Jammu/New Delhi: As ceasefire violations along the International Border in Jammu region by Pakistan Rangers enters into its ninth day, IBNLive.com spoke to Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu Region Inspector General Rakesh Kumar Sharma about the reasons that led to the intense exchange of fire between India and Pakistan.
Below is the transcript of the interview:
Question: What is the reason that led to this nine-day exchange of heavy firing between India and Pakistan?
IG BSF: There is no particular reason as such and since there is no dispute we have termed this as an 'unprovoked aggression' on the part of Pakistan. We are against it and we have only retaliated to the aggression. We never fired the first bullet.
Question: Border Security Force is retaliating to the 'unprovoked aggression' from the Pakistani side. What exactly is the fire power you have in the area? Is artillery being employed by the Indian side?
IG BSF: See, we are replying to the fire and a befitting reply is being given to Pakistan. We are only firing guns at Pakistan Ranger and Pakistani Army posts. No artillery is being employed on our side but Pakistan is using mortar to fire at civilian areas.
Question: Speculations are there that Pakistan's regular Army is backing the Rangers?
IG BSF: I am not sure but that possibility cannot be ruled out.
Question: What does the BSF Director General DK Pathak mean by the Ministry of Home Affairs giving a 'free hand' to tackle ceasefire violations?
IG BSF: BSF is meant to guard the borders, any case of firing or intrusion is our responsibility. A 'free hand' means that the ministry has left the decision on us to decide how to retaliate appropriately with no further clearance required from New Delhi.
Question: Do you concur with BSF sources that the firing started by a loss in Asian Games Hockey final that Pakistan suffered?
IG BSF: It is a fact, the first round was fired by Pakistan immediately after their team lost the match.
Question: Is the Pakistani leadership this immature to take a match defeat to this extent?
IG BSF: This is a localised aggression. I can not comment on the entire central leadership of Pakistan.
Question: A fresh round of fire came from Pakistani side this afternoon. What exactly is the situation?
IG BSF: Today's firing was at the LoC and not IB. I don't have updates on that as BSF in not at those posts.
Question: What is the difference between IB and LoC?
IG BSF: See IB or the international border is the marked line that both India and Pakistan as well as whole international community agree to while LoC is not marked and is disputed line.
Question: As the LoC is disputed line, does firing along LoC amounts to ceasefire violation?
IG BSF: Yes of course, ceasefire means complete peace whether it's IB or LoC.
Question: What is the loss India has suffered due to this incident?
IG BSF: Indian villages along the IB are being targeted by them and hence we have seen local people being affected.
Question: Contrary to India where this whole episode is being covered, Pakistani media is not at all covering the incident. As you are at the ground, what is your estimation about losses Pakistan has suffered?
IG BSF: See I cannot say why the Pakistani media is not covering the incident but as far as we are concerned, we are only firing at the Pakistani posts and no civil areas are on our target. As far as losses are concerned, our sources say that their military establishments have suffered severe damage.
Questions: There are reports that Pakistan is unable to face the magnitude of Indian retaliation and is possibly asking US or UN to intervene. Is there any international pressure on India as yet?
IG BSF: They can run pillar to post, we have taught a lesson to them. There is no such pressure and this will only end once they stop firing at us.
Question: How do you see this lockhorn coming to an end?
IG BSF: We are not in lockhorn. As I said the only way to end all this is a complete halt in Pakistan's firing toward India.
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