Amid recurring incidents of ceasefire violations and infiltration bids, Indian and Pakistani soldiers today exchanged sweets and greeted each other on Eid-ul-Azha at four places along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Such gestures are deemed to foster peace and harmony which in turn will bring succour to the population living along the borders and promote prosperity and happiness,” an Army spokesman in Srinagar said.
He said Indian and Pakistan soldiers along the borders at Uri in Baramulla and Tangdhar in Kupwara exchanged sweets and pleasantries on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha in a genial and cordial atmosphere.
He said the Army also celebrated the festival with the “Awaam” with traditional gaiety and spirit of brotherhood in all parts of the Kashmir valley.
At Chakan-da-Bagh and Mendhar crossing points along the LoC in the Poonch sector of the Jammu region, Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanged sweets to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha.
“At Chakan-da-Bagh, the gates were opened at 11.05 am. From the Indian side, the soldiers of 14 Maratha Light Infantry led by a Major rank officer exchanged sweets and dry fruits with their Pakistan counterparts. Immediately after exchanging sweets, gates were closed at 11.10 am,” sources said.
A defence spokesman said, “Sweets and dry fruits were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control at Chakan-Da-Bagh and Mendhar crossing points in Poonch district.”
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistani Rangers also exchanged sweets along the international border in the RS Pura sector of Jammu district.
“Sweets were exchanged with Pakistani Rangers led by an Inspector-rank officer of 12 Chenab Rangers at the Octroi post in the RS Pura sector. A five-member delegation of Pakistan Rangers crossed the Octroi post at 10.30 am and returned to its territory after exchanging sweets,” sources said.
“Sweets diplomacy” had remained a casualty on the frontier between India and Pakistan due to tension on the international border and LoC in view of ceasefire violations and infiltration bids.
Last month, the Indian and Pakistan soldiers had not exchanged sweets on Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 despite the fact that it is a tradition that forces of both countries exchange sweets and pleasantries at the LoC and the international border on national occasions and important festivals.
In June, Pakistani Rangers had also refused to accept the sweets offered by the BSF on Eid.
