CHANDIGARH: Ten Pakistani Commandos were killed and a number of them were injured in the worst Indo-Pak border clashes in the northern sector of Jammu & Kashmir, According to Indian sources Pakistan Commandos were trying to infiltrate into Indian territory. They opened fire when challenged by the Indian Army patrols. The patrols retuned the fire killing ten commandos.
This is the second serious clash. Last week five Pakistani Border Rangers were killed by the Indian Army in a similar incident. The clashes at the border have been going on for nearly two months resulting in the deterioration of relations between the two countries.
In the annual foreign ministry report to the Indian Parliament, Pakistan has been blamed by name for fanning trouble in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, has also blamed a “neighboring” country for “training and) arming” Sikh freedom fighters.
According to B.B.C. the relations between India and Pakistan have once again become strained after a few conciliatory developments, President Zia’s visit to India and subsequently Indian Finance Minister and Foreign Secretary’s visits to Pakistan had created a favorable atmosphere, but anti= Muslim riots in India and turning over of an old Mosque to Hindus by a court washed out the efforts. There is an increasing anger in Pakistan against Hindu majority’s repressive and discriminating attitude towards minorities particularly Muslims.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 21, 1986
