Taking strong exception to Pakistan Rangers' bid to straighten a triangular shape of the border by removing pillars in the Glad area of Samba sector along the international border in the Jammu region, a Border Security Force (BSF) officer told his Pakistani counterpart that such acts were unacceptable.

BSF's Deputy Inspector General P.K. Mishra made the remarks to the official in charge of the Chenab wing of Pakistan Rangers at a meeting at a border post in R.S. Pura.

After over an hour-long meeting in the specially erected tents on the border, Mishra told reporters: "Pakistani forces had come deep (inside our territory) and constructed a bund at Glad (40 km from here). The BSF have rectified it and taken position at the original border position, restoring the Indian claim on our own territory."

Apparently, the Pakistanis took advantage of the removal of land mines from the area and entered Indian territory at Glad. The mines had been laid about two years ago and were removed a few weeks ago.

Mishra said the local commandants of the contested place would meet Friday and settle the dispute.

"While we are open to settle any dispute regarding pillars, some of which have gone missing in the flood waters, in no case would Indian territory be given to Pakistan. This is our land and we will not compromise."

Indian and Pakistani border guards are in disagreement over the exact location of the pillars at several places along the 200-km-long international border.

"We will sort out these matters. We have requisitioned the services of the revenue department to state the exact position," Mishra said. 

He said there were 30 to 40 pillars whose location were being contested by the two sides.

--Indo-Asian News Service