BSF-Pakistan Rangers biannual talk concludes: India raises unprovoked cross border firing, infiltration issue

New Delhi, November 11: India has strongly taken up with Pakistan the issues of unprovoked cross border firing, smuggling of narcotics, infiltration attempts and defence construction activities.

An official release said, the issue of inadvertent crossing over by the border population and ways to facilitate their return was also discussed. It was agreed upon in deliberations that utmost caution and care should be exercised in dealing with the civilians.

The need for timely exchange of information, at the field level with increased frequency of field commanders level meetings, simultaneous coordinated patrolling etc. were also discussed.

The need for cooperation to maintain the sanctity of the borders was emphasized upon. The talks were held in a constructive atmosphere. The talks concluded with both sides agreeing on constant endeavor to maintain peaceful and tranquil borders. It was mutually agreed to hold the next round of talks in Pakistan.

The 23 member Indian delegation was led by K K Sharma, DG BSF. Major General Muhammad Saeed, Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) led a 19 member Pakistani delegation to India. Both the delegations also had representatives from respective Home and Foreign Ministries along with officers from Narcotics Control and Survey Departments.

Pakistani forces violated ceasefire in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir last evening. Defence sources told that Pakistan Army started unprovoked firing targeting some Indian positions in Laam area of Nowshera sector around 5 PM. Indian troops gave a befitting reply and the exchange of fire continued for about two hours. There is no report of any casualty or injury to the Indian side.

Meanwhile, a high-level delegation of the Union Home Ministry visited several forward villages along the International Border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts yesterday. The delegation has been deputed to ascertain problems of the people living in border areas in view of the frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The delegation will be visiting the areas in Poonch and Rajouri districts today.