Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol the fenced border with Pakistan in Suchetgarh, southwest of Jammu January 16, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
Pakistan and India have agreed to defuse tensions triggered by recent border clashes along the Line of Control (LoC), the two sides announced following talks between their senior military officials on Wednesday.
The director general military operations (DGMOs) from the two sides talked to each other on a ‘hotline’ and discussed the tensions along the de facto border in the disputed region of Kashmir, said a spokesperson for the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Though the Pakistan Army lodged a strong protest with India over Tuesday’s ceasefire violation which claimed the life of a Pakistani soldier, the two sides reached an understanding to de-escalate tensions. “Both sides agreed on the need to reduce tension on the LoC,” the spokesperson added.
Indian Army also confirmed the development, saying senior military commanders from two sides spoke for 10 minutes over the telephone where they reached their agreement.
“An understanding has been arrived at between the two DGMOs to de-escalate the situation along the LoC,” Indian Army spokesperson Jagdeep Dahiya said. He added that Pakistan’s DGMO Maj Gen Ashfaq Nadeem said strict instructions had been passed not to violate the ceasefire.
Dahiya said Indian troops stationed along the LoC would also not breach the ceasefire forged between the two countries in 2003. “We have always upheld the ceasefire and have only retaliated,” he added.
The LoC clashes that erupted on January 6 have claimed the lives of five soldiers, including three Pakistanis. Pakistan sought to lower the temperature on Monday by opting not to react to some of the hostile statements made by Indian leaders, including their army chief.
The village of Dara Sher Khan in Tatta Pani Sector, where a Pakistani soldier was killed, appeared deserted on Wednesday as residents cowered in their homes. Muhammad Afsar, a former armyman, said he and his family hid under bedding in their newly-built house, which was damaged by mortar shrapnel fired by Indian gunners.
“Indian soldiers keep watching our activities and we live in a state of constant fear,” he told AFP.
(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM AFP)
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2013.
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The animosity between India and Pakistan is not Kashmir. It is between Muslims and Non Muslims. Kashmir is just an excuse and the fulcrum to accentuate the basis of the division of India into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
@Tony Singh: Another point is that the Pakistan that was referred to in the UN resolution ceased to exist in 1971 and part of the disputed region is donated by Pak to China. In summary, one of the parties to the original dispute and the disputed land itself referred to in the UN resolution do not exist. Case closed.
Bothe sides,Indo pak after negotiation agreed to defuse confliction started recently in which soldier from sides were killed senior high up military leaders over come the deteriorating situation bothe the sides are deserve congratuation.
@Clear Black Bag: That's because the first step as per UN resolutions that needed to be taken was by Pakistan. It did not take the first step of vacating the area it occupied at that time to facilitate plebicite. Now a lot of water has flown under the bridge.
Why the burning,core,long-awaited and long-standing Kashmir is not resolved on top priority basis as soon as possible which is the bone of contention and the greatest ever hindrance in the strong,stable,permanent and durable comradeship and peace between India and Pakistan instead of taking temporary steps,facing bullets' exchanging events on LoC and killings of the soldiers and innocent and sinless people on both sides of LoC.....