India Accuses Pakistan of Killing, Mutilating Soldiers

Tauseef Mustafa—AFP

In statement, Pakistan’s military denies Indian allegations and condemns ‘unnecessary media hype’

The Indian army on Monday alleged that Pakistani troops had killed two Indian soldiers in disputed Kashmir and mutilated their bodies in a “despicable act.”

In a statement, the army said Pakistan’s border force attacked a patrol operating between two border posts on the de facto frontier known as the Line of Control.

“In an unsoldierly act by the Pak Army the bodies of two of our soldiers in the patrol were mutilated,” the statement said, warning of an “appropriate response.” It also accused Pakistan of what it called “unprovoked” rocket and mortar firing across the heavily militarized LoC but gave no further details.

“The Pakistan Army did not commit any ceasefire violation on Line of Control,” said a statement issued by the ISPR, the media wing of Pakistan’s military. “Indian blame of mutilating Indian soldiers’ bodies are also false. Pakistan Army is a highly professional force and shall never disrespect a soldier even Indian,” it added.

In a subsequent statement on Tuesday, the ISPR said that a local commanders’ level hotline contact had been established at Rawalakot-Poonch sector to clearly convey that no Pakistani troops had crossed the LoC or mutilated any Indian soldiers’ bodies. “Indian authorities were told that there is unnecessary media hype following the allegations. Pakistan remains fully committed to maintain peace and tranquility along the LoC and expects same from other side,” it added.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947 but both lay claim to the entire territory. The incident is likely to further raise tensions between the rivals, who have fought two of their three wars over control of the territory. The two sides have accused each other in the past of mutilating the bodies of each other’s soldiers.

Army spokesman N. N. Joshi said the victims were a junior officer and a border guard. Another guard from India’s Border Security Force was injured in the initial firing from Pakistan, Joshi added.