NEWSLINKS US EDITION COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Working swiftly to defuse the tension on the India-Bangladesh border, the two governments on Thursday agreed to immediately restore the status quo ante and exercise utmost restraint to prevent a recurrence of the incidents witnessed in the border villages of Pyrdiwah in Meghalaya and Boraibari in Assam.
"In keeping with the tradition of close and friendly relations between the two sides, it has been agreed that the status quo ante will be restored," an external affairs ministry spokesman told reporters.
"Consequently, action is underway on the ground to meet this objective," he said. "That should not take very long. Perhaps, even today."
A day after New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Dhaka over the "unilateral", "unwarranted" and "unprovoked" action of the Bangladesh Rifles, the whole issue was sought to be downplayed.
Has Bangladesh offered any apology for the incidents, the spokesman was asked. "We are in touch with the Bangladesh side. Both sides have agreed to exercise utmost restraint," he responded.
Asked about the number of BSF personnel killed and injured, he said, "I would not like to speculate unless I have full confirmation" of the casualties.
He, however, said the two sides were in touch with each other to retrieve the mortal remains of those killed in the incidents of firing and shelling and for the return of the injured BSF personnel in the custody of Bangladesh.
PTI
The Complete Coverage
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
