Unusual bonhomie between Indian, Pak border forces on I Day

Attari/Jammu, Aug 15 (PTI) An unusual bonhomie between
Pakistani and Indian troops marked the Independence Day
celebrations this time as the two sides followed the tradition
of exchanging sweets at Wagah border and Chakan-Da-Bagh along
Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Led by Colonel Arshad, Pakistan army officers walked
across the LoC at Chakan-Da-Bagh Crossing point and hugged
their counterparts including commanding officer of Poonch
Brigade Col J P Yadav, a day after they were hosted by the
Indians on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day.

Officers offered juice and sweets to the Pakistani
guests who presented sweets and fruits to Indian side. The get
together lasted for half-an-hour, officials said.

BSF troops hosted Pakistan rangers at Octerio Border
Outpost along International Border in R S Pura sub-sector in
Jammu district.

"The two sides traditionally exchange sweets but it
was perhaps for the first time that there was no tension on
both sides of the border. Officials chatted freely in a very
congenial atmosphere," an army officer said.

On Wagah border, BSF Deputy Inspector General Mohammad
Aquil received gifts from Pakistan Ranger Major General
Mohhammad Yakoob Khan at the decorated Attari check post.

The traditional Pakistani sweets from Lahore and Karachi
were presented in a tastefully decorated basket.

"This morning there was great enthusiasm between the
border forces of the two nations. BSF officials and Pakistan
Rangers were today seen in a relaxed mood. Both shook hands
and exchanged pleasantries with smiling faces to mark the
occasion," a BSF official said.

The exchange of gifts between the forces of the two
neighboring nations is a long-standing tradition to mark their
respective Independence Day. PTI