Pakistan, India border guards abandon customary Eid greeting
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Pakistan and India border guards will not exchange customary greetings and sweets on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, said a report published on Hindustan Times.
Indian Border Security Force (BSF) Deputy Inspector General MF Farooqui confirmed that "there will be no Eid greetings exchanged with Pakistani Rangers on Saturday", the day Pakistan celebrated the first day of Eidul Fitr.
No specific reason was cited for not exchanging greetings and sweets which is a routine feature between the two countries.
Although the report says the tradition resumed in March after a year of bitterness, an exchange did take place in January on India's Republic Day.
In another report, NDTV quotes the same official as saying that a message to the Pakistan Rangers for the annual exchange of Eid greetings did not meet with a response.
"We give sweets on Eid every time. The Rangers have not accepted it today. We always want to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border," the paper quotes MF Farooqui as saying.
Earlier this week, both Pakistan and India had accused each other of ceasefire violations.
Pakistan claimed that three people were killed and five others injured in Sialkot's Chaprar sector, whereas another person was killed in firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Rawalakot's Neza Pir sector in separate instances of unprovoked firing by Indian BSF personnel.
Also read: Four killed in Indian BSF firing: ISPR
On Wednesday, India's BSF said that Pakistani troops fired heavy mortar shells, adding that one woman was killed and three civilians injured when one of the shells exploded near a border village.
Despite ceasefire violations and violence in the disputed Himalayan region, the exchange of sweets between Indian and Pakistan army personnel along the LoC on their respective days of national importance and festive occasions has been a recurring feature.
Earlier in January, Pakistani and Indian border troops along the LoC had exchanged sweets at three places in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of India's Republic Day.
Read more: Pakistani, Indian troops exchange sweets at LoC on Republic Day
On August 14 last year, Pakistani Rangers had exchanged sweets with personnel from the Indian Border Security Force to celebrate Pakistan’s 68th Independence Day at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post.
Examine: August 14: Pakistani Rangers, Indian BSF exchange sweets at Wagah
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (84) Closed
Jul 18, 2015 02:49pm
I dont know who is right
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-sweets-refused-on-eid-by-pakistan-soldiers-on-border-782718?pfrom=home-lateststories
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Jul 18, 2015 02:54pm
What else to expect under a religious extremist?
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Jul 18, 2015 03:04pm
PAKISTAN rejected the sweet as per Indian news.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:05pm
We give sweets on Eid every time. The Rangers have not accepted it today. We always want to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border," said MF Farooqui, Deputy Inspector General, BSF.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:09pm
@nishant kumar That was 1 year ago, after India killed several civilians and tortured another who crossed over.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:10pm
@rj Our intention is world peace and prosperity since the Vedas but others do not respect that sentiment.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:12pm
Good- Why exchange sweets, a gesture of good tidings, when India murders Kashmir civilians on both side of the Loc, which is undecided status until UN plebiscite is implemented. India has lost its way and no one knows who runs policy, Modi promises peace on Loc, but his army starts violations.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:12pm
@rj I don't understand why India and Pakistan both being majority Muslim nations don't like each other.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:14pm
@rj we dont need ur sweets after so many deaths
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Jul 18, 2015 03:17pm
No matter who refused to give or who refused to accept. The bigger picture is the emerging new trends in India. Pride of wealth and military power and rise of Hindu nationalism. Modi is the new face of India and he and his coterie are on a certain kind of mission. That is to bury secularism and make India ideologically and culturally a pure Hindu state. For that they need enemies outside and inside, to raise passions. In these circumstances I have lost all hope of good relations with India. They are on a calculated mission of increasing pressure on Pakistan and make it unstable. So thing in future only will deteriorate.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:22pm
Pakistan do not accept LOLLYPOPs from indians or anywhere
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Jul 18, 2015 03:23pm
@walter scott-Scotland India is not Mulsim majority but Hindu majority,but have more Muslim's than Pakistan and it will have maximum no.'s of Muslim in the world after 2050.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:25pm
INdia is not Muslim majority country. Having said that, religion is not the cause towards this bitterness @walter scott-Scotland
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Jul 18, 2015 03:31pm
you cannot exchange sweets and bullets at the same time !
