The two countries’ border forces traditionally exchange candies at the Wagah border even on festivals such as Eid and Diwali.
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In the backdrop of escalation in hostilities on the India-Pakistan border, the Border Security Force (BSF) has decided not to exchange candies with the Pakistan Rangers on independence days of both countries. “Border Security Force undertakes awareness programme each year to promote the preserving of biodiversity and other issues of impact, related to environment”, the official said.
BSF, IG, Anil Palliwal said “This time there won’t be any exchange of candies, we won’t be taking candies and we are not offering also this time”. Paliwal informed that extra deployment of the force has been done on the border. “Tight vigil is being maintained day and night”, said Paliwal. But this year a senior BSF officer decided as “To protest the series of terrorist attacks in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir over the past month”.
“Diplomatically, India has repeatedly emphasised, including at the highest level, the need for Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LC) and abide by the ceasefire commitment of 2003 along the worldwide Border and LC”, he said.
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India also has warned Pakistan of “effective and forceful ” response to unprovoked firing and cross border terrorism, in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistani Rangers.In the month of July, there have been 19 ceasefire violations and in which four persons including three troops have been killed and nearly 14 others were injured.
