India accused of ‘naked aggression’ after commando raid into Pakistan territory

Indian commandos carried out a series of lightning strikes along the de facto border with Pakistan in Kashmir, on Thursday provoking furious charges of “naked aggression” from its nuclear-armed neighbour. The troops conducted what were called “surgical strikes” several kilometres inside the Pakistan-controlled side of the disputed territory to prevent attacks being planned on major Indian cities. The strikes aimed at “neutralising the terrorists” caused multiple casualties, according to Indian officials. However, Pakistan denied the claims saying two of its soldiers were killed and nine wounded in cross-border shelling.

Some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launchpads along the line of control. The Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night. Significant casualties have been caused to these terrorists and those who are trying to support them

Indian commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the director-general of military operations, announced news of the strikes in New Delhi - which sent shares on the Indian stock market sliding nearly 2%. He said they were carried out with “an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and various other metros in our country.” But Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif “strongly condemned the unprovoked and naked aggression of Indian forces”. A statement from the Pakistan military added: “There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India. As per rules of engagement same was strongly and befittingly responded by Pakistani troops.”

The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists’ bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects

Pakistan military

Asia-Pacific