Among the biggest pieces of development as on February 26, 2021 especially where matters of the sub-continent are concerned, was the Ceasefire Agreement to which both India and Pakistan were a party. It could be said, for the lack of better expression, that the bi-lateral ties existing between two of Asia’s formidable opponents, of lately, have been next to nothing or rather, just a blank column on a piece of paper.
The constant skirmish along the border of the two neighbouring countries tied to the diplomatic upheaval have gone on to sour the relation that exists between two countries that are today, sadly described as foes. The days of peacefully co-existing alongside one other’s border, it seems, are a thing of the past.
The constant involvement of Pakistan as an aggressor on the other side of the border, and supporter of terrorist activities has only darkened the ties that, back in the day, seemed way better than what one notes today. Yet, along these lines, it can be said, the ceasefire agreement, signed in the last week of February 2021, seems to have emerged as a major respite.
The only question now is whether normal ties between Pakistan and India can emerge once again? And while, we are still at some distance before gathering sense on that front, what helps is to know just what was the Ceasfire Agreement all about?
Fundamentally speaking, there shall be no cross-firing along the Line of Control aka the LOC up north that separates the two nations. A joint statement issued just hours earlier seems to point to a direction of peace and amity.
The hope for normalcy to return to Indo-Pak ties stems from the latter’s admission that it wants a peaceful resolution with all ongoing disputes with India. The period 2019-20, during which India passed the Article 370, which extends special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in terms of autonomy, led to bitter criticism from the end of Pakistan, and understandably so. But at the same time, it also fetched further disarray to the already existing enmity between the two neighboring countries.
Now, however, given that it’s Pakistan that’s routing for peaceful means, springs hope for the return of better days for on its part, the last thing that anyone can accuse India of is causing needless misery and meddling in the affairs of Pakistan.
What prevails as of now, is the peaceful co-existence of the militaries on either side of the border in a significant move to ease tension along the LOC.
That being said, here’s what a major news platform in India had to elaborate on the developing story, one that’s brought about a refreshing change to the usually tense narrative between the two nations:
Speaking further, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said that Pakistan has consistently underscored the need to observe the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit for maintenance of peace along the LoC. He said, “We have also maintained that escalation along the LoC is a threat to regional peace and security. Therefore, this development is very much in line with Pakistan’s consistent position.”
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That being said, here’s the joint statement issued by India and Pakistan following the ceasefire agreement:
“The countries say, they have held discussions regarding establishing a mechanism for hotline contact among both nations. Both sides also agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) starting from February 25. Moreover, Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan also reviewed the current situation across the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors “in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere,” as shared on the Republic TV website.