Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: With the border tensions simmering amid multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistani Rangers did not the customary practice of exchanging sweet at the at the Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Eid second time in a row this year.

On the occasion of the 69th Republic Day this year, the BSF did not exchange sweets and greetings with Pakistan Rangers.

While the Pakistani rangers showed interest in going ahead with the ritual, the BSF was in a denial mode, said sources in the BSF.

The customary “outreach” gesture may not be reciprocated in future until Pakistan stops ceasefire violations, added the source.

This comes in the wake of heightened tension between the two countries, especially after four BSF personnel including an assistant commandant-rank officer, were killed and three others were injured when Pakistan Rangers opened fire along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir in “betrayal” of a truce announced recently.

The cross border firing by the Pakistani military has killed 19 people and injured 67 others, besides displacing over one lakh people from the border areas, since May 15.

The BSF and Pakistan Rangers have usually exchanged sweets on major religious festivals such as Eid and Diwali, and on national days like Independence Day and Republic Day.