India, Pakistan discuss border firing in flag meet, to take talks ‘forward’
Nikowal BOP (Akhnoor): Border forces of India and Pakistan on Wednesday met for the first time since the recent spate of ceasefire violations but failed to agree on anything substantive in the 45-minute meeting.
The meeting between BSF and Pakistan Rangers was held to defuse tension on the border but no issues relating to escalating ceasefire violations were discussed, officials said.
Pakistan has requested for a Sector Commander or higher level flag meeting to resolve the issue regarding firing and shelling and ease tension, they said.
According to BSF, firing by Pakistani forces along International Border (IB) in the past 45 days was possibly the "heaviest" since the 1971 war.
Commandant of 33 Battalion of BSF S K Singh led the Indian side while Mohammad Waqar, Wing Commander of 19 Desert Rangers, headed the Pakistani team at the meeting today.
Inspector General of BSF R K Sharma told reporters that in today's meeting, it was decided that talks should continue.
"No issues relating to ceasefire were discussed in today's meeting," he said, adding the level of next flag meeting to be held and the venue were taken up.
"Both sides will take up the proposal and finalise the issues in the next two to three days," the IG said.
It has been decided in the flag meet that we will take talks forward : Rakesh Sharma,IG BSF on Indo-Pak flag meet pic.twitter.com/LFdzYD5xPW
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2014On today's meeting, he said, "Pakistan had invited us for the meeting and we responded quickly," he said, adding, "Our stand is clear. We want peace to prevail along the border.
Whenever Pakistan has requested us, we have responded positively."
Two civilians were killed 17 others including 4 BSF jawans were injured in firing and shelling by Pakistani troops in the past two months.
India had yesterday lodged a protest with Pakistan over escalating border ceasefire violations. The protest was lodged during telephonic talks between the DGMOs (Director General Military Operations) of the two countries.
