India carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control near Kashmir last night as informed by defence officials in a hurriedly called media briefing. "India conducted surgical strikes last night across the LoC to safeguard our nation, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Significant casualties have been caused to terrorists and those trying to shield them. We don't have a plan to further conduct such strikes. India has spoken to Pakistan," DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said in the conference jointly called by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. While no Indian casualties occurred, Pak lost two jawans.
"There were launch pads at the LoC where terrorists were present waiting to infiltrate the nation and attack areas in Kashmir and metros across the country. We have recovered items including GPS which have Pakistani markings. Captured terrorists hailing from PoK or Pakistan have confessed to their training in Pakistan or in Pakistan controlled region," Singh said. He added, "We do not have any plans to continue. However, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any contingency which may arise. I have spoken to Pakistani DGMO and expressed our concern. It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region but we can not certainly allow terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack our citizens."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had informed President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the strikes. Jammu and Kashmir Governor, and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti have also been apprised.
The attack came a few days after the Uri attack, where 18 Indian jawans were killed in a militant attack on an Army base. India has been repeatedly warning Pakistan against hosting terrorist activities in its territory, in the past few years. Meanwhile, Pak has issued a statement saying at least two Army men were killed as Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire over the Line of Control in "Azad Jammu and Kashmir". It read, "Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors."
Pak Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the "unprovoked and naked aggression" of the Indian forces that resulted in the martyrdom of two Pak soldiers.
