New Delhi: India on Saturday summoned Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest over what it described as continued cross-border infiltration from Pakistan, following the killing of two men near the Punjab border on October 2.
Pakistan, however, maintains that the deceased were unarmed civilians who inadvertently crossed the International Border.
The Ministry of External Affairs rejected Pakistan’s allegations as “baseless and motivated” and said the incident occurred in the Ferozepur sector. Pakistan had earlier summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires and protested the deaths.
According to India, three people entered Indian territory and continued towards the border fence despite repeated BSF warnings.
The BSF allegedly engaged them after they posed an imminent security threat. One person returned to Pakistan, while two others continued moving towards India and were shot dead, officials said. The identities of the deceased were being ascertained.
India said the incident reflected cross-border movement linked to armed narcotics syndicates and urged Pakistan to investigate infiltration, drug smuggling and alleged complicity of its border forces.
It also called on Islamabad to respect the International Border and prevent unauthorised movement.
Pakistan rejected the infiltrator claim, saying the two men were civilians and had inadvertently crossed the border.
Islamabad called the use of lethal force unjustified and sought an immediate, transparent and credible investigation, along with disciplinary and legal action against those responsible.
Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan.
