BSF, Pak Rangers promise peace
The chiefs of the Border Security Force ( BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers will remain in touch over mobile phone, e-mail and fax in order to avoid ceasefire violations and escalation of tension at the border.
The two forces have also decided on a pre-firing protocol — a set of measures such as firing warning shots that will not be directed at the position of troops and setting off illumination ammunition — to de-escalate tensions.
A delegation of Pakistan Rangers, led by their chief Major General Umar Farooq Burki, is in Delhi for their bi-annual meeting with BSF chief DK Pathak and his officials. It met home minister Rajnath Singh, who said both forces should respect their uniforms and avoid targeting each other.
Singh said the Rangers should fire at terrorists instead who violate the sanctity of the border and underlined that India could be called “more Islamic than Pakistan” as not only more Muslims live here, but one can also find all 72 sects of Islam here.
Singh said India wanted peace with all neighbours, including Pakistan, and would not fire the first bullet, but asked the Rangers to ensure no infiltration takes place from their side, a home ministry official said.
In his response, Major General Burki said his country also wanted peace and cordial relations with India and there could have been some incidents of firing due to misunderstanding. “Some new modes of modern communication and CBMs have been finalised by the Rangers and BSF and they will be jointly endorsed by the chiefs tomorrow (Saturday),” a government official said.
Sources in the Pakistan government said the meeting was held in a “cordial and congenial atmosphere”.