Pakistan not quiet even on New Year’s eve, began firing at midnight: Defence Minister on ceasefire violation

New Delhi: As ceasefire violations by Pakistan continued unabated, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said Islamabad does not seem to learn any lesson.

"Pakistan does not like to stay quiet even on New Year day. They started (cross-border) firing at 12.30 pm and don't seem to learn (any) lesson," Parrikar said at an event here. In an obvious reference to Pakistan and China, he also said, "We are surrounded in northern boundaries by two neighbours who are not very comfortable with us."

In fresh ceasefire violation, Pakistan Rangers today targeted 13 border outposts in Samba sector, a day after an Indian jawan and four Pakistani soldiers were killed in exchange of fire.

India said it would lodge a strong protest with Pakistan over the ceasefire violations, the third along the International Border in the past three days and seventh in last eight days.

Read: India retaliates after soldier is killed, 4 Pakistani jawans dead

Responding to Pakistan's ceasefire violations, Parrikar had said yesterday that the Indian security forces should not hold back in the face of firing and must retaliate with "double the force".

Parrikar who was here to attend a function also described Bengaluru as "the brain of India" in Space research. "We are thankful to Bangalore."

"Our culture.... our scientists take part in space missions but will not forget to offer pooja because this is our culture. We are proud of our culture. Our culture teaches us how to behave in the society. It teaches how to behave with elders."

Parrikar was speaking at an event organised by "Adamya Chetana", an NGO working in the field of social development managed by Union Minister Ananth Kumar's wife Tejaswini.

Read: Retaliate with double force: Defence Minister on truce violation by Pakistan