Pakistan warns India against 'false flag' attacks in Kashmir
In this Mar 16, 2020 file photo, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan gives an interview to the Associated Press, in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Photo: AP Photo/BK Bangash, File)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's military was on high alert in Kashmir on Monday (Dec 21) as its prime minister warned India against carrying out any “false flag” operations in the disputed region after a UN vehicle in the Pakistan-held part came under attack.
Pakistan blamed last Friday's attack on India, implying it was aimed at embarrassing Islamabad and harming relations with the international community. The two UN observers in the vehicle escaped unharmed.
“I am making absolutely clear to the (international) community that if India was to be reckless enough to conduct a false flag operation against Pakistan, it would confront a strong national Pakistani resolve & be given a befitting response at all levels of the threat. Make no mistake,” Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted on Sunday.
Pakistan says the attack on the UN vehicle was deliberate, as such vehicles are clearly marked and “recognisable even from long distances”.
The UN confirmed the attack and said it was being investigated.
India has not commented on the attack or responded to Khan's tweets.
READ: Commentary: Kashmir conflict is not just a border dispute between India and Pakistan
The two nuclear-armed nations are bitter rivals which have fought three wars since gaining independence from British rule in 1947, two of them over the Himalayan region of Kashmir. The territory is split between Indian and Pakistani control, and both claim it in its entirety.
The two sides often exchange fire across the heavily-guarded Line of Control in Kashmir. Each accuses the other of routinely violating a 2003 cease-fire.
