“Pakistan will urge India to allow UNMOGIP to work freely so that it can effectively ensure ceasefire on both sides of the LoC,” says a senior military official. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
“Pakistan is going into the talks with a positive frame of mind as it does not want further escalation in tensions,” a senior military official told The Express Tribune ahead of the crucial parleys between the two countries’ directors general of military operations (DGMOs).
The DGMO of Pakistan Army has invited his Indian counterpart for rare face-to-face discussions on December 24 (Tuesday) to discuss recent tensions along the LoC.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said that Pakistan would push for a greater role of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), in addition to proposing the reinforcement of the 2003 ceasefire agreement, to avoid further hostilities between the two neighbours.
“Pakistan will urge India to allow UNMOGIP to work freely so that it can effectively ensure ceasefire on both sides of the LoC,” said the official.
“We have given UN military observers unhindered access on our side of the LoC, but they do not enjoy the same freedom on the Indian side… Their movement has been highly restricted by India,” he added. UNMOGIP was established in 1949 under the resolution passed by the world body’s Security Council to supervise ceasefire along the LoC.
Meanwhile, a Foreign Office official voiced hope the DGMOs meeting would pave the way for the resumption of stalled talks between Pakistan and India.
“Restoring the ceasefire along the LoC will certainly be good for the atmosphere but, in the long run, both countries need to address the root cause of these problems,” he insisted, however. The official added that resolving long standing disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, was paramount to ensuring durable peace between Pakistan and India.
In the past, Pakistan proposed third-party investigations into the incidents of hostilities along the LoC, but India has shown little interest in the suggestion.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2013.
COMMENTS (11)
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@Shaheen Khan:
You have plagiarised the idea which has been already mentioned.Typical style of Pakistani copy paste:) ET: Dont u check it?
Ceasefire violation from bothsides has always escalated tension and also derailed peace process several times.Both DMGs should meet with good intension and sincerirty.
So whats the menu for the Lunch +++++++++++++++++++++++++ That would be the sole highlight of the meeting.
@indian: Ceasefire violation from bothsides has always escalated tension and also derailed peace process several times.Both DMGs should meet with good intension and sincerirty.
Indians do not want independent investigation.It will dismantle their propaganda!
I think ceasefire violation should stop at all cost along the line of control which is beneficiary for both countries to have good relations
Hoping for the best future of two states and nations.
Exactly for this reason , India don't want to talk to Pakistan
Sure! While at it, also ask International court to be a superior court of Pakistan as well!
'Islamabad will seek a bigger role for UN military observers deployed along the Line of Control'
Built-in ingredient by Pakistan for failure of DGMOs talks.Pakistan knows that India will never accept it- hence the prediction about the results of the talks.
Greater role for UN? Pak has thrown a wrench, even before the long delayed meet.