Thursday made it clear that any unprovoked firing from the neighbouring country will be met with force.
Addressing a press conference, Jaishankar said, "It’s not a matter of our choice if India and Pakistan will go for peace talks. It depends on Pakistan's action. There should be no doubt that any unprovoked firing will be met with force."
The remarks came after fresh firing along the Line of Control killed one woman in Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir. India had expressed disappointment at the fresh breach.
India's High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan had raised the issue with Pakistan Foreign Secretary on Wednesday after one woman was killed and six others, including two BSF jawans, were injured on Wednesday in a "major ceasefire violation" by Pakistan. The violation came two days ahead of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu.
Jaishankar further said that the nature of firing from Pakistani side was serious, which compelled India to take up the issue with the neighbouring country. "We remain committed to peace, but will respond to unprovoked firing. NSA was forced to speak to Pakistani counterpart after no response from Pakistan on firing," said Jaishankar.
In a recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Ufa, Russia, on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, it was decided that NSA of both the countries will held talks on Indo-Pak ties. "NSA talks are on track but dates for the same have not been decided yet," said Jaishankar.
Meanwhile, sources said that the government has decided to reinforce BSF numbers along the border, and an order in this regard has already been given to the BSF DG.
They further said that the Ministry of External Affairs would continue with the diplomat-level talks with their Pakistani counterparts, adding that senior officials might soon engage in conversation.
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