Tasaduq Hussain
Srinagar, Jan 1: With an aim to strengthen the relationship and maintain peace close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, the armies of India and Pakistan Saturday exchanged sweets on the eve of the New Year.
The armies of India and Pakistan earlier this year on February 24-25 agreed to adhere to all the agreements of ceasefire violation close of the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors saying that it was in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders.
This year several individuals have been repatriated at the LoC by both armies and exchanged sweets on occasions like festivals and other celebrations.
The first day of year 2022 was marked with exchange of sweets. The sweet exchange programme took place in both Kashmir and Jammu division as a friendship gesture.
A defence official said that on 01 January, Indian Army as a warm gesture, presented sweets to Pakistan Army at Chilehana – Tithwal Crossing Point to extend best wishes to Pakistan on new year displaying the will to maintain peace along the Line of Control.
“Over years, India has continuously endeavoured to sweeten and strengthen the bilateral relations with Pakistan through goodwill gestures like this one across the spectrum to ensure peace and tranquillity in the region,” the defence official said.
About Jammu division, the official said that as a goodwill gesture and to strengthen friendly atmosphere as well as cooperation, Army personnel on Saturday exchange sweets and greetings with each other on the eve of New Year on crossing points located in Mendhar and Poonch sectors of LoC.
“At beginning of the year 2022, to promote mutual trust and tranquillity, Indian Army exchanged sweets and greetings with Pakistan Army,” army said in an official statement.
Considering the ongoing ceasefire along India-Pakistan border, this gesture is aimed at further enhancing peace and harmony in Jammu & Kashmir, army further said.
The Defence officials further said that post the ceasefire agreement in February last year, there has been a prolonged peace along the Line of Control. “The people have appreciated efforts of the Indian Army to maintain peace in the villages along Line of Control,” the official said. “This gesture is one of the many such efforts made towards achieving peace and development in J&K.”
The Defence official further said that these positive endeavors by the Indian Army will further the cause towards prolonged peace along the Line of Control.
As reported earlier, the February ceasefire pact has ignited hopes among the border residents of long-lasting peace with special occasions and festival celebrations returning to the LoC areas besides the flow of tourists also increased in remote places.
Besides the border residents stated that the silence of guns matters to them and the past year has been quite peaceful compared to previous years while normal activities including developmental activities are taking place while students are joining regular classes.
