Border forces of India and Pakistan agree to restrain firing

AMRITSAR - The Border Security Force (BSF) and officials of Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday concluded their four-day bi-annual meeting in Amritsar with the mutual agreement to restrain firing incidents from either side.

Both the parties discussed matters relating to border management, including border crimes, drug-smuggling, counterfeit currency notes, infiltration bids, illegal border crossings, defence constructions, during the meeting.

The Pakistan Ranger delegation was led by Major General Mohammed Yaqub Khan, while the BSF was led by Director General P. P. S. Sidhu.

“There have been instances of firing from either sides and we have mutually agreed to restrain, and at the same time we have mutually agreed to be more vigilant on either side of the border so that such incidents are not repeated,” Gen. Khan said.

“We are making all the efforts that the terrorists are not allowed to carry out any such activity which disturbs the peace and tranquillity, particularly on the joint check post of Wagah.”

“I must say one thing more, that terrorism has no borders. Terrorists are all over the world and they can carry out acts of terrorism anywhere, but on our side we have made very elaborate arrangements and we are very confident that inshahallah they’ll never be able to carry out any such activities there,” he added.

On allegation by General Khan that incidents of liquor smuggling were pretty common from the Indian side of the border, General Sidhu said that the points have been noted down.

“Well, they are mentioning it. We have agreed that we will take whatever measures are necessary to put a stop to any kind of smuggling, which is taking place. We are apprehending heroin and fake currency which is coming in. We have had some very good catches in the recent past and efforts will continue,” Sidhu said.

Besides officials from the border guards of India and Pakistan, the representatives of Narcotics Control Bureau, Survey of India and Public Works Department (PWD) also attended the four-day-long meet. (ANI)