The two sides discussed ceasefire skirmishes, air space violations and construction near the LoC, acknowledged each other’s efforts in maintaining peace. COLONEL SD GOSWAMI, Jammu-based defence spokesperson

JAMMU: The armies of India and Pakistan on Tuesday agreed to exercise restraint along the line of control and keep the communication channels alive, in the first meeting since the two countries resumed talks to resolve bitter issues.

Battalion commanders of the two armies held a flag meeting at Chakan-Da-Bagh in Poonch sector at 11am and discussed issues, including ceasefire skirmishes, air space violations and construction near the line of control (LoC).

Jammu-based defence spokesperson Colonel SD Goswami said: “Both sides acknowledged each other’s efforts in maintaining peace along the LoC.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on December 15 said New Delhi was resuming talks with Islamabad to “try and turn the course of history” and bring an end to terrorism.

In a joint statement issued in Islamabad after external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit, India and Pakistan bilateral

had agreed to discuss all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Nearly a week ahead of Swaraj’s visit to Pakistan, the army had shot dead three militants in Poonch sector on December 2.

The two armies had last held a meeting at Chakan-Da-Bagh area in September to defuse tension after about two months of consistent cross-border firing.