Zarvan
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NEW DELHI: The DGMO-level talks as a follow-up to the Modi-Sharif meet will strive to strengthen border de-escalatory mechanisms but theModi-Sharif meet — A few steps forward, but can Pakistan PM deliver?
BJP claims Modi-Sharif talks 'a breakthrough'; Cong questions PM's peace move
When the two DGMOs had last met face-to-face at the Wagah-Attari border in Punjab in December 2013, it had led to a perceptible drop in ceasefire violations and infiltration bids, which often go together since the Pakistan Army gives "covering fire" to aid militants trying to sneak into India.
But it proved to be quite short-lived, with ceasefire violations once jumping to as high as 50 along the Line of Control (LoC) in August last year. Thereafter, the heavy cross-border exchange of fire continued, with the focus shifting to the international border (IB).
Intense duels between rival heavy mortars and machine guns had led to several civilian and military casualties on both sides due to the existence of border hamlets along the IB. The June 2014-January 2015 timeframe, for instance, saw as many as 559 ceasefire violations being recorded along the IB (guarded by the BSF), while it was 126 along the LoC (manned by the Army). In them, 16 civilians and 8 security personnel were killed on the Indian side.
Officers, however, said the focus in the talks to be held now will be would be to bolster confidence-building measures, ranging from holding of regular flag meetings between rival brigade commanders to making the hotline between the two DGMOs more effective and result-oriented.
Security forces still skeptical of Pakistan's intent on ceasefire - The Times of India