New Delhi (NVI): India and Pakistan Armies today held a Brigade Commander Level flag meeting at Poonch Rawalkot crossing point to discuss the implementation mechanism of the 2003 ceasefire agreement across the Line of Control (LoC).
The crucial meeting comes after the recent DGMOs ceasefire Understanding in 2021 under which India and Pakistan armies agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the LoC and all other sectors with effect from February 24 midnight.
“Post the DGsMO Understanding 2021, a Brigade Commander Level Flag Meeting was held between Indian and Pakistan Army at Poonch Rawalkot Crossing Point on 26 Mar 2021 to discuss implementation mechanism as per the understanding,” the Indian Army tweeted from its official ADGPI handle.
Post the DGsMO Understanding 2021, a Brigade Commander Level Flag Meeting was held between Indian and Pakistan Army at Poonch Rawalkot Crossing Point on 26 Mar 2021 to discuss implementation mechanism as per the understanding. pic.twitter.com/JfvUgJji0M
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 26, 2021
A joint statement issued by the two sides in February said that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact. The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere.
“In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGMOs agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence,” the statement further said.
“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021,” it added.
Both sides had also reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding, it said.
The meeting also comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to Imran Khan on the occasion of Pakistan National Day (March 23), saying “India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan” and for which “an environment of trust devoid of terror and hostility is imperative”.
Earlier on March 20, PM Modi had wished his Pakistani counterpart a speedy recovery from the novel coronavirus after Khan had tested COVID-19 positive, two days after receiving his first dose of the Chinese Covid vaccine ‘Sinovac’.
-ARK
