BSF refuses to 'sweet talk' Pakistan, skips Republic Day tradition to protest firing

Witnessing heightened tension on International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan, Indian forces refused to exchange niceties with Pakistan forces to celebrate the 69th Republic Day on Friday.

As per tradition, India and Pakistan exchange sweets and greet each other on various festivals along the International Border. However this year, the Border Security Force (BSF), which mans 2289.66 km of International Border with Pakistan, refused to uphold this tradition, saying that the situation at the border was not conducive to such propriety.

"Atmosphere was such that no exchange of sweets took place with Pakistan Rangers," said BSF Director General KK Sharma, adding, "I think the old tradition will be revived soon."

On the other hand, border forces exchanged sweets with Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and Nepal forces at other borders of the country.

Indian border forces said that ceasefire violations were the main reason for not adopting a friendly approach towards Pakistan. They said until situation does not revert to normalcy, they were will be no co-ordination between the two sides.

Violation of ceasefire from Pakistan, leading to exchange of bullets, has increased after November 2017.

NO SNUB HERE

Indian Army personnel offer sweets to their Chinese counterparts at Chushul sector in Ladakh (left). Security forces exchanged sweets with Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and Nepal forces at other borders.