In a significant move to de-escalate mounting tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian and Pakistani armies held a brigade commander-level flag meeting on Thursday at the Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district. The meeting, led by brigadier-level…

Arjun Sharma Our Correspondent

n a significant move to de-escalate mounting tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian and Pakistani armies held a brigade commander-level flag meeting on Thursday at the Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district. The meeting, led by brigadier-level officers from both sides, focused on issues related to ceasefire violations, infiltration attempts, and border management.

According to defence officials, the Indian Army issued a strong message to their Pakistani counterparts, urging them to uphold the ceasefire agreement that was renewed by both countries on February 25, 2021. This comes in the backdrop of recent incidents of cross-border firing and attempts by Pakistani troops to intrude into the Indian side, particularly in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch on April 1. The intrusion attempt was thwarted by alert Indian soldiers, triggering heavy cross-border firing and multiple intermittent ceasefire violations over the next two days.

While the defence spokesperson described the meeting as part of routine LoC and border management processes in accordance with the understanding between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both nations, sources familiar with the discussions said the Indian side lodged a strong protest. They accused Pakistan of facilitating infiltration attempts by violating the ceasefire, thereby increasing the risk of escalation along the border.

“The Indian side unequivocally informed their Pakistani counterparts that we reserve the right to retaliate to uphold the dignity of the nation,” an official stated. The Indian delegation also raised concerns about the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and recent infiltration bids by terrorists.

This was the second flag meeting held this year at Chakan-Da-Bagh, with the previous one taking place on February 21.

Tensions have been simmering in the region since the tragic killing of two Indian Army soldiers, including a captain, in an IED explosion near the LoC in Akhnoor sector on February 11. This was followed by a ceasefire violation on February 13, when Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in the Poonch sector, drawing a strong response from Indian forces.

Despite the 2021 agreement bringing a significant reduction in ceasefire violations, the recent incidents have raised concerns about a possible deterioration in border stability. Both armies have reiterated the importance of dialogue and adherence to the ceasefire agreement to avoid further escalation.