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OPINION

Time for Pakistan to act on Peace and Security offer
SARLA HANDOO

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s offer of Peace, Security and Friendship Treaty to Pakistan in his Amritsar speech recently has given a new dimension to the India - Pak relationship. Dr. Manmohan Singh has in a way responded to the so called “out of the box” proposals that have been coming from General Musharraf one after the other, over the months, not on the diplomatic table but through the media. It appeared that the General has the satisfaction of succeeding in making the world believe that Pakistan is open to suggestions on Kashmir and is willing to explore new grounds to resolve the dispute but it is India that is hesitant to discuss the Kashmir issue and is thus not responding to any of his proposals.

To an extent that impression may be correct as New Delhi made very few statements at the political level in response to the Musharraf’s ideas. But Dr. Manmohan Singh’s latest offer has caused some discomfiture to the General. Otherwise, what can explain his silence over the offer for so many days! Yes, the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson did react soon after the offer was made. But that was a guarded one acknowledging a “positive” approach by India and what it called India’s realization that there was a need to resolve the Kashmir issue. At the political level Pakistan is yet to frame an official response.

That both India and Pakistan need to live in peace, security and friendship can hardly be disputed. As neighbours in an area which is far behind in economic development the two countries have to bury the hatchet if they want their people to lead a decent life. Why then has Pakistan not grabbed the offer? Perhaps Islamabad feels that New Delhi wants to engage Pakistan on every front except Kashmir and views the latest offer as part of this strategy. It feels that if relations with India are normalized in trade, commerce and the cultural fields, to be capped by the treaty of peace, security and friendship that will close the Kashmir chapter for all times to come. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s advice to Pakistan that it should not link forward movement in bilateral relations to the resolution of the Kashmir issue needs to be well taken. Kashmir certainly is the weakest point in the relations between the two countries and if that becomes central to bilateral relations, as is the case at present, the two countries will never come close enough to create an atmosphere conducive to tackle the ticklish issue of Kashmir.

The policy adopted by India to make the borders irrelevant and bring the people of the two countries closer holds the key to peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues. Dr. Singh specifically mentioned Siachen and Baglihar and said that these could be resolved without difficulty. Being less intricate issues that possibility seems within reach provided both sides are determined to do so. And why should they not be, if they are genuinely interested in resolution of bigger issues. In a bid to allay Pakistan’s fears, Dr. Manmohan Singh made it clear that India is not afraid of discussing the Kashmir issue with Pakistan. But there needs to be a proper atmosphere.

Islamabad had failed to respond to the Indian offer of a no war Pact, made years ago. It clearly wants to keep even the option of war open to resolve the Kashmir issue, if a negotiated settlement does not come through. Even after the two countries became nuclear, no first use of nuclear weapons is an integral part of India’s nuclear doctrine, while Pakistan refuses to make a similar commitment. In such a situation it is difficult to imagine the two countries making any real progress in winning each other’s trust.

Indian intelligence agencies are reported to have noticed a shift in Pakistan’s policy of helping terrorist activities in Kashmir after the Bush visit to Pakistan. Islamabad told its frontline activist outfits not to lend support to terrorist organizations any more. It has also cut down funding to the United Jihad Council, the apex body of 13 terrorist organizations based in and operating from Pakistan and POK. Was that the reason why UJC Chief Syed Salahuddin recently staged protest against Pakistan’s policies on Kashmir leading to his arrest and subsequent release? And did Dr. Manmohan Singh compliment Pakistan for acting against terrorists in his Amritsar speech because of this, though he qualified it by saying that much remained to be done.

Syed Salahuddin in his latest statement has expressed willingness to accept the dialogue process without diluting the militant character of his organization, Hizbul Mujahideen. Both can go together and violence can come down in proportion to the progress made on the dialogue table, according to him. He also does not want his organization to be clubbed with Al Qaeda or Taliban. The statement is significant because of the timing. These are positive developments.

If there is a genuine shift in Pakistan’s policy on terrorism, which has been hindering forward movement between the two countries, it is a welcome change. But it is too early to admit it. Only recently President Hamid Karzai has gone public in charging Pakistan of fomenting terrorism in Afghanistan through the Taliban. Better wait and watch.


Courtesy : Syndicate Features

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Kashmir Herald - Time for Pakistan to act on Peace and Security offer

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