BSF plants four lakh saplings along border

In the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistani Rangers, India has warned Pakistan of “effective and forceful” response to unprovoked firing and cross-border terrorism.

Despite hostilities, Indian BSF and Pakistan Rangers have traditionally exchanged candies at border crossings, particularly at the Wagah-Attari border on Independence Day.

India’s paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) set a new Limca Book Record on Wednesday (August 12) by planting 4,00,000 tree saplings across its posts in the country.

Exchange of candies and pleasantries has been a tradition between two border guarding forces on national days such as Independence Day, Republic Day and significant religious occasions of both countries aiming to maintain harmony on border and for coordination between two forces for better border management. According to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, the issue of ” unprovoked Ceasefire Violations at LoC”, was raised with the Indian Deputy High Commissioner. “The decision has been communicated to field formations”, a senior BSF officer said.

“We all know the prevailing situation, exchanging pleasantries and candies with Pakistan troops under present circumstances will give wrong signals to general public”, said sources.

Earlier in July, Pakistan and Indian forces had foregone the traditional exchange of candies on Eid.

“Normally the sweet exchange takes place on Independence day and on other festivals seen by both the countries perspective, this is a part of the border security forces tradition” he further added. Subsequently, no candies were exchanged on Diwali.