After exchange of fire, India, Pak troops exchange sweets on Eid-ul Azha

Jammu: The Line of Control (LoC) and International Border, which have been witnessing exchange of gunfire for the last several months, on Friday saw the troops of the two countries exchanging sweets and pleasantries, thanks to the festival of Eid-ul Azha.

The army personnel exchanged sweets at Chakan-Da-Bagh and Mendhar crossing points along the LoC in Poonch.

"Sweets and dry fruits were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani armies along the LoC at Chakan-Da-Bagh and Mendhar crossing points in Poonch district," a Defence spokesman said.

"They exchanged greetings and pleasantries in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere," he said.

"The festival of Eid-ul Azha was marked by bonhomie at the border with forces of both sides greeting each other and exchanging sweets in a cordial astmosphere at Uri and Tangdar in north Kashmir," an army official said.

On the International Border, Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers also exchanged sweets at several places.

"Sweets were exchanged with Pakistani Rangers at several points including Octroi post in RS Pura sector," a senior BSF official said.

LoC is guarded by the Army while the IB is guarded by BSF.

Exchange of sweets between the two forces on major festivals has been a regular feature for past several years. However, tension on the border due to ceasefire violations has on several occasions cast a shadow on the custom.

In June, Pakistani Rangers had refused to accept the sweets offered by the BSF on the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr.

The LoC, and many times the IB, have witnessed repeated exchange of firing and shelling over the past several months.

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire 23 times in the month of September before a Flag Meeting on September 20 during which the two armies agreed to exercise restraint.