India and Pakistan agreed for strict adherence to all
agreements, and understandings after both the countries reviewed the situation
along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
Both the countries issues a joint statement was issued. It stated that the
Director Generals of Military Operations 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," the statement
said.
It further pointed out that 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 the propensity to disturb peace and
lead to violence.
Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and
cease firing along the LoC and all other sectors with effect from midnight
February 24 and February 25, 2021.
"Both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and
border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or
misunderstanding," the statement said.
On Wednesday, Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, while speaking at a
webinar organised by the Vivekananda International Foundation, said that there
is definitely a great improvement in the internal security situation in Jammu
and Kashmir. He, however, stated that Pakistan-promoted terror still remains a
threat.
Indian Army Chief said that Pakistan is committed to the strategy of supporting
terrorism in all its forms as terrorist launchpads continue to be operated and
terrorists continue to be there on the other side of the LoC looking for an
opportunity to cross over.
General Naravane expressed confidence that with continued engagement with
Pakistan, there could be some sort of an understanding because unsettled
borders and violence on the borders help no one.
"We always want peace and tranquility in our border areas, whether it be
the western front or the northern front and the Line of Actual Control. Or
whether it is on the Indo-Myanmar border, we are always looking for peace and
tranquility and our role is to ensure that so as the rest of the nation can
develop," he said.
Talking about terrorism, General Naravane said the winter months are always a
little bit of a lull period when the passes are closed and snowfall is heavy.
He said with the waning of winter, as the passes open and the onset of summer,
the army is always prepared for a fresh influx from across the border.
"But having said all that, there is definitely a great improvement in the
internal security situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. When I
say that, I don't say that just based on the emotion but on various parameters
you can judge the figures," General Naravane said.