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Pak asks militants not to cross LoC

Pakistan has told a militant group to call off plans to cross the military Line of Control in Kashmir saying the move could lead to bloodshed.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front said thousands of its unarmed followers would cross into India's side of the Himalayan region on October 4 to draw attention to its cause.

A Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman told reporters there could be 'unnecessary loss of life' because Indian forces on the LoC would be ruthless and shoot to kill the marchers. ''So we would not like to see such a situation to emerge.''

Yesterday India said it would hold Pakistan responsible for the planned LoC crossing.

''...India expects Pakistan to prevent any intended crossing of the Line of Control... And that Pakistan would be responsible for any consequences which result from its failure to do so,'' an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in New Delhi.

The Pakistani spokesman said the JKLF should ''avoid this kind of move on the basis of past experience''.

Asked if Pakistan would use force again to stop the march, he said, ''I hope it doesn't come to that this time.''

UNI

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