The quarterly coordination meeting between delegations of Pakistan Rangers and Border Security Force of India was held at Joint Check Post Wagha (Pak side) on Tuesday to resolve border management issues.
The Pakistan delegation was headed by Brig Mohammad Wali and Indian delegation was headed by DIG Wasuvason. The meeting is part of a mutually agreed programme aimed at coordinating measures being taken by two forces for the border management duties. Brig Wali while talking to media said that the objective of such meetings was to resolve border management issues between the two sides. He said 24 points would be discussed with BSF in the meeting including ceasefire violation especially in Sialkot and Shakargarh sectors, smuggling, drug trafficking, causalities of unarm civilians, border crossing and the illegal construction of spur by Indian authorities at river Ravi at Narowal Sector.
Speaking at the occasion, DIG Wasuvason said that the both the authorities wanted a result-oriented discussion. To a question he said he had given orders to BSF not to open fire on unarmed civilian who cross the border mistakenly but said it was difficult to judge whether a civilian was carrying a gun or a stick at nighttime. He said efforts were underway to decrease border firing incidents. To another question, DIG said that hostility shown at the flag lowering ceremony would be slowly decreased.The 9 members Indian delegation was given a warm welcome when they entered Pakistan for the meeting.
After the briefing, the meeting continued till late on Tuesday. After the meeting, Punjab Rangers press release said dialogues were held in highly congenial and accommodating atmosphere and both the forces shall to encourage the local commanders at junior level to mutually resolve the minor issues related to border management affairs on ground. The press release further states an effort is being made to agree upon effective anti smuggling measures along the border and to minimize the illegal border crossings. Also an effort has been made at this forum to expedite repatriation of inadvertent border crossers and ensure they are apprehended alive. Cease Fire violations were also discussed with a promise to avoid any more. The next meeting will be held at Joint Check Post Attari (India).
