NEW DELHI, 18 December 2020, (TON): Indian troops on Friday (today) targeted vehicle of UN military mission in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) from across the line of control in what is referred to as a ‘‘new low’’ in their behaviour.

The incident of ‘’unprovoked firing’’ of Indian border troops occurred at about 10:45 am in the Chirikrot sector of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The UN officers were on their way to polas village to meet with the victims of Indian shelling across the LOC when they targeted by Indian troop. They inflicted damage to UN vehicle however, the officers remain safe, FO spokesperson told during a weekly press briefing.

Pakistan Army immediately evacuated the officers and brought them to the UNMOIP field station in Rawalakot.

"The reprehensible act of unprovoked firing by India on the UNMOGIP officers is indicative of a new low in the conduct of Indian occupation troops," Chaudhri said.

ISPR, in a series of tweet said, ‘’Indian Army resorted to unprovoked fire in Chirikot Sector of #LOC. Indian troops deliberately targeted a United Nations vehicle with 2 Military Observers on board, enroute to interact with CFV victims in Polas Village in Chirikot Sector.

‘’While the vehicle was damaged, the two UNMOs luckily remained unharmed. They were safely rescued & evacuated by Pakistan Army to Rawalakot,’’ the ISPR said.

‘‘Such illegal and unlawful acts against all established international norms, signify mal-intent of Indian Army to target not only innocent civilians residing along the Line of Control but #UN Peace Keepers as well. This act only goes to show Indian Army’s complete disregard to principles enshrined in UN Charter. It is indeed a new low for Indian Army. Pakistan Army stands in solidarity with #UNMOGIP officials and appreciates the selfless services rendered by all members of UNMOGIP in discharge of their UN mandated duties,’’

The FO spokesperson, while press briefing said, Pakistan "strongly condemns the continuing CFVs by India in clear violation of international law; the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; and against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct".

He noted that India had committed 2,992 ceasefire violations so far this year alone, resulting in 27 deaths and serious injuries to 249 civilians, including 92 women and 68 children.

He called upon India to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, investigate the incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations, and maintain peace along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB).

"Pakistan also urges India to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," Chaudhri said.