India warns Pak: Stand by Ramzan ceasefire but will counter against unprovoked attacks
India warns Pak: Stand by Ramzan ceasefire but will counter against unprovoked attacks
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New Delhi [India], June 05 (NT): Defense minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said India stood by the Ramzan ceasefire agreed upon with Pakistan, but it reserved the right to hit back in the face of malicious attacks from across the border.

"When it is an unprovoked attack the Army was given the right to retaliate. We honour the ceasefire but of course, a margin was given to us when there is an unprovoked attack," Sitharaman addressed mediapersons at a press conference.

Worth mention here Last week, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had agreed to apply the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit" to discontinue cross border firings in valley of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier the Centre had asked security forces to not launch operations in the Valley during the sacred month of Ramzan. At the same time, home minister Rajnath Singh had clarified that security forces would take action if there were terror attacks during this period.

Echoing the same sentiment, Sitharaman said today that while ceasefire at the border is very important, it is equally important to counter to any terror attacks on the country.

"It's our business to guard the border and we won't stop if we're provoked. We shall be alert that no unprovoked attack goes without us responding. It's our duty to keep India safe," she stated.

When asked about the possibility of bilateral dialogue with Pakistan, the defence minister reiterated India's unequivocal stance on the matter. "Terror and talks cannot go hand in hand," she asserted.

It is noted that Two BSF jawans were killed and 13 civilians were injured in Pakistani firing near Jammu on Sunday.

 

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