India issues demarche to Pak, protests unprovoked act of aggression

New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's Acting High Commissioner to India and lodged a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression in the morning when Pakistani fighter jets entered Indian air space and targeted military posts.

A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs on the demarche issued to Pakistan said that this was in contrast to India's non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Balakot.

"It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India," it said.

The statement on the demarche says that India had strongly objected to "Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return".

Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan's political and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control.

"A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control."