Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 14: For the first time since last year’s tension between Indian and Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC), troops of the two countries held flag meetings and exchanged sweets at the LoC on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
A defence spokesman said that a flag meeting between Indian and Pakistani soldiers was held in Kargil sector today. “The meeting was organised by the Indian side on the occasion of Milad to extend best wishes and greetings to the Pakistan Army soldiers. The meeting was conducted in a cordial manner with pleasantries and gifts being exchanged by the two sides”, the spokesman added.
The spokesman said that a similar meeting was held between Indian and Pakistan Army soldiers deployed at Kaman Aman Setu. “In a brief ceremony, organised at Aman Setu in Uri, officers and jawans of both Indian and Pakistan Army deployed on Line of Control greeted each other on the auspicious occasion of Milad and also exchanged sweets”, the spokesman added.
“These meetings have gained importance in light of the measures being instituted by India and Pakistan to restore normalcy at the Line of Control. This initiative has been widely appreciated by the local population as it further reinforces the commitment of the Indian Army towards ensuring tranquility, peace and prosperity in the region”, the spokesman said.
Last year’s there was major confrontation along the LoC after killing of two soldiers in Mendhar sector on January 8, 2013, and beheading of Lance Naik Hemraj. This was followed by killing of 5 soldiers in August last year in Poonch sector leading to escalation of tension along the LoC.
However, the situation improved by the end of 2013 and no major incident of the ceasefire violation has taken place since then.
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