Ghulam Nabi Azad condemns civilian killings by Pakistan, calls it un-Islamic

JAMMU: Strongly condemning the killing of innocent people in shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad today said the neighbouring country is indulging in "un-Islamic" actions.

"It is a sign of cowardice. Pakistan should feel ashamed of their cowardly acts be its terror attacks or firing and shelling targeting civilians," he said.

"I strongly condemn Pakistan's action of killing innocent people. Firing is going on in Balakote where a woman has lost her life today," the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha told reporters here.

Azad, who visited the GMC hospital here to meet civilians injured in Pakistan shelling, hit out at Pakistan, saying it did not spare the people even on Eid.

"Pakistan is claiming to be an Islamic country and does all activities which are un-Islamic.

"I do not know what type of Islam Pakistan is preaching? Their ISI, Army and other security forces are deeply involved. Even on Eid day, which is a day of happiness after conclusion of fasting month of Ramadan, they fired on Sujiyan, Gagrian areas in Poonch and Eid turned into a day of gloom," he said.

Azad said, "In the same way, on Independence day, when people were celebrating and Pakistani Prime Minister and President greeted Indian PM and our President, they apart from sending greeting to the them, also sent (mortar) shells.

"In these blast of mortar shells, five people lost their lives and dozen were injured. Today one woman lost her life in the shelling by Pakistan in Balakote."

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "Pakistan will never change. Pakistan cannot control its own internal turmoil and failed to restore its democracy in the country...could not move forward on the path of development and progress, but continues to attack our country, whether it is terror attack in Gurdaspur or in Udhampur".

He said the repeated attacks show "their cowardly nature".

"Last year, we saw such firing and shelling in Jammu and Kathua sectors," he said.