Pakistani, Indian armies agree to re-enforce LoC ceasefire

The director-generals of military operations of India and Pakistan reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial atmosphere," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Thursday.

The two DGs of military operations made hotline contact in the interest of achieving "mutually beneficial and sustainable peace", the ISPR statement read.

It said they agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.

Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the LOC and all other sectors, with effect from midnight 24/25 February 21.

It was reiterated by Pakistan and India that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.

Contact between the two military officials comes at a time when a number of cases of LoC violations by India have been reported by the Pakistan Army.

The statement is being considered an attempt by both nations to adhere to the ceasefire on the LoC that was agreed in 2003.

The 2003 ceasefire agreement had three main points.

Defence construction - new defence construction will not be done within 500 meters of the LoC. However, defensive positions can be maintained.

Firing - direct engagement with each other's posts will be avoided.

Flag meeting and hotline contact - Both sides can demand a flag meeting at the level of local commanders to resolve any issues along the LoC. If a clarification on any issue is required, it can be sought through a flag meeting or hotline contact.

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Babar Iftikhar confirmed India and Pakistan's DGsMO have been contact over a hotline connection since 1987.

There was a spike in ceasefire violations along the LoC from 2014, he said.

He said both DGsMO have agreed that the existing 2003 agreement should be implemented in letter and spirit.

The ISPR DG shared several facts and figures relating to LoC ceasefire violations.

He said more than 13,500 ceasefire violations have taken place since 2003, which has claimed the lives of 310 citizens and injured 1,600.

He said that there is a great difference in the number ceasefire violations and casualties between 2003-2013 and after 2014.

"92% of the figures shared occurred between 2014 and 2021," he said, adding that 49 women and 26 children have been martyred in the last four years.

The most violations were witnessed in 2019, while 2018 had the most casualties.