The BJP-led NDA government has taken a tough stand against ceasefire violations that have become a norm on the western International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
Top sources told dna that the Border Security Force (BSF) have been asked not to lie low by the government and instead of matching the firing from Pakistani Rangers increase the graded retaliatory response forcing the adversary to stop firing. The BSF has also been told to postpone the flag meeting and agree to hold it only after the firing stops, sources said.
BSF director general, DK Pathak clearly reflected this resolve when he said the instruction to his men is to give a 'mooh-tod jawaab' (befitting reply) to the other side. "The instructions for our men are (to launch) equal or more fire. We just can't do less fire...it is equal or more fire. We will give them mooh-tod jawaab," said Pathak adding Pakistan does it on purpose to infiltrate terrorists inside India.
Pakistani forces have violated ceasefire 76 times this year so far of which 35 have taken place during BJP government's 84-day tenure. In the previous year, 347 ceasefire violations took place, of which 148 were along the IB and 199 along the Line of Control.
The government's response came after Pakistani troops resorted to firing in the Ranbir Singh Pura sector of Jammu where 20 border outposts came under heavy mortar and machine gun fire on the night August 17. "Though ceasefire violations have remained lower than precious year, the government has taken a hard stand on ceasefire violations and wants to bring it to the minimum. We have been asked to convey this strongly to Pakistani authorities by way of action," said sources.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday the sepratist leadership of Jammu and Kashmir urged Pakistan to remain firm on its stand on Kashmir and take steps to resolve the issue according to the aspirations of the people of the state.
Even as the foreign secretary-level talks were called off, the pro-freedom leaders met Pakistan high comissioner here in the capital and delibrated on the issue. Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yaseen Malik met Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit seperately. Earlier on Monday senior sepratist leader Shabir Shah had met the Pakistan envoy.
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