New Delhi: The Indian Army said on Thursday that after talks and understanding between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 10, both the sides have decided to continue efforts to ease tensions and reduce the alertness level along the border.
A statement from the Indian Army said: “Further to the understanding reached between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan on 10 May 25, it has been decided to continue confidence-building measures so as to reduce the alertness levels. As situation develops further, we shall intimate you.”
The DGMOs last held talks on May 12 to discuss upholding the ceasefire agreement between the two neighbours and bringing an end to all military actions against each other.
During the talks, the commitment reached on May 10 was discussed, which clearly stated that both sides “must not fire a single shot” or start any aggressive or inimical action against each other. Earlier, in a statement, the army had said: “It was also agreed that both sides consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas.”
The ceasefire understanding reached between India and Pakistan has held its ground, except for some sightings of drones briefly in some border zones. Indian Army’s DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai had said on Sunday during a press briefing on Operation Sindoor: “Disappointingly and should I add expectedly, it took only a couple of hours for the Pakistan Army to violate these arrangements by cross-border and LoC (Line of Control) firing followed by drone intrusions across the expanse of the western front through Saturday night and in the early hours of Sunday.” However, those sightings have stopped now.
On Thursday, External affairs minister S Jaishankar said that the Indus Waters Treaty will be kept in abeyance until the cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped. He added: “The only thing which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir; we are open to that discussion.” Speaking to media, Jaishankar underlined that Pakistan needs to hand over terrorists. “Pakistan has to shut down terror infra, they know what to do.”
