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It is now important that this is followed by other important steps aimed at building goodwill, normalcy in relations

The DG Rangers and the DG of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have held an important meeting in New Delhi, at which it has been agreed to observe a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and to jointly patrol some stretches of this line in order to avoid the incidents of firing which led to the deaths of dozens of civilians on both sides in recent times, not to mention the killings of eight people in Sialkot last month. The meeting is an important one as it is the first such exchange between the border agencies of the two countries in 21 months.



Things seem to have gone fairly well with decisions taken which are aimed at reducing the heightened tensions blighting bilateral relations. Certainly, we would have been in deeper trouble had we seen a repetition of the fiasco which marked the scheduled meeting of the national security advisers of both countries. That meeting, of course, never took place and we were left only with bickering and much bitterness.

Pakistan has already brought the incidents of cross-border violations to the attention of the UN and the international community at large. It is absolutely essential that these skirmishes be brought to a halt. The talks between the DGs help in this. Hopefully, following previously agreed protocols, such as talks between senior BSF and Rangers officials whenever a violation takes place, can be resumed. The fact that the DG Rangers and the accompanying delegation stayed on in India for an extra day is also a positive sign. It is now important that this is followed by other important steps aimed at building goodwill and a normalcy in relations so that the disrupted bilateral talks process can be resumed. It is vital that this happens for the sake of stability in the region and for both the countries themselves. The hostility we have seen over the past few months needs to cease. It has created an environment of growing mistrust and this is particularly damaging given that Pakistan is already fighting militancy and terrorism within its borders. The last thing we need is tension and sabre-rattling from across our borders.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th,  2015.

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