India and Pakistan Hold Flag Meeting to Ease Border Tensions in Poonch

Published On: February 21, 2025

In an effort to de-escalate recent tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), India and Pakistan held a flag meeting in Poonch district on Friday. The meeting comes after multiple incidents of cross-border firing and an IED attack, which heightened concerns about security in the region.

According to Daily Excelsior report, the brigade commander-level meeting took place at the Chakkan-Da-Bagh crossing point and lasted approximately 75 minutes, commencing at 11 AM. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace along the border and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement.

Commitment to Ceasefire Agreement

The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere, with both nations agreeing to honor the February 25, 2021, ceasefire agreement. Since the renewal of this agreement, ceasefire violations along the LoC in Jammu & Kashmir have been relatively rare. However, recent incidents have raised alarms, necessitating diplomatic engagement between the two sides.

Recent Security Incidents Along the LoC

IED Attack in Akhnoor

On February 11, suspected terrorists detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the Akhnoor sector, resulting in the deaths of two Indian Army personnel, including a captain, and injuring another soldier.

Cross-Border Firing Incidents

Several small arms firing incidents were reported from across the LoC:

February 10: Two Indian Army personnel were injured in Rajouri district.
February 14: Another soldier sustained injuries in Poonch district.

Landmine Explosions in Poonch

In the past week, two more Indian Army personnel were wounded in separate landmine explosions in the Poonch sector. These incidents underscore the persistent security challenges faced by forces operating along the volatile border.

Heavy Casualties on the Pakistani Side

Following these incidents, the Indian Army reportedly conducted retaliatory action. While exact details remain unclear, officials suggested that enemy forces sustained heavy casualties as a result.

The flag meeting in Poonch signals a renewed effort to reduce hostilities and strengthen ceasefire commitments. With tensions simmering after recent violent incidents, both India and Pakistan have acknowledged the necessity of peaceful dialogue and adherence to established agreements to maintain stability along the LoC.

Security forces remain on high alert, ensuring that any further violations are promptly addressed while diplomatic channels continue efforts to sustain peace in the region.