Pak violates ceasefire again: Patience has limits, says Rajiv Shukla

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla on Friday lashed out at Pakistan over the fresh ceasefire violation in Kargil sector, and said that a strong and befitting reply will be given.

"The violation of our boundary will not be tolerated. The Prime Minister and the Defence Minister have given their views on it. There is zero tolerance for LoC violation," said Shukla.

"Any activity from across the border will not be tolerated and a strong reply will be given. One should not take the test of our patience," he added.

In yet another incident of ceasefire violation, the Pakistani troops targeted Indian forward posts in the Kargil-Drass sector today. It is for the first time since the Kargil war of 1999 that the Pakistani army has fired in this sector.

No casualties have, however, been reported so far. This is the seventeenth ceasefire violation in the last ten days.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, yesterday said it is imperative that for bilateral relations to improve between India and Pakistan, Islamabad must take all steps necessary to prevent its sol from being used for any anti-India activity.

Delivering his 10th Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the historic 17th-century built Red Fort; Dr. Singh said India has also strived for friendship with our neighbouring countries.

"However, for relations with Pakistan to improve, it is essential that they prevent the use of their territory and territory under their control for any anti-India activity," he added.

The Prime Minister was apparently referring to the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC).

Earlier on August 6, five Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistani Specialist Forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch District.