India, Pakistan not to exchange candies at Wagah on Independence Day

With this, BSF beat its own record from last year when it planted over 3,09,000 trees in a similar drive. “Neither are we going to offer nor will we accept any gift”, said BSG IG Punjab Frontier Anil Paliwal. has decided that it will neither offer nor accept candies and gifts from the Pakistani Rangers.

“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. Extra vigil has been mounted on the borders.

In 2015 till July 26, there were 192 ceasefire violations along the global Border in J&K which resulted in death of three civilians and one BSF personnel, Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said in a written reply. “Tight vigil is being maintained day and night”.

Pakistan and Indian forces at the border usually exchange candies and pleasantries on national days such as Independence Day, Republic Day and significant religious holidays of both countries including Eid and Diwali. Sources said this decision was taken by IG Frontier following instructions from BSF headquarters given the sudden spurt in ceasefire violations by the Pakistan troops in Jammu and Kashmir and possible help by Pakistan forces to terrorists to sneak into India through the Punjab 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.