Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday Pakistan's political leadership and its army had lost their mental balance which, he claimed, was proved by targeting of Indian civilians during ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir."In clear violation of all norms of conduct and discipline, the Pakistan Army has been targeting innocent civilians in the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir. This indicates that their army and rulers have lost their mental balance," the Rajya Sabha MP said while addressing people in the Ramgarh sector on the International Border. Azad, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, also flayed the central and state governments for allegedly doing nothing to alleviate the sufferings of border villagers in the wake of Pakistan shelling."I will raise my voice for your rights and ensure that the promises made to you are fulfilled," he told his audience.
The former state Chief Minister arrived here on Wednesday for his proposed visit to Rangoor village near the India-Pakistan border, but security forces did not allow him beyond the defence ditches dug up to fortify Border Security Force positions along the border. Azad also visited the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu to ask after the villagers injured in Pakistan shelling and firing.Many of the injured, especially from Suchetgarh area, complained to him that they had lost many cattlehead due to shelling but had received no compensation.Azad assured he would take up the issue with the authorities concerned.Earlier, on his arrival here, Azad drove to the residence of senior Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma who passed away on Wednesday.