BSF chief warns Pakistan: India will retaliate to unprovoked firing

NEW DELHI: Amidst growing ceasefire violations from Pakistan, BSF DG DK Pathak on Tuesday warned the neighbouring country of 'retaliation' for unprovoked firing. "Indian forces are retaliating to Pakistan's unprovoked firing. We do not initiate firing along LoC but will retaliate when needed," Pathak said.

"Pakistan is now targeting civilian areas using high powered explosives," Pathak said. "Launch pads are located close to border. We want peace but can't be silent when they target us," Pathak added.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley will hold a meeting on Tuesday with the three service chiefs to discuss the security environment in and around the country against the backdrop of continuing ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

The Minister is expected to discuss the steps required to be taken by the forces to tackle the situation along the LoC and the International Border, Defence Ministry officials said.

The Defence Minister is also likely to be briefed by the three services on the various infrastructure development projects along the border with China.

There have been 95 ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control and it has also breached the ceasefire pact 25 times on the International Border.

Jaitley has stated that India has been responding effectively and strongly to the ceasefire violations by Pakistan side. India has also further strengthened its counter infiltration grid to tackle any attempt by Pakistan to push in militants during the ceasefire violations.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reviewed the situation along the border with Pakistan and directed BSF to take all possible steps to ensure security of civilians in the areas subjected to shelling.

The Home Minister, who has already asked BSF to give befitting reply to firing from Pakistan, reviewed deployment of the border guarding force and steps being taken to ensure safety and security of personnel protecting forward posts.