India army chief blew LoC issue out of proportion: Retd Pak Vice Marshall

A retired Pakistani Air vice Marshal has accused Indian army chief Bikram Singh of blowing things out of proportion with regard to the killing of two Indian jawans along the Line of Control in Poonch.

In a tough statement shortly before a Brigadier level flag meeting between the two sides, Singh slammed the Pakistani army, saying that an LoC attack which resulted in the brutal killing of two Indian soldiers on 8 January was preplanned and premeditated, adding that the Indian army would uphold the ceasefire only if Pakistan did, and would not tolerate open acts of aggression and firing.

“India reserves its right to retaliate at the time and place of its choice. We won’t remain passive when attacked,” he said, adding he expected “commanders to be aggressive and offensive.”

Hitting out that the Pakistan army, Gen Singh said beheading is against all rules of engagement.

Speaking to CNN-IBN Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Retired Pakistan Air Vice Marshal Abid Rao said, “First of all, if what you have said is right, I condemn it. The statements given by your Army Chief and your Air Chief…they are blowing the issue beyond proportion. These things can be settled in local flag meeting. Don’t blow it out of proportion where public sentiment is also blown up to an extent where people are talking about revenge.”

Former Indian diplomat KC Singh replied saying, “To say that we have blown it out of proportion is wrong. It is not a simple death. It’s a question of an intruder coming in and committing what is tantamount to war crime.”