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Jul 18, 2015 03:37pm
No problem.....i will eat them....
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Jul 18, 2015 03:44pm
It's high time this this highly dramatized ceremony should be scaled back to the sedate, graceful one that it was some thirty five years ago.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:44pm
Indians had served the Pak blind cricket team acid when Pak team toured India.
Good that Rangers will not be bitten by the same snakes. Indian "sweets". LOL
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Jul 18, 2015 03:45pm
What else they expect. It will be shame if pakistan rangers give or accept the sweets, while at the same time they continue to shell civilians.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:46pm
@Tariq Amir Please explain how does it not matter who refused? If Indians offered sweets and Pakistan soldiers refused, how could Modi influence any of this?
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Jul 18, 2015 03:46pm
Indian army kill over civilian people by heavy shelling, firing, and then expecting to exchange greetings.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:48pm
O come come on Pakistani's we want to eat your sweets and please take our sweets also,it's from Indian Muslim's to Pakistani Muslim's.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:48pm
Pakistan Rangers did the right thing. We can not and will not accept indian sweets. Indian BSF murdered four innocent Pakistani civilians two days ago and now they are offering sweets. What a joke.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:51pm
Stop the drama at the borders. Nowhere in the world is this funny ceremony enacted except India-Pakistan. We should behave like normal countries and not a country perpetually at war with each other.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:51pm
Chill Pakistanis... Don't worry, we will continue the bilateral talks as per the agreement in ufa.
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Jul 18, 2015 03:56pm
Pointless refusal. Not the end of the world.
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Jul 18, 2015 04:03pm
This is certainly shocking news. Make room in hearts to bear minor skirmishes on border since we have to achieve bigger goal (PEACE).
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Jul 18, 2015 04:17pm
Please exchange only sweets not gunfire.
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Jul 18, 2015 04:22pm
Wish both country would stop this jingoiism of lowering of flags. This excessive show of high heel clicking does not look dignified rather a trite act of a circus show.
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Jul 18, 2015 04:24pm
It would be hypocricy to exchange sweets while killing one another. Important thing is permanent cease fire on both sides and continuation of peace dialogue but it appears an uphill task in the era of Modi ji and his achche din. Lets pray for peace despite all odds.
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Jul 18, 2015 04:32pm
I don't care about the sweets etc. but this silly stomping inherited from the British era has to go.
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Jul 18, 2015 04:37pm
These stupid theatrics at the border should be shut down and save both countries this farce of meeting and marching,
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Jul 18, 2015 04:53pm
Whilst, killing "innocent civilians" due t "unprovoked shelling" from Indian side,what purpose does "sharing sweets serve?"
You might as well "abandon all these "niceties" altogether and show your "true colours" as you are by shelling and firing on innocent people.
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Jul 18, 2015 05:30pm
BSF has always offered sweets on Eid but this time Rangers refused to accept it but no reason has been given for the refusal. India will always remain secular as it has more Muslim population than Pakistan. However, peaceful relations between the two countries entirely depends upon the foreign policy makers in Pakistan who sadly aren't interested in normalising the same.
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Jul 18, 2015 05:38pm
You can refuse Indian sweets given by BSF. Don't refuse an Indian's wishes. Eid Mubarak friends!
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Jul 18, 2015 05:53pm
@Hiren Right. It's not religion but religious fundamentalism, aided by vested interests, that is the cause of disharmony. The story is the same as in Mid_Eastern and some other countries. Arms dealers are also a factor.
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Jul 18, 2015 07:22pm
Im sure that most PK and IND citizens want peace, sweets, laughs and cricket. But it is these dumb politicians that have no interest in it nor have any interest in giving peace a chance. I do not know of any single PK or IND that dont get along outside of the subcontinent. Its time we kick these fools out and hear our voice that people want PEACE
Enough of this rubbish where millions of lives are hurt and billions spent on arms while millions have no food, education or shelter.
