Home Secretaries talk

There are several positive aspects of the meeting, particularly those that relate to the management of the border. It is indeed a positive step that the two neighbours have expressed their determination to tackle terrorism jointly and to curb the border incidents through mutually agreed mechanisms. One would hope that an appropriate mechanism would be devised, sooner rather than later, and the work plan in tackling these issues would relate to a particular time frame.

That the non-implementation of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement is the cause of the irritants at the border, and which India is yet to ratify, has been amply acknowledged through the declaration of the intent of its quick implementation.

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Decision to send joint teams to the enclaves must come as a relief to the forsaken residents of these forlorn areas, but actions to ameliorate their pitiable condition brook no delay.

However, insofar as tackling the border transgressions, like smuggling of narcotics and drugs and terrorism, is concerned, the two countries for a start could invoke the provisions of the regional mechanisms that are already in place, till a more suitable mechanism could be devised.

We realise that while the macro issues would take time before they can be fully implemented, the micro issues that give rise to the border incidents must be addressed forthwith. In that context one is encouraged to see the decision to sensitise the local operatives as well as the population in the border areas so that incidents like killing of unarmed locals from hostile firing can be dealt with more humanely. In this regard the unprovoked firing by the BSF must be addressed with full commitment.

It cannot be an easy task to maintain control, let alone exercise constant vigilance over what is the longest stretch of border between any two countries in the region, apart from being the most porous. And, however well intentioned the parties may be, there are bound to be issues that will crop up at the border. Under such circumstances what's needed is a more sensitive approach to the problem.