Border Security Force, Pak Rangers rekindle hope for thaw on border

Hope for a thaw rekindled after the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers held a sector commander-level meeting to end the hostilities and ensure peace on the International Border in Jammu division.

A BSF spokesman said BSF-Pak Rangers Sector Commander level meeting was held opposite the Border Outpost Octroi at 5.30 pm on Monday.

"The meeting went off in a conducive atmosphere with the prime focus being maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border," he said.

The spokesman noted that Monday's meeting is likely to bring firing-free environment, particularly for villagers residing neart the border on both sides. "Commanders on both sides agreed to keep talks on at every level to develop confidence between two border guarding forces," he said.

The fresh thaw came a day after Pakistan resorted to heavy firing and shelling on the forward duty positions and civilian areas along the International Border, leaving two BSF soldiers including an officer, dead and injuring 14 others in the Akhnoor and Kana Chak sectors of Jammu division.