Last week, once again, armies of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire along the Line of Control in Rajouri district. According to reports, the firing started on forward locations of the LoC in Kalal area of Nowshera. Predictably, both countries have blamed each other for the violations. A defence ministry spokesperson Lt Colonel Devender Anand said Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation. In a tweet, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said ceasefire violations were carried out by India, killing a woman on their side. The fresh exchange came two days after Northern Army commander Lt General Ranbir Singh along with General Officer Commanding of White Knight Corps Lt General Paramjit Singh had visited forward posts in Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors to review operational preparedness of the troops and the prevailing security situation. An estimate released by security agencies puts the instances of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2018 at 2,936, highest in the past 15 years. As many as 61 people have been killed and over 250 have been injured in these exchanges. This is familiar story. Going ahead, there seems little chance that the things would improve. More so, in an election year when ruling parties see a conciliatory approach towards Islamabad detrimental to their electoral chances. So, no chance of a dialogue and no thaw on the borders is expected. But this implacable antagonism can be fatal. The recurrent firing and killings on the border has become a self perpetuating phenomenon. This has created a fraught situation which if not controlled could lead to a bigger confrontation with unforeseen consequences. And at the end of it, the two countries will have little choice but to go back and talk. So, instead of resorting to a pointless sabre-rattling, the neighbours need to engage and sort out their issues. Here is hoping that after the elections are over, the new government in New Delhi takes steps to get back to dialogue and engagement with Pakistan.
Instead of resorting to a pointless sabre-rattling, the neighbours need to engage
