Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir: In the backdrop of ceasefire violations and firings, there was no traditional exchange of sweets and greetings between BSF and Pakistan Rangers along the International Border in Jammu frontier on Independence Day today.
However, the exchange of sweets took place along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
"There was no exchange of sweets and greetings on Independence Day along IB in Jammu frontier," a BSF officer told PTI.
There has been an escalation in border firings and ceasefire violations by Pakistan Rangers along the IB in the past few days.
However, the exchange of sweets and greetings took place at two Border Crossing Points of Roshni and Chakan-Da-Bagh along LoC in Poonch today, a Defence spokesman said.
Army and BSF troops celebrated the day by unfurling the tricolour at hundreds of Border Out Posts, forward posts and units, Brigades and Divisions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua,
Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts, officials said.
The main functions were held by BSF at Polura-based Jammu frontier Headquarters, Udhampur-based Northern Command, 16 Crops Headquarters at Nagrota and Bantalab-based Headquarters of CRPF today.
Meanwhile, troops of India and Pakistan posted along the Line of Control (LoC) today exchanged sweets to celebrate their respective Independence Day, a Defence spokesman said in Srinagar.
"In separate ceremonies held at Kaman Aman Setu in Uri Sector and Teethwal Village crossing point in Tangdhar Sector, Indian Army soldiers felicitated the Pakistani soldiers and offered them sweets on August 14 on the occasion of the 68th Independence Day of Pakistan," the spokesman said.
Pakistani soldiers reciprocated with similar gestures today and offered sweets to Indian soldiers to mark the 68th Independence Day of India, he said.
Such friendly gestures are part of the customary traditions at the LoC to express respect for each other's independence and sovereignty, he added.
