(a) whether BSF and Pakistani Rangers have signed an agreement to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation on border issue as reported in the Hindu dated April 25, 2005;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any modalities for the return of persons who inadvertently cross over the border have been worked out during the agreement on the said meeting; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)
(a)to(d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.640 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 10/5/05.
(a)to(d): A scheduled bi-annual Meeting between Border Security Force (BSF) and Pak Rangers was held at Karachi from 21 to 24 April, 2005 to discuss border issues. Both sides agreed to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation to maintain peace and tranquility on the border.
Both sides agreed to hand over, after verification, persons who inadvertently cross over the border. Both sides also agreed to prevent damage to boundary pillars, carry out practice firing away from zero line and after giving advance information to the other side, ensure that defence construction works do not affect peace and tranquility on the border, share information on smuggling of narcotics, co-ordinate efforts in checking trans-border crimes, etc.