Attention-seeking intent behind Pakistan's truce violations: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said Pakistan's intention behind cross-border firing and shelling might be to "get attention" as it continued to violate the ceasefire on the border.

"Sometimes, the intent of all firing is to get attention," Parrikar said.

The minister said most ceasefire violations of late were reported on the international border, which is guarded by Border Security Force.

"Mostly, the ceasefire violations are on the international border; I don't have direct details," the minister said while interacting with journalists on the sidelines of the Naval Commanders' Conference here.

Parrikar said there was a period when the ceasefire violations went up along the Line of Control (LoC), though there was no rise in ceasefire violations along the LoC at present.

"There is no increase in firing along the LoC (at present)," he said.

About Pakistan's absence from the list of countries participating in the International Fleet Review, the minister said Pakistan would be welcome to participate.

"We welcome them, but there is no confirmation so far," said Parrikar.

About the recent incidents of firing on Indian fishing boats off the Gujarat coast, Parrikar said: "The firing incidents need to be taken care of by the forces concerned. Even if a fisherman crosses the boundary, they should not fire upon them...."