: India and Pakistan on Thursday announced that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors, even as Indian Army officials asserted there would be no let-up in its fight against terrorism or in its troop deployment along the borders. A joint statement issued in Islamabad and New Delhi said the Director Generals of Military Operations of the two countries held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact and reviewed the situation along the LoC and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial" atmosphere. "In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGMOs agreed to address each other's core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence. "Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24/25," the joint statement said. The two sides also reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding, it added. When asked about the announcement, the external affairs ministry spokesperson said India desires normal neighbourly ties with Pakistan. "On relations the last few years, the Army's counter-infiltration grid along the LoC has further strengthened and terrorists have found infiltration across the LoC increasingly difficult. "While there will be no let-up in counter-terrorism and counter infiltration operations in our endeavour is to achieve peace and stability which is beneficial for the region," an official said, adding the armed forces enjoy freedom on operational deployment. "The Indian Army remains committed to fight the scourge of terrorism. Acts of terror will not be tolerated and a befitting response would await any misadventure," the official said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has said India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner. "On key issues, our position remains unchanged. I don't think I need to reiterate it," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told reporters at a virtual media briefing. His comments followed a joint statement issued after a hotline discussion between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan during which the two sides agreed to strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from Wednesday midnight. Asked about the development, the MEA spokesperson said, "As regards to the joint statement of the DGMOs and related issues, I would refer you to the Ministry of Defence." "On relations with Pakistan, as we have said earlier, India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan. We have always maintained we are committed to addressing issues, if any, in a peaceful and bilateral manner," he said. India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than an observance of the pact.

Courtesy: State Times : 25th February 2021