PHOTO: PTI

BSF DIG G. S. Virk along with other officers offering Chader at the Mazar of Baba Chamliyal at zero line of India-Pakistan international border, in Ram Garh sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

Chambliyal (India-Pak International Border) : The man-made boundary between India and Pakistan on Thursday lost its importance momentarily as the famous Chambilyal mela symbolising the common cultural heritage of the two countries was celebrated with equal vigour and enthusiasm on both sides of the border.

Thousands gathered on each side to participate in the mela celebrated for the 317th time in history. The rush at the fair, which is an annual affair, reflected the popular urge for peace on both sides. As is the tradition, the Pakistan Rangers led by Commandant Najib reached the Indian territory with few civilians to collect shakar (soil). It is known to have medicinal value and it is believed that the soil is holy and can cure skin diseases.

The scheduled half an hour ceremony went on for an hour. It was Punjabi diplomacy all the way as commanders of the Border Security Forces and the Pakistan Rangers struck an immediate rapport. Instead of Urdu or Hindustani, Punjabi was the lingua franca of the two commanders as they exchanged greetings. At 9.30 a.m.(IST), Border Security Force Deputy Inspector General G.S. Virk from Punjab welcomed his counterpart Commandant Najib, a 1947 migrant from Jallundar. Najib said, "The huge rush on our side to participate in the mela is a direct consequence of the ongoing peace process between the two countries. As per our estimates more than 90,000 people have gathered from all parts of Pakistan."

Many Pakistani civilians accompanied the Pakistan rangers to celebrate the mela on this side of the border.

Mohammad Akram, a 24-year-old student, had come all the way from Lahore to take part.

"My uncle who is a Wing commander in the Pakistan Rangers invited me to join the mela. I think the love and affection I received from this side has touched me. The visit was worth it," he said.

The fact that officers of Pakistan rangers got their children along to participate in the mela was a pointer to improving relations between the BSF and Pakistan Rangers.

Braving heat, people in the Pakistani village of Saidanwali, about 100 metres from here waited for mud and water from the shrine.

Soil and water handed over by BSF men to Pakistan Rangers of the Chenab regiment was distributed to people on the other side.

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