Srinagar/New Delhi: As the renewed ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir completes one year next month, the troops of the two countries in Tithwal and Poonch region.
A defence spokesperson said that Indian Army as a warm gesture, presented sweets to Pakistan Army at Chilehana – Tithwal Crossing Point, to extend best wishes to Pakistan on new year, displaying the will to maintain peace along the Line of Control.
“Over years, India has continuously endeavored to sweeten and strengthen the bilateral relations with Pakistan through goodwill gestures like this one across the spectrum to ensure peace and tranquility in the region,” the spokesman said.
He further said that post the ceasefire agreement in February last year, there has been a prolonged peace along the Line of Control and the people have appreciated efforts of the Indian Army to maintain peace in the villages along Line of Control.
The troops of the two countries exchanged sweets in Poonch sector too.
Considering the ongoing ceasefire along the border, this gesture is aimed at further enhancing peace and harmony in the union territory, the defence spokesman said.
“At the beginning of 2022, to promote mutual trust and tranquility, the Indian Army exchanged sweets and greetings with the Pakistan Army at Poonch and Mendhar crossing points,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, India and Chinese troops also exchanged sweets and greetings at several border posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) including in eastern Ladakh to mark the New Year, officials said.
The gesture by both sides came in the midst of an over 18 month-long standoff between the two sides in several friction points in eastern Ladakh.
The border posts where the two sides exchanged sweets and greetings are Hot Springs and Demchok in eastern Ladakh and Nathula and Kongra La in North Sikkim, the officials said.
