Pakistan high commissioner spoken to in very strong terms: Salman Khurshid

NEW DELHI: Speaking at a press conference, External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid on Wednesday said that violation of ceasefire along Line of Control ( LoC) is a matter of great concern and could have an adverse impact on the peace process.

Khurshid condemned again the "unacceptable" death of two Indian soldiers in a clash near the LoC with Pakistan but said the incident "should not be escalated".

Khurshid said that Pakistan high commissioner was summoned and spoken to in very strong terms. He said that such an attack was completely unacceptable.

"Whatever has happened, should not be escalated. We cannot and must not allow for an escalation of a very unwholesome event that has taken place " Salman Khurshid said.

DGMO General Vinod Bhatia told his Pakistan counterpart that mutilation and brutality are unacceptable to India.

Pakistan High Commissioner Salman Bashir was summoned by Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, who made it clear that these incidents were "unacceptable" and that Pakistan has to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control, according to official sources.

During the 30-minute meeting, Bashir was told by Mathai that regular Pakistani soldiers had crossed the LoC at Mendhar sector and engaged with Indian troops who were patrolling this sector.

"Two Indian soldiers were killed in the attack and their bodies subjected to barbaric and inhuman mutilation. The government of Pakistan was asked to immediately investigate these actions that are in contravention of international conduct and ensure that these will not recur," Bashir was conveyed.

The brutal killing of the two soldiers drew angry reactions from Congress and the government.

"Pakistan must respect rules of engagement and the ceasefire agreement. How can we tolerate mutilation of our braves. Redlines must be drawn," Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said in a remark posted on the social networking site Twitter.

Condemning the brutal killing, BJP said it was a "warning" to India and asked the government to place all facts before the international community so that Islamabad can be "named and shamed" before the world at large.

BJP leader Arun Jaitley also asked the government to "clearly define the dos and don'ts" in relations with the neighbouring nation.