India accidentally fi res missile into Pak, regrets mistake

New Delhi: India on Friday said it accidentally fired a missile two days ago that landed in Pakistan and that the “deeply regrettable” incident was caused by a technical malfunction in the course of its routine maintenance.

The defence ministry said the government has taken a serious view of the incident and ordered a ‘Court of Enquiry’ into it, a day after Pakistan said a high-speed projectile launched from India entered its airspace and fell near Mian Channu in Khanewal district.

“On March 9, in the course of a routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile. The government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

“It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan. While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident,” it said.

The Pakistan foreign office said the “super-sonic flying object” entered into Pakistan from India’s Suratgarh at 6:43 pm (PST) on Wednesday and fell to the ground near Mian Channu city at around 6:50 pm, causing damage to civilian property. People familiar with the matter said the probe team will investigate all possible aspects of the incident. — PTI