Disturbance of peace along the LoC and Border between India and Pakistan is an unwanted development and needs urgent measures to restore the status quo. The establishments on both sides should take all necessary steps to again establish peace along the borders as mindless stints of pounding mortar shells and unprovoked firing by Pakistani Rangers and strong retaliation from Indian side is not in favour of any of the entity because ensuring peaceful dwelling along the borders in both countries is in the interest of all.
Reportedly, the people of the border belt in Jammu held protests against Pakistan for Ceasefire Violations (CFVs) after two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured in a firing by Pakistan Rangers.
The Pakistan Rangers opened fire on BSF troops at the Vikram Post in the Arnia sector on Tuesday, following which the border guards fired in retaliation. The protest by the people living near borders is quite justified because the ‘cross border' firing between Pakistani Rangers and BSF or army along LoC makes the life of people a living hell.
Rejuvenating truce pact of 2003 between India and Pakistan was one of the biggest achievements of the incumbent government and it paid enough dividends. But with Pakistan breaking the accord it seems that situation will soon return to ground zero with people living along borders facing the wrath of enemy.
According to Indian Ministry of Home Affairs data, there were 2,140 CFVs by Pakistan in 2018, 3,479 in 2019, and 5,133 in 2020. In 2021, there were only 664 incidents as of June 30 (see figure 1). Of those 664 violations, almost all occurred prior to the joint statement. In contrast, only six violations were reported from February 25, 2021, to June 30, 2021, per official government data. In 2022 and 2023, only a few number of ceasefire violations were reported.
It is good that the government has developed safety edifice along borders with bunkers and other necessary facilities but then also the government should resolve this issue in a diplomatic manner as unrest along borders is not good for any of the entities viz India, Pakistan and people living near borders across the borderline. India being a mature state should ensure that the incident at Arnia Sector should not escalate out of proportion as peace and tranquillity should be the priority and re-establishing peace the ultimate goal.
It is pertinent to mention that in February month of 2021, the truce pact between India and Pakistan was revived after military level talks between Pakistan and India and the ceasefire violations came to zero in the month of March that year.
The situation along borders (both IB and LoC) remain ideal after the rejuvenation of truce pact giving a sigh of relief to people facing the brunt of hostile country but after over two and half years, the situation has again turned precarious with Pakistan aiming at BSF personnel and a strong retaliation from Indian side. Though the Indian side has preferred to register its concern with Pakistani counterparts, what is necessary is to re-establish peace by all means.
