The Hindu : National : BSF, Pakistan Rangers to share information

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 15, 2004

National

National

BSF, Pakistan Rangers to share information

By Our Staff Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, OCT. 14. The Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers today agreed to share information on the activities of narcotics' smugglers, undertake a joint survey to repair the border pillars and initiate steps to reduce the miseries of civilians who inadvertently crossed into the other's territory.

This was disclosed at a joint press conference by the Additional Director-General (West) of the BSF, A.K. Mitra, and the Director-General (Sindh) of Pakistan Rangers, Maj.Gen. Javed Zia, at the conclusion of the bi-annual meeting between both sides here today.

However, the contentious issues persisted as both sides stuck to their traditional perception of the international boundary in Jammu region. While the BSF held that it was an international border, the Rangers continued to term it as a "working boundary."

Interestingly, while cross-border terrorism and infiltration were not included in the agenda, the BSF stressed there was no attempt to breach the border in any organised manner. However, the BSF has shot down 14 persons since March, in the Punjab sector alone, as they tried to cross illegally.

Illegal structures

Similarly, both sides lodged their "strong" protests against the construction of illegal structures along the border. Pakistan Rangers alleged that illegal structures had come up on the Indian side in violation of the "Ground Rules of 1960-61," which the BSF contended were no longer operative following the 1971 war between both countries.

Both Mr. Mitra and Maj.Gen. Zia expressed satisfaction that the talks had extended co-operation in new areas. They attributed the success to the latest confidence-building measures initiated by the two Governments.

"Both Forces are quite motivated by the CBMs and the present endeavours have been made in a genuine spirit," said Maj.Gen. Zia.

Mr. Mitra said that both sides had agreed to share information on cross-border smuggling of narcotics.

As a first step, both sides would exchange a list of smugglers, the BSF after discussing the matter with the Narcotics Control Bureau.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National