In a strong diplomatic and military reaction, India has revealed Pakistan's hypocrisy after it breached a ceasefire agreement that had been suggested by its own military command.
The ceasefire, intended to bring an end to four days of fierce cross-border clashes, was announced by the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) in a direct hotline conversation with his Indian counterpart.
India's DGMO, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, had confirmed that Pakistan had proposed the ceasefire on May 10. "My interaction with the Pakistani DGMO took place at 15:35 hours yesterday (Saturday), which resulted in both sides halting cross-border firing and air incursions from 17:00 hrs on May 10 after his proposal," Lt Gen Ghai clarified at a press conference on Sunday.
The ceasefire was a step to reduce tensions along the Line of Control and international border following the fatal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 tourists. The deal was achieved solely through bilateral communication, without any precondition, showing India's determination to restore peace following India's military operation that targeted large terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Lt Gen Ghai also disclosed that both parties had agreed to meet again on May 12 at 12:00 hrs to discuss the modalities for making the ceasefire accord long-lasting.
But India was disappointed when Pakistan breached the ceasefire mere hours after it had come into force. "It took just a few hours for the Pakistan Army to violate these arrangements, opening cross-border firing and drone incursions last night and continuing into early morning today," Lt Gen Ghai said.
As a counter to these provocations, India telephoned Pakistan through the hotline with a stern protest, reiterating its strong position. "Earlier today, we again conveyed a message using the hotline to my counterpart, highlighting these transgressions and declaring our clear and firm intention to react forcefully should they recur tonight or subsequently," he further added.
Moreover, Lt Gen Ghai assured that the Chief of Army Staff had authorized the Indian Army commander in full to take countermeasures in case of further Paksitan's violation.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to peace but made it amply clear that it will not let its goodness be taken for a ride.
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