In a major development, the Indian Army has reportedly targeted the Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK. This was in retaliation to Pakistani shelling in Poonch and Jhallas. According to sources, the Indian Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
#WATCH: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr
— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018
The Pakistani Army had resorted to shelling on India’s brigade headquarters and other Army formations in Poonch on October 23. The officials have stated, “In response to Pakistani army’s firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters… and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating”. The Pakistani Army had resorted to an unprovoked attack on October 23 and had targeted Indian Army’s brigade headquarters with a 105/106 mm shells. One of the shells had landed in a store shelter setting fire to it.
This retaliation by India is a clearly a strong signal to Pakistan to stop indulging in dastardly attacks on India. The officers quoted information received from a across the border, and made it clear that several photographs “stood testimony” to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military’s retaliatory action. The officials also stated that the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani Army. However, it is clear that Pakistan crossed its limits frequently compelling the Indian Army to retaliate notwithstanding the restraint that had been shown by India.
The Indian Army, true to its reputation avoided targeting the civilian population living on the other side of the LoC in its close proximity in areas such as Hajira, Bandi Gopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta. The officials also stated that the Indian Army has maintained pressure on Pakistan post the surgical strikes through “proactive and precise targeting”. Pakistan suffered more than 138 fatal casualities last year as per the officials and Pakistan was forced to request a ceasefire in face of India’s firepower. However, it seems that Pakistan is showing no signs of changing its behaviour.
Despite requesting a ceasefire earlier this year, it still resorted to cowardly attacks across the LoC. And now the Indian Army has retaliated in a befitting manner. This is yet another signal by India to Pakistan to behave before it is too late and India is not able to restrain itself in face of Pakistan’s dastardly attacks. India has shown its firepower in the past and Pakistan must remain beware of it.