Beyond the border: It's a WAR of words

Even as Indian and Pakistani troops exchange heavy fire at the international border, leaders from both nations are engaged in a blame game aimed at allaying concerns of their countrymen.

Here's a round-up of what is being said right now:

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley: "If Pakistan persists with this adventurism, our armed forces will make cost of this adventurism unaffordable for it. Our forces have been doing a commendable job in face of unprovoked attacks from Pakistan. India is never an aggressor, it is a responsible state, but it has a paramount duty to protect its people. India's forces have only one option -- that is to respond adequately and defend our territory and our people."

Home Minister Rajnath Singh: "The PM is monitoring the India-Pakistan situation very closely. We are satisfied with the response of the Army and Border Security Force. We want to assure the nation we will not let it down.

 

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan: "The nation is looking for a leader in the present circumstances. But where are you, Mr Nawaz Sharif? Why are you silent on the Indian aggression on the LoC and the US drone strikes in tribal areas? Although we want friendly relations with our neighbours, we cannot allow anyone to commit such aggression against the innocent people of this country."

Pakistan People's Party chief Bilawal Bhutto: "Another attack on LOC. seems India adopting Isreal model vs Pakistan. Modi must realize we can retaliate unlike his victims from Gujarat."