(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Pak writes to U.N. Chief on LoC violations` appearing in the Tribune dated January 31, 2000;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) Yes Sir. Government of India is aware of the news item captioned `Pak writes to UN Chief on LOC violation`.
(b) The Pakistani Foreign Minister had on 24th January, 2000 written to the UN Secretary General alleging that Indian forces had launched a premeditated attack against a small Pakistani post in Chamb Sector on the Pakistani side of the LOC in the early hours of 22nd January, 2000. In the letter, it was also alleged that the Indian attack resulted in the death of two Pakistani soldiers while five are still missing. Through the letter, the Pakistani FM sought the intercession of UN Secretary General and urged him to consider despatching a personal envoy to the region.
(c) Government of India is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through bilateral discussions in accordance with the Simla Agreement. Pakistan must demonstrate its adherence to the Agreement through abandonment of its sponsorship of cross border terrorism and hostile propaganda against India.