LAHORE - The four-day talks between Pakistan and India concluded in New Delhi on Saturday with the two countries agreeing to ensure that no firing takes place along the Sialkot border.
This important development comes before the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly where Pakistan plans to produce proof against its nuclear neighbour for its involvement in terrorist activities in the Islamic republic.
The talks were held between the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF), the agencies of the two countries responsible for maintaining peace on borders.
An agreement was also reached on joint investigation of future ceasefire violations at the Working Boundary (WB), which is the border line between Pakistan’s Sialkot area and Indian-held part of the disputed Kashmir.
Indian authorities also agreed to enhance communication to maintain peace on the Sialkot border, according to a Rangers spokesman.
The bi-annual talks of the border forces took place after a number of firing incidents from Indian side, as a result of which many innocent Pakistani people were killed. Pakistan had raised the matter even with the UN military observers group.
Many countries are advising Pakistan and India to hold talks to resolve all their outstanding issues or the skirmishes could lead to a war the region could not afford.
According Rangers spokesman, the meeting was held in a cordial and congenial environment. The Pakistan Rangers 16-member delegation was led by Punjab Rangers DG Maj-Gen Farooq Khan Burki. The BSF was led by DG Devendra Kumar Pathak.
Consensus was reached between both border guarding forces to ensure that no firing along WB takes place. In case there is any violation, investigation would be carried out without delay, the spokesman said.
The Indians agreed to stop Cease Fire Violation (CFVs) through enhanced communication through multiple modes at all possible levels, he said.
Pakistan raised the issue of killing of Rangers soldiers on which Indians assured non-repetition of such happenings in future and they agreed to joint investigation of all serious firing incidents in future, the spokesman said.
Pakistani side conveyed the BSF that Rangers does not support any border crossing. BSF is maintaining border control through fence, light, gates etc, which do not leave any chance of crossing through fence.
Both sides agreed to work out methods to control border crossings.
Border control remains with Indian BSF, which minimises the chances of smuggling. Pakistan has zero tolerance for smuggling of narcotics and Indian liquor, it was conveyed.
The BSF agreed to share information about cartels involved in this cross border activities to help Pakistani border guards in taking necessary actions against such elements. Construction of defence structure along WB was also discussed between the two parties.
During its stay in India, the Rangers delegation also called on India’s home minister Rajnath Singh. The delegation returned home by road Saturday afternoon.