IAF chief says ceasefire violations by Pakistan quite serious

The ceasefire violations and firing from across the Line of Control are "quite serious" and the government wants a "quick resolution" of the problem there, IAF Chief Arup Raha said.

"The issue is quite serious and it should not happen. Government is taking it seriously and we want a quick resolution of the problem. We want peace and tranquillity and want the borders to be normal.

"India wants good relations with our neighbours and the government is taking a number of steps in this direction diplomatically and otherwise. We are all concerned and efforts are being made to bring this to an end. All security agencies are concerned the way the things have developed in last few days and we want an early resolution," he said when asked to comment on the ceasefire violations along the LoC and the International Border.

Air Chief Marshal Raha was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 82nd Air Force Day parade.

Asked about the directives given by the government to the services on the way to handle the ceasefire violations, the IAF chief said, "Directions are very simple that we need to resolve the issue at the earliest. We want peace and tranquillity on the border so that the nation can focus on development and other important issues."

Since October 1, the frequency of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has increased.

Two women were killed and 15 others injured in heavy mortar shelling and firing by Pakistani troops along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the death toll to eight in the continued ceasefire violations by Pakistan for over a week.

Extending the ceasefire violations to new areas, Pakistan Rangers shelled border outposts and villages in Samba and Kathua along with Jammu during the night and the firing was continuing till Wednesday morning.