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Jul 18, 2015 07:48pm
@walter scott-Scotland Please google India. India is a majority Hindu nation but a democratic country. Pakistan is a majority Muslim country run by mostly Islamic Constitution (a non Muslim can not become its President or Prime Minister)
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Jul 18, 2015 08:33pm
iam confused by this article...
http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/india-s-sweets-refused-on-eid-by-pakistan-soldiers-on-border/375551?hp&livevideo-featured
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Jul 18, 2015 08:48pm
it is sad and against the spirit of Eid
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Jul 18, 2015 09:00pm
What a waste of tax payer money.
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Jul 18, 2015 09:07pm
News in India say that India gave sweets to Pakistan but Pakistan did not take.
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Jul 18, 2015 09:34pm
Time these theatrics at the border was given up and the border kepi for only crossing if and when travelers come.No point is wasting money here.Security risk as well.
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Jul 18, 2015 09:41pm
Exchanging sweets is just cosmetic and does not necessary reflects the real sentiments and actual policies of either country. It is better that Pakistan should visualize its strategic importance and act accordingly, till today Pakistan has not been able to conceive its long term strategic plan according to its geographic location and economic potential--in Pakistan planners and politicians are only concerned about trivial matters and loot and plunder.
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Jul 18, 2015 09:47pm
@Dipak Singh if you read this fully its say same that ranger refused lol start reading full news not just headlines
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Jul 18, 2015 09:47pm
@sana it your ranger tefused not our BSF read news properly
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Jul 18, 2015 09:51pm
@walter scott-Scotland .... Not majority Muslim in India. You have a lot of reading to do.
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Jul 18, 2015 09:53pm
@Tariq Amir .... I would tend to agree with everything you wrote.
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Jul 18, 2015 09:58pm
@zak Unlike Pakistan , Govts in India have never been puppets at the hands of its Military .
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Jul 18, 2015 10:07pm
@Onkar Sharma .... I feel the same about it. The are like giant shadow puppets on stage in Bali. The puppets dance behind their screens.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:16pm
@M. Saeed Awan .... Problem. Too many mouths here have never seen a shot fired in their direction. Americans and North Koreans have exchanged random fire across the North/South Korean border for 60 years. Always nothing here but the echo of alarmist voices when the subject is India.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:17pm
@Sanjoy Sankar Guha ..... Love and Peace. Sweet dreams. Hard realities.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:19pm
@Syed Ganga Din ..... So far it isn't goose stepping. So far.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:23pm
@hzr ..... The subconscious desire of both governments to control both populations.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:43pm
@Syed Ganga Din . Silly this is not stomping they are practicing for the gymnastics at the Olympics, wish them luck is the least you can do.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:45pm
Both sides should exchange gestures of love and peace and not hate. For how long we are going to remain at each others loggerheads?? It's time to share love and not bullets.
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Jul 18, 2015 10:46pm
Doctors in both countries are well versed in forced feeding !!!!
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Jul 18, 2015 10:46pm
@walter scott-Scotland India isn't a majority Muslim country
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Jul 18, 2015 10:53pm
@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne It's not 4 but 8. 4 of ur security persons also got killed by indian retaliatory fire but that news had been blacked out in ur vhannels
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Jul 18, 2015 11:14pm
@m singh Save some sweets for me, buddy. Let the "warriors" sitting safely in Delhi and Rawalpindi/Islamabad seek to to perpetuate hostilities. Let the true patriots of Pakistan and India seek peace in the region.
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Jul 18, 2015 11:31pm
@Dinesh impressive!
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Jul 18, 2015 11:32pm
@Dinesh impressive!
And Eid mubarak to all!
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Jul 18, 2015 11:40pm
Refusal of sweets is well applauded by some.
My question to everyone is, if there is issue between the two countries then why just SWEETSareforbidden. Why do they play Indian movie songs on every other occasion? Why do they love Indian stars?
Why do we love or I say die to work in their industry?
The point is clear your stance. I believe one should've good terms with their neighbours and resolve their issue with open heart and mind. Let kashmir decide their own fate. Because they also have different views.
