Amit Khajuria

The Line of Control (LoC) has been unusually quiet for the past six days, a rarity after the high-level tension and exchange of fire from both sides since the Balakot strikes in February. This is being attributed to “some kind of understanding” between the Indian and Pakistan armies to foster de-escalation of the situation on the border that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

“There has not been even a single incident of firing from across the LoC for the past week, and accordingly, there was no reason for the security forces to retaliate,” an Army source told The Tribune on the condition of anonymity. “We retaliate only when we are provoked and targeted by the other side,” he said.

Post the Balakot strikes on February 26 in which the Indian Air Force had targeted a terror camp run by the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the LoC had erupted, mostly in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The Pakistan army had violated the ceasefire violation for nearly 200 times and its action left several civilians, including children, dead or injured. The Indian retaliatory action had left many military assets of the Pakistan army demolished. The Pakistan army had also suffered heavy casualties.

Sources said the Directors Generals of Indian and Pakistan armies had spoken to each other through their established channels of communication and talked about de-escalating the situation on the LoC.

The sources, however, said they were keeping their “fingers crossed” because Pakistan was capable of breaching the ceasefire agreement anytime.

The Indian and Pakistan armies had entered into an agreement in November 2003 to cease all hostilities on the LoC.

‘Pak may violate truce anytime’

Sources said the Directors Generals of Indian and Pakistan armies had spoken through their established channels of communication and talked about de-escalating the situation on the LoC. The sources, however, said they were keeping their “fingers crossed” because Pakistan was capable of breaching the ceasefire agreement anytime

Courtesy:The Tribune,May 17,2019