No conclusions on UNMOGIP probe into LoC firing: UN

Farhan Haq says reports will be filed soon

The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) which is iPakistani claims that India resorted to firing on the border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir last week, has no conclusions to share as of now but could file reports on its observations, the UN chief's deputy spokesperson has said.

"There are no conclusions to share at this stage... but, of course, it will file reports, if necessary, on the work it's seen," UN chief Ban Ki-moon's deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters here yesterday.

Haq was responding to a question on whether the UNMOGIP officials, who began a "fact finding mission" to ascertain the validity of Pakistan's claims, had filed a report on their investigation.

Haq said if one or the other parties asks the UN observer mission to observe a ceasefire violation complaint, UNMOGIP follows up on that and "that's what it's doing".

Pakistan had lodged the complaint against India, last week.

Earlier this week, UNMOGIP officers visited the affected villages near Sialkot, the Pakistan military said.

India has been maintaining that the UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Following heightened tension along their border resulting in casualties on both sides, India had last week warned Pakistan of an "effective and forceful" response to unprovoked firing and cross-border terrorism.

India's blunt message followed a series of ceasefire violations along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan which resorted to mortar shelling of Indian areas over two days. India responded in kind and both sides said they had suffered casualties.

The UN has long maintained an institutional presence in the contested area between India and Pakistan.

According to the Security Council mandate given in a 1971 resolution, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the LoC and border between the South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

UNMOGIP currently comprises 42 military observers and a number of civilian staff members.