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Jul 18, 2015 11:48pm
It's actually Pakistan that offers sweet first and in-response India gives back. This time it didn't offered so no exchange took place.
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Jul 19, 2015 01:27am
All border guards on both sides should be disarmed. May carry tasers but use it sparingly. Then only will there be lasting peace and stability.
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Jul 19, 2015 01:30am
This behavior are seen in children but not in countries. Grow up and smell the new beginning.
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Jul 19, 2015 01:38am
@whats in a name They just announced that they will not supply voice sample so that agreement goes down the drain.
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Jul 19, 2015 05:19am
Just call a spade a spade...why disguise bad sentiments on both sides and waste money.
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Jul 19, 2015 05:44am
I pray for sanity to prevail on both sides of the borders.
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Jul 19, 2015 06:47am
Eid Mubarak to all pakistani friends, it is very sad indeed where we are heading, however as history tells when ever two leaders from Pakistan and India try to meet something bad always happens
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Jul 19, 2015 07:46am
The issue is much bigger,consider this,on one side you have over a BILLION people,on the other you got close to 185 million,WE need peace,thats the message both governments need to understand.Just because a select few have their own agendas does not mean MORE THAN 1.25 BILLION people have to live under the gun all the time.Work it out,MAKE PEACE HAPPEN,thats what the majority wants.
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Jul 19, 2015 08:00am
@Satt India does not have more muslims than Pakistan. That is a lie and fabrication being spread by India and it's allies. Go to known and repected sources and research. Pakistan always has and is predicted to have more muslims than India for the future.
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Jul 19, 2015 08:03am
Very unfortunate.Such gesture ,may be small, carry lot of meaning.One expects from the readers of Dawn to be more sensible and support any thing which strengthens peace in the sub continent.
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Jul 19, 2015 08:13am
I read the news from Pakistani side that five people are killed on LOC. Then why can't Pakistan disclose their names?. Why can't publish their photographs. In my opinion rejecting EID gift is not a good practice. I sent my children with EID gifts to all my neighbouring Hindu houses. They open heartedly accepted it .All of them joined for lunch also.
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Jul 19, 2015 08:14am
@walter scott-Scotland
wsS-India is a HINDU NATION.
Be informed.
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Jul 19, 2015 08:45am
@walter scott-Scotland because politician doesn't want to join together...!!
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Jul 19, 2015 09:15am
The mindset of both countries policies show exactly how we behave in our families.
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Jul 19, 2015 09:34am
@walter scott-Scotland India is a Hindu Majority country
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Jul 19, 2015 10:24am
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/Chinese-drone-may-have-flown-over-India-Pakistan-border/articleshow/48127226.cms
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Jul 19, 2015 11:23am
As per another news. Pakistan didnt accept Sweets at jammu, Wagha and Sri Ganganagar border, while accepted at Munabao
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Jul 19, 2015 11:38am
@walter scott-Scotland India is not a Majority Muslim nation. Nor is Pakistan. Why can't you google a bit before commenting?
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Jul 19, 2015 11:53am
After India had rejected Mushraf's formula on Kashmir, I am convinced India is not Interrsted in peace. Still Pakistan and India should work to lower tension and behave like neighbors on occasions like Eid.
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Jul 19, 2015 01:31pm
The hostility never do any good for both the countries, and more so will be affected Pakistan being the smaller economy with hosts of internal issues that affects FDIs, let alone the capital flights. India is large. Anything happens one end of the country does not impact at the other end - life is as normal as was there. India's economy is 8.2 times larger for a population 6.3 times larger, and the gap is widening day by day. It is more Pakistan's interest to have a hand of friendship and move both forward and be part of larger SAARC family, to take South Asia forward together.
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Jul 19, 2015 02:07pm
Sweets are bad for you ! As it contains too much sugar! Could cause diabetes !
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Jul 19, 2015 02:34pm
Both sides find any excuse to keep on playing the blame game. End hostilities and concentrate on improving the lives of millions of poor who struggle for basic needs in life.
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