India, Pakistan agree new ways to end shelling

India and Pakistan yesterday decided to devise new strategies along the International Border (IB) in Jammu & Kashmir to put an end to incidents of ceasefire violations as they began their three-day DG-level border dialogue here.

In what can be seen as an encouraging development in bilateral talks between the two neighbours, the BSF-Pakistan Rangers meeting has been extended for a day to "discuss and finalise" these new protocols and strategies.

"The most significant takeaway of the talks has been that the two sides agreed that maintenance of peace and tranquility on this border is the most important issue and this needs to be implemented on the ground," a top government source said.

According to the set agenda, the talks were to be wrapped up yesterday as Friday the Rangers are scheduled to meet home minister Rajnath Singh at his South Block office and later meet staff and officials in the Pakistan high commission.

On their last day in Delhi on September 12, a joint record of discussions was to be signed between the two sides after which the visitors were to leave for Islamabad.

Border Security Force (BSF) chief DK Pathak, during a public function of central investigative agency NIA in the evening here, said that the Indian side was "happy" after the deliberations on the first day.

Sources said the Indian side suggested that rather than debating and contesting about the past incidents, the two sides should work on a "future" strategy to make this border peaceful and safe for the troops and civilians alike.

Pakistan agreed to this point and after some more positive talks it was mutually decided that the session should be extended by a day, they said.