Ceasefire violations by Pakistan have increased: Jaitley

Two civilians were killed and six injured along the Line of Control in the Jammu sector after Pakistani troops resorted to “unprovoked firing” on Indian security posts.

Pakistani security forces, however, accused Indian forces of starting the clash, and said two persons were killed on their side too.

Though such firing is not uncommon, the past week has seen an escalation.

The firing assumes significance as it follows India’s calling off of Foreign Secretary-level talks in view of Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit’s engagement with Kashmiri separatist leaders in the Capital.

Speaking to presspersons in Visakhapatnam after the commissioning of INS Kamorta, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said ceasefire violations by Pakistan had increased of late, adding that even during wartime deaths of civilians were condemnable.