Seoul:South Korea has renewed its proposal for military talks with North Korea, aiming to resolve conflicting views on the location of the inter-Korean border. This move seeks to deescalate tensions following a land mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) last month, which injured three South Korean troops.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea blames North Korea for the September 21 mine blast, while Pyongyang denies any responsibility and has threatened military actions if deemed necessary. The incident has led to a sharp exchange of rhetoric between the two nations.

Deputy Defense Minister Kim Hong-cheol emphasized the need for inter-Korean military talks to verify the land-based Military Demarcation Line (MDL), restore military communication lines, and discuss preventive measures against accidental clashes. He also suggested the possibility of involving the U.N. Command (UNC) in a trilateral dialogue.

Tensions have escalated over suspicions that North Korean forces have been fortifying the border, potentially violating the armistice agreement. The mine blast occurred during a mission to clear a path for a joint investigation into these activities.

Kim expressed concerns over possible future clashes due to differing interpretations of the boundary lines, urging for "extraordinary measures" to prevent further incidents. The recent increase in border activities from the North and the South's warning responses are attributed to the current situation.

South Korea had previously proposed similar talks last year, but received no response from North Korea. The recent proposal was communicated to the UNC before its public announcement, aligning with protocol.

The UNC reaffirmed its commitment to the Armistice Agreement and efforts to minimize risks along the MDL but did not confirm any communication with North Korea regarding the dialogue offer. The UNC maintains a hotline with North Korea's Korean People's Army, which remains the only communication channel between the two countries.