India-Pak thaw: Will fully implement 2003 ceasefire pact, says Indian Army

India and Pakistan will take up measures to ensure peace in forward areas and look to implement the ceasefire agreement of 2003, the Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of both armies discussed on Tuesday.

Indian DGMO Lt Gen Anil Chauhan and his Pakistani counterpart also discussed measures to ensure civilian population on both sides of the border don't suffer hardships.

"Both the DGsMO agreed to fully implement the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit forthwith and to ensure that henceforth the Ceasefire will not be violated by both sides," a statement released by the Army said.

It was also mutually agreed that in case of any issue, restraint will be exercised and the matter will be resolved through utilisation of existing mechanisms of Hotline Contacts and Border Flag Meetings at Local Commanders' Level, the statement said.

In the last DGMO talks on April 27, Indian Army warned Pakistan about supporting terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

There has been a spike in ceasefire violations and the population living near the forwards areas have been suffering heavily, with many left critically injured in cross-border shelling.

There were 860 ceasefire violations last year, increasing from 228 in 2016 and 152 in 2015. This year also, the numbers have remained high and the Indian forces are facing heavy shelling and infiltration attempts from Pakistan increasing the cycle of violence.