Indo-Pak Dialogues necessary for Peace
By Zaheerul Hassan
Tension on international border remained high due to unprovoked Indian firing on r the civilian and deployed Pakistani troops. On 22 and 23 August 2014 two Pakistani citizens were killed and three injured when Indian troops opened fire and Artillery shelling on the villages along working boundary near Sialkot. According to the officials, Indian Border Security Force (BSF) firing was unprovoked in Charwah sector near Sialkot border, resulting in three casualties and damage to several houses. Moreover, several cattle were killed and injured in Indian firing. However, Pakistan’s Chenab Rangers responded to the firing in a befitting manner that silenced Indian guns. Anyhow, to defuse the situation on international border Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both the countries have contacted with each other and stressed over the peaceful resolution of the issues.
Meanwhile, India has shown her unwillingness in participating Foreign Sectaries level talks which were supposed to be held between two countries in Islamabad on 25 August 2014. The cancelation of dialogues means India stood true to its past record of hoodwinking and deluding Pakistan by canceling peace talks and is not serious in resolving conflicts with neighbouring countries.
Notably, the decision to call off talks came as a political maneuvering by Narindra Modi led Indian Govt, showing signs of Indian arrogance and inflexibility driven by emotional reaction, on which BJP top leadership capitalized to win elections. India has never been sincere in engaging in meaningful peace process with Pakistan in fact she believes in ruling the region through hegemonic design and imperialistic motives coupled with Hindutva radical dream of “AKHAND BHARAT.
In this connection, the illegal annexation of Kashmir, unsuccessful adventure in Sri Lanka, disrespecting international agreements like Indus water treaty, territorial disputes with Nepal, Bangladesh and China couples with piling up of arms are few examples of real Indian irresponsible attitude towards regional peace. India being nuclear power is desperately stabbing hard for permanent membership in United National Security Council. Therefore, Indian desire of emerging as regional super power and dominate the region might not be acceptable to other regional states including China, i.e. in fact a real regional supper power. Thus, in the future political environment New Delhi role and status would be considered as an American watchdog in Asia.
In fact, India as a usurper and occupation state is not sincere to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes including Kashmir, with Pakistan. It is normal practice that every Indian Govt due to international pressure makes false pledges of her willingness in peace process to resolve all issues including Kashmir dispute with Pakistan. In actuality India earnestly endeavored to find excuses and pretexts to cancel peace talks while shifting the blame to Pakistan. It is worth mentioning here that in their previous regimes, Nawaz Shahrif and BJP government, have started talks and developed consensus to build the confidence through negotiating petty matters prior of touching the major issues. Therefore, need of continuation in building confidence measures