No Exchange Of Fire, No Infiltration Attempts Across LoC Since February: Joint Declaration By India, Pakistan

Since the renewed commitment of India and Pakistan to the 2003 ceasefire agreement earlier this year, there has been no exchange of fire nor infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC).

The LoC has been relatively peaceful for over 100 days since the declaration, two defence officials on the ground were quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“There have been no infiltration attempts so far. No reported infiltration as well. However, the presence of terrorists at launch pads is reported. There has not been any reduction in the numbers.. the border population is the biggest beneficiary. It is a huge relief for the villagers as they are able to move freely as no firing is taking place,” one official said.

Terrorist infiltration across the LoC from Pakistan into India has been a major source of conflict for both the countries. India has asked Pakistan multiple time to stop sponsoring cross border terrorism and dismantle launchpads and training camps established right across the border.

Reportedly, as per the Indian Army data, last year there were over 4,600 incidents of ceasefire violation; and till 25 February this year, when the commitment came into effect, there were 592 such incidents.

Since then till now, there have been virtually no ceasefire violations. To compare, there were 1531 such incidents till first June last year.

However, the defence officials said that smuggling continues to be a major problem, as there are several villages ahead of the LoC fence. He told that in the last 100 days, there have been major seizures of narcotics and improvised explosive device materials, grenades and pistols.

“The guns are quiet, but we have not lowered our guard,” he said.

“With summers setting in the high altitude areas, the next few months have to be carefully watched.. This is just the start of the summer. So we have to take it day by day.. We will have to watch through the season. This season will be important to see if Pakistan walks the talk,” an officer was quoted as saying.

However, they added that the Kashmir Valley had seen only partial reduction in local recruitment in violent groups with respect to last year. As per data, the local recruitment in 2019 was 119, in 2020 it was 166, and till first May this year it stood at 38 as compared to 49 till the same time in last year.

Army Chief General Manoj Naravane was in Jammu and Kashmir last week to review the security situation on the ground.

The Agreement

The armies of India and Pakistan announced on 25 February that they had begun to strictly adhere to a ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a conversation between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) over the established hotline on 22 February, both sides agreed on “strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the LoC and all other sectors” with effect from the midnight of February 24/25, a joint statement said.

The DGMOs of both countries “agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence” in the interest of “achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders”.

Both sides also agreed that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be used to “resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding”.

Reportedly, later this month, at the plenary from 21 to 25 June, the Financial Action Task Force will take a decision on its grey listing of Pakistan for terror financing and money laundering.