The Indian Army has used cluster bombs along the Line of Control (LOC) to target the civilian population in blatant violation of the Geneva Convention and international laws, said a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
As a result of bombardment by cluster bombs and other munitions, at least two civilians – including a four-year-old boy – were killed and 11 were injured. A cluster bomb/munition is either an air-dropped or ground-launched explosive weapon that releases smaller submunitions.
The Indian Army on Saturday slammed as “lies deceit and deception” comments from Pakistan that accused New Delhi of using cluster bombs against civilians in Kashmir.
Indian Army Responded: Such responses are only against military targets & infiltrating terrorists who are aided by the Pakistan Army. Allegations of the firing of cluster bombs by India is yet another Pakistan’s lie, deceit & deception.
As cluster bombs release multiple small bomblets over a wide area, they pose risks to civilians as unexploded bomblets may kill or maim after the bombardment has ceased
“Because of severe impact on non-combatants, use of cluster ammunition is prohibited under Convention on Cluster Ammunition. This blatant Indian aggression against all international norms exposes the true character of the Indian Army and their moral standing,” said the ISPR statement.
The military also urged the international community to “take notice of this Indian blatant violation of international laws” regarding the use of cluster bombs against innocent civilians.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal also condemned the use of cluster bombs along the LoC and intentional targeting of civilians by India. He, in a tweet, termed it a blatant violation of convention on cluster ammunition and international humanitarian laws.
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“International community should take notice of Indian actions which are a violation of international laws,” Faisal added.
The total number of ceasefire violations in 2019 stands at 1,824 with 17 people killed and 105 civilians injured. Major General Asif Ghafoor said the increased ceasefire violations by Indian forces along the LoC “indicate their frustration” over their failures in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pakistan Army shall take all measures to protect innocent civilians along LOC from Indian firing deliberately targeting them,” said the director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
