India, Pak to avoid border violations

New Delhi, Aug. 31: Pakistan is understood to have accepted India’s suggestion for a gentlemen’s agreement to avoid incidents along the ceasefire line in Kashmir and on the Indo- East Pakistan border.

Pakistan’s acceptance is believed to have been conveyed to the Indian government when the Pakistan high commissioner, Arshad Hussain, called on the Commonwealth secretary, Mr C. S. Jha today.

Official circles have welcomed Pakistan’s acceptance and expressed satisfaction at the positive response to the Indian suggestion which was first made in July last.

The proposal was repeated a few day’s ago in India’s letter to the Security Council.

In a note handed over to the Commonwealth secretary by the Pakistan high commission at their meeting today, the Pakistan government is understood to have expressed its willingness to discuss steps to be taken in this connection.

The suggestion of a gentlemen’s agreement was contained in a 13- page letter India sent to the Security Council on August 21 in reply to Pakistani charges of Indian violations of the cease- fire agreement.

The offer was : “The Government of India is prepared to concert with the Government of Pakistan in considering ways and means of completely eliminating such incidents and in ensuring the inviolability of the cease- fire line to mutual advantage.”