国际英语新闻:Pakistan summons Indian diplomat over ceasefire violations along LoC

ISLAMABAD, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to lodge protest over the ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir region, the Pakistani foreign ministry said.

Two women were injured due to the firing by the Indian forces in Rakhchikri and Baroh sectors of the LoC on Friday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

India has committed 1,697 ceasefire violations to date this year, resulting in 14 deaths and serious injuries to 133 civilians, the statement added.

Pakistan and India had declared a ceasefire along the LoC and the working boundary in 2003. However, both sides routinely exchange fire and accuse each other of ceasefire violations.

Tension has been heightened after India lifted the special status for the Indian-controlled Kashmir in August last year. In its reaction, Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations, suspended trade relations and train service with India.

The Pakistani side condemned India's military action and underscored such "senseless acts are in clear violation" of the ceasefire understanding, and are also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct, the statement said.

"These egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security," the statement said.

The Indian side was called upon to respect the ceasefire understanding, investigate this and other such incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the working boundary, according to the statement.