The Centre has signalled that the recent ceasefire violations will not impede the upcoming dialogue with Pakistan but would become a significant part of negotiations between the two South Asian neighbours.
In a conversation with the media on Saturday — the 15 anniversary of the Kargil war, which is commemorated as Kargil Vijay Diwas — Defence Minister Arun Jaitley stressed that ceasefire violations “itself is an issue” of the talks. Mr. Jaitley made this observation in response to a question on the impact of the recent spurt in border violations by Islamabad on the upcoming >talks between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan that commence on August 25, 2014. In a statement in parliament on July 25, Mr. Jaitley stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stressed the importance of peace and tranquillity along the borders and the need to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control, during his talks with his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
There have been 49 ceasefire violations along the LoC this year, according to information compiled till July 22.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister tweeted that the country remembers “the indomitable courage and sacrifice of our armed forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The nation salutes these brave martyrs”.
Separately Mr. Jaitley announced that a suitable >site to construct a “grand” National War Memorial would soon be finalised . Mr. Jaitley said he would soon be visiting the Princess Park locality near the India Gate complex in the capital along with the chiefs of the three defence services to take a final call on the project.
The Indian Army lost 527 men during the Kargil war, while 1,363 were injured.
