Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 27: In major initiative to end prolonged Indo-Pak hostilities on the International Border, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Rangers held first high level contact after shelling and firing in which both sides agreed to hold Sector Commander level meeting to resolve the issues even as Indian side directly blamed Pakistan for resorting to unprovoked and indiscriminate shelling on civilian areas causing casualties and large scale destruction.
The flag meeting between BSF and Rangers, which was held at Nikowal Border Out Post (BOP) in Pargwal sector of Akhnoor tehsil at 4 pm lasted about 45 minutes and was attended by BSF 33 battalion Commandant SK Singh and Pakistan’s Wing Commander of 19 Desert Rangers Mohammad Waqar.
Official sources told the Excelsior that Pakistan proposed flag meeting today in Pargwal sector instead of Arnia and RS Pura, which had witnessed intense shelling and firing for past several days leading to large scale destruction on both sides. The BSF agreed for the meeting. The previous two nights had witnessed complete peace on the International Border after 45 days of ceasefire violations with not even a single shot fired from either side. Even today, no gun shots were heard from either side on the border till late tonight when the reports last came in.
Sources said India lodged strong protest with Pakistan over unprovoked shelling of civilian areas for past several days, which took lives of three civilians and left many others injured apart from the losses of cattle and property. Pakistan side also blamed India for heavy shelling and firing in which they too suffered huge losses but India maintained that the BSF only retaliated after Pakistan first started firing and shelling and didn’t target their civilian areas.
Though the flag meeting didn’t discuss ceasefire violations elaborately and was a prelude to Sector Commanders level meeting, it did take up the issue of firing and loss of lives and property with both sides taking up the matter.
“Our policy is very clear…No first firing and no firing on civilians. We only retaliated when Pakistan opened firing,” sources quoted the BSF officers as telling the Rangers in the flag meeting.
Sources said India made it clear to Pakistan that it stands for peace and has readily accepted Pakistan invite for flag meeting. “We had earlier also asked for flag meetings. In fact, we called Pakistan 16 times for the flag meetings but they didn’t agree,” they added.
On Pakistan Wing Commander’s request for a Sector/DIG level flag meeting, the Indian side replied that Pakistan will be informed as soon as decision was taken by the BSF Headquarters.
According to sources, both sides agreed for holding more flag meetings to resolve the differences and end the hostilities. They decided that the next flag meeting would be held at the level of Sector Commanders very shortly to sort out the issues and maintain ceasefire on the International Border so that the civilians, who had migrated on both sides of the borders, return to their homes and live in peace.
The Indian side also took up the issue of sniper shots fired by the Rangers directly targeting the BSF posts, sources said.
Admitting that some issues were discussed in the meeting, sources said the way the hostilities have prolonged on the International Border for last 45 days, which was for the first time since 1971 Indo-Pak war, India has agreed to Pakistan request for another meeting between Sector Commander level very soon to discuss the pending issues.
India, however, wanted Pakistan to ensure that there was no further shelling and firing from their side on Indian positions, which, it warned, had potential of further vitiating the atmosphere between the two neighbours.
Sources said Pakistan had invited the BSF for today’s meeting, which responded quickly.
“Our stand is very clear. We want peace to prevail along the border. Whenever Pakistan has requested us, we have responded positively,” they added.
Meanwhile, BSF DG DK Pathak, who had visited the International Border in RS Pura and Arnia yesterday to review the situation today briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the ground situation along the borders.
During the hour-long briefing, Pathak informed the Home Minister about the damage caused to the assets of BSF as well as some damage caused to the civilians living close to the International Border following firing and shelling by soldiers of Pakistan Rangers.
Singh was apprised of the deaths and injuries caused to the BSF and the civilians in the area.
The Home Minister, who is scheduled to visit border areas of Jammu on August 29, enquired about the morale of the forces deployed in the areas affected by Pak shelling. He was told that the morale of the forces was very high.
Singh was informed that BSF officers are on the ground along with the troops and constantly guiding the troops.
The Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the BSF in tackling the situation and assured full assistance of resources to the DG, BSF for taking appropriate action on the border.
The BSF chief had visited the forward areas yesterday following a directive of the Home Minister.
The BSF had said the firing by Pakistani forces in the last 45 days was possibly the “heaviest” since the 1971 war.
Meanwhile, Army continued to provide all king of relief to nearly 10,000 border migrants in Arnia, Bishnah, RS Pura and other places. The Army was providing food, clothing, medicines and other items required by them in the camps.
The Army had come to rescue of migrants after civil administration completely failed to provide any succor to them.
As reported, BJP president Amit Shah after his visit to the borders had taken up the matter with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who had directed the Army to provide all possible relief material to the border migrants till conducive conditions were created for their return to homes.
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