Flag meeting between India and Pakistan being held in Poonch

Descalation of nearly a week long tension between India and Pakistan today appeared in sight as latter today agreed to the former's proposal for a flag meeting at Chakkan Da Bagh near Line of Control in Poonch.

Confirming this, an official spokesman said that Brigadier level flag meeting between the two countries will be held at Chakkan Da Bagh around 12 noon on Monday. The India had mooted the proposal for a flag meeting on hotline to Pakistan on Friday.

However, Pakistan responded to it a day after the Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, warned Pakistan that India may have to look at some other options if it continued the violate ceasefire along the LoC.

Though Pakistan had been violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India from time to time in the past, tension between them had escalated following the killing of a Pakistani jawan in Haji Pir area during alleged Indian firing on January 6. Though India denied having committed any ceasefire violation, the Pakistani troops two days later sneaked into the Indian territory in Mendhar under the cover of thick fog and dense forests and killed two Indian soldiers in half an hour long exchange of fire.

Before fleeing back to their side across the LoC, the Pakistani soldiers mutilated the bodies of both the deceased soldiers, besides beheading one of them and taking his head along with them.

Significantly, the proposed flag meeting comes after an over night long exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops in Krishna Ghati area wherein, former claiming to have foiled a fresh infiltration bid from across the LoC. However, there was no loss of life or property on the Indian side, official sources said.

Accusing India of resorting to unprovoked firing at them, the Pakistan has already stopped the cross LoC trade and passenger bus service at Chakkan Da Bagh since Friday last. While the cross LoC trade takes place four days a week, the passenger bus plies on Poonch-Rawalakote road through Chakkan Da Bagh only once a week.

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