The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday raised concern about the unprovoked cross-border firing incidents, infiltration and smuggling occurring from Pakistan side with their counter parts Pakistan Rangers. The three day meeting bi-annual talks of BSF and Pakistan rangers, concluded in Delhi, stressed for the need of timely exchange of information and field Commander level frequent meetings to settle the tensions in the border areas.
"The Indian side firmly and strongly took up specific issues of concern including incidents of unprovoked cross border firing, smuggling of narcotics, infiltration attempts, tunneling and defence construction activities. The issue of inadvertent crossing over by the border population and ways to facilitate their return on both the sides was also discussed. It was agreed upon in deliberations that utmost caution and care should be exercised in dealing with the civilians.
"The need for timely exchange of information, at the field level with increased frequency of field commanders level meetings, simultaneous coordinated patrolling etc. were also discussed. The need for cooperation to maintain the sanctity of the borders was emphasised upon. The talks were held in a constructive atmosphere. The talks concluded with both sides agreeing on constant endeavor to maintain peaceful and tranquil borders. It was mutually agreed to hold the next round of talks in Pakistan," said the statement issued by Union Home Ministry after the BSF-Pakistan Rangers meeting.
The 23-member Indian delegation was led by KK Sharma, DG BSF. Major General Muhammad Saeed, Director General, Pak Rangers (Sindh) led a 19-member Pakistani delegation to India. Both the delegations also had representatives from respective Home and Foreign Ministries along with officers from Narcotics Control and Survey Departments.