New Delhi:
After being attacked by the Opposition for letting Pakistan off the hook for the deadly ambush on five Indian soldiers in Kashmir this week, Defence Minister AK Antony today issued a new statement.
Here's what he said:"The brutal and unprovoked attack on an Indian Patrol on our side of Line of Control (LC) on August 6, 2013 outraged us all.
When I reported the incident to the house it was Government's obligation to report the facts as we knew at that point of time, and my statement was based on the available information.
Since then the Chief of Army staff has visited the area, and gone in details of the matter. It is now clear that the specialist troops of Pakistan Army were involved in this attack when a group from the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) side crossed the LC and killed our brave jawans. We all know that nothing happens from Pakistan side of the Line of Control without support, assistance, facilitation and often direct involvement of the Pakistan Army.
Those in Pakistan, who are responsible for this tragedy and the brutal killing of 2 soldiers earlier this year should not go unpunished. Pakistan should also show determined action to dismantle the terrorist networks, organizations and infrastructure and show tangible movement on bringing those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008 to justice quickly.
Naturally, this incident will have consequences on behavior on the Line of Control and for our relations with Pakistan. Our restraint should not be taken for granted; nor should capacity of Armed forces and resolve of the government to uphold the sanctity of the LC ever be doubted."