Ceasefire violations: India blames Pakistan, tells armed forces to deal strongly with border intrusions

NEW DELHI: India on Saturday blamed Pakistan for violation of the ceasefire deal earlier in the day between the DGMOs of the two countries and said Indian armed forces have been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations along LoC and international border. "An understanding was reached this evening between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to stop the military action that was going on for the last few days.For the last few hours, this understanding is being violated by Pakistan," foreign secretary Vikram Misri said at a special press briefing late on Saturday."The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it. We believe that Pakistan should understand this situation properly and take appropriate action immediately to stop this intrusion," he added."The Armed Forces are maintaining a strong vigil on the situation and have been given instructions to deal strongly with any instances of repetition of the violations of the borders along the international border as well as the line of control," the foreign secretary said.Earlier today, foreign secretary Misri had announced that the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan had agreed on the understanding during a call this afternoon."The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hours IST earlier today," Misri told the media at around 6 pm."It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time today," he said.Hours after this announcement, firing from the Pakistani side was reported in Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Drones were also seen in several locations along the border.