Rangers’ delegation crosses Wagah

LAHORE: A 13-member delegation of paramilitary Rangers crossed the Wagah border to hold a meeting with Indian security forces on Monday.

A spokesman for Pakistan Rangers said that the three-month coordination meeting between both sides took place at the Atari border post in India.

The meeting was attended by the director general of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), Brigadier Shafqat Nawaz Khan, who led members of Survey of Pakistan, and the anti-narcotics force.  The Pakistani delegation complained about unprovoked firing of Indian troops on civilians and illegal border area defence structures, the spokesman said.

Other issues such as constant air violations by Indian helicopters, smuggling activities induced by the Indian Border Security Forces and its intrusions and Pakistani civilians imprisoned in Indian jails were discussed during the meeting.

Brigadier Shafqat  earlier told the media at the Wagah border  that important issues like illegal (border) fence structures were to be discussed during the meeting.

Nawaz said he would discuss issues relating to security with his Indian counterpart, including unprovoked firing by the Indian forces adding that Indian helicopters will be gunned down if they will violate Pakistan’s airspace in the future. Talking on the occasion, DIG Indian Border Forces Wasu Dev Anand said that these talks will usher in an aura of peace and harmony between the two countries.

He said that candid talks would focus on all important issues including border disputes and prisoners on both sides. Responding to the issue of illegal border constructions, he brushed aside the issue by saying “No comments”.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2010.