Biannual talks between DGs of BSF and Pakistan Rangers conclude

The three-day biannual talks between Directors General of Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers concluded here today. The 23 member Indian delegation was led by Shri K K Sharma, DG BSF. Major General Muhammad Saeed, Director General, Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) led a 19 member Pakistani delegation to India. Both the delegations also had representatives from respective Home and Foreign Ministries along with officers from Narcotics Control and Survey Departments.

The Indian side firmly and strongly took up specific issues of concern including incidents of unprovoked cross border firing, smuggling of narcotics, infiltration attempts, tunneling and defence construction activities. The issue of inadvertent crossing over by the border Population and ways to facilitate their return on both the sides was also discussed. It was agreed upon in deliberations that utmost caution and care should be exercised in dealing with the civilians.

The need for timely Exchange of Information, at the field level with increased frequency of field commanders level meetings, simultaneous coordinated patrolling etc. were also discussed.

The need for cooperation to maintain the sanctity of the borders was emphasized upon. The talks were held in a constructive atmosphere. The talks concluded with both sides agreeing on constant endeavor to maintain Peaceful and tranquil borders. It was mutually agreed to hold the next round of talks in Pakistan.

During the Home Secretary Level Talks held at Islamabad, Pakistan in May 1989, it was decided that officials of the Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers would hold Bi-Annual talks and review the implementation of the agreed norms of cooperation between the two Border Guarding Forces. It was envisaged that the top leadership of both the Border Guarding Forces will meet periodically and discuss issues of relevance to both the forces. Issues requiring coordinated efforts like dealing with drug menace, smuggling, simultaneous coordinated patrolling, timely exchange of information etc were to form the core of discussions.