Jammu, Feb 21 (KNO): Representatives of India and Pakistan Armies on Friday agreed to uphold the February 2021 ceasefire agreement and explore measures to prevent future misunderstandings.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Brigade commanders of both the countries held a flag meeting in Poonch district to ease tension after recent skirmishes and improvised explosive device (IED) incidents along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border.
“Besides agreeing to uphold the ceasefire agreement renewed on February 25, 2021, commanders also agreed upon leveraging established communication channels to de-escalate tensions,” he added.
“Both sides emphasised on the importance of the ceasefire agreement in maintaining stability along the border and LoC,” the official said.
He said the meeting between two sides took place at the Chakkan-Da-Bagh crossing point, a designated spot for such interactions, against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region.
The official said the meeting, which lasted approximately 75 minutes, was conducted in a cordial atmosphere. This meeting was significant as it was the first of its kind in four years, he added.
The official said the primary focus was to address the recent surge in cross-border firing and IED attacks that have disrupted peace along the LoC. “The primary objective of the meeting was to address the recent escalation in tensions along the LoC, driven by cross-border firing, sniper attacks, and IED incidents," he said, adding, "Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border. They agreed to honour the ceasefire agreement in the larger interest of de-escalation."
On February 11, an IED attack in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu claimed the lives of two Indian Army soldiers, including a Captain. This incident was followed by multiple ceasefire violations, resulting in injuries to soldiers on both sides and reported casualties on the Pakistani side due to Indian retaliatory actions.
The flag meeting comes at a time when intelligence reports suggest that the absence of significant snowfall this winter has left traditional infiltration routes accessible, potentially contributing to the recent uptick in hostile activities.
However, the Indian Army maintains that the ceasefire remains intact as per the mutual understanding, with minor incidents being a recurring feature along the LoC.
This meeting is viewed as a constructive step toward reducing hostilities and fostering dialogue between the two nations.
POONCH RESIDENTS RELIEVED
Meanwhile, the residents of border villages in Poonch have expressed relief following the flag meeting between Indian and Pakistani army officers.
"We have spent sleepless nights worrying about the cross-border shelling. The meeting gives us hope that peace will hold," said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Poonch.
Others said that even temporary stability allows them to carry on with daily activities without fear.
A 65-year-old farmer recalled the horrors of past escalations. "In the '90s decade and a few years following 2000, we lived in bunkers for weeks. We don’t want those days to return. The ceasefire has given us a chance to live a normal life," he said—(KNO)