The investigation by the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) into Friday’s incident in which Indian troops at the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region fired at a UN vehicle is continuing, according to a UN spokesman.
The vehicle was damaged but two UN military observers, who were conducting routine monitoring activities near Rawalakot on the Pakistani side of LoC, escaped unhurt.
On Friday, the U.N. confirmed that its vehicle was damaged by an “unidentified object”, and that the Mission was investigating the incident.
Read more: India’s attack on the UN vehicle: a mistake or planned?
“The investigation is ongoing,” UN Secretary-General Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in response to a question from APP at the regular noon briefing in New York on Monday.
“Nothing further to add,” he said about the progress in the probe.
On Friday, the Foreign office said that Indian troops “specifically targeted” the UN vehicle carrying two UNMOGIP officers from across the Line of Control, in what was termed a “new low” in their conduct.
The officers were immediately evacuated by the Pakistan Army and brought back to the UNMOGIP field station in Rawalakot.
UNMOGIP probe into targeting of UN vehicle by Indian troops at LoC continues: Spokesman https://t.co/psuyG4BEHK via @appcsocialmedia
— Lord Nazir Ahmed (@nazir_lord) December 22, 2020
The incident happened as Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a press conference in Abu Dhabi that he had credible information that India was planning a “surgical strike” against Pakistan to divert attention from its internal affairs.
India’s denial was dismissed by Pakistan. In the statement, the FO said Pakistan “categorically rejects the denial by the Indian MEA to accept responsibility for targeting the observers of UNMOGIP by the Indian occupation forces.”
Read more: Indian provocations threat to regional peace, stability: COAS
“The Indian side is also urged to allow UNMOGIP to play its mandated role as per UNSC Resolutions,” it added.
APP with additional input by GVS News Desk