It is quite obvious that the issues that crop up on India’s western and eastern borders are due to unsettled frontiers that are an unwelcome legacy of history (“Disquiet on the western front”, Aug.18). India and Pakistan are the victims of British attempts to escape from India with minimal losses for which they appointed Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who had absolutely no clue about India. The 2003 ceasefire agreement has been accepted by both nations to a large extent. Formalising it will not only help both sides in reducing ceasefire violations but also give them time to negotiate a final settlement.
Another problem is the morale of our soldiers guarding the border in return for practically little gains. The BSF has more or less become a general border agency while the real thrust must be on giving its personnel specialised training and adequate support.
Akshay Viswanathan,
Thiruvananthapuram
