KARACHI: Pakistani forces were in contact with Indian forces till last evening, as they advanced ten miles deep in the disputed territory of the northern Rann of Kutch area between Chhad and Biar Bet, a Foreign Office spokesman said in Karachi. In these encounters 10 Indian soldiers have been captured. Addressing a Press conference he said that the Pakistani step aimed at stopping India from moving forward. This was also designed to make it clear that the northern half of the Rann was a disputed territory before Partition.

Pakistan has taken this step in view of India’s rejection of Pakistan’s three-point suggestion for a peaceful settlement of the dispute. Pakistan has suggested a cease-fire, withdrawal of Indian and Pakistani forces from the disputed territory and high level meeting for a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

[Meanwhile, as reported by our correspondent from Quetta], Syed Faridullah Shah, Com­missioner, Quetta Division, expressed the hope that the people of Afghanistan will once again join hands with Pakistanis and fight against the common enemy of Islam, as they did during the struggle for the liberation of Kashmir, 17 years ago. Pakistani people, he said, are confident of the support of their Afghan brethren in the struggle to uphold Islamic values and traditions for keeping aloft the banner of Islam. He was replying to an address of welcome, presented to him on behalf of the tribes living in the border areas on [the] conclusion of the Festival at Chaman.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2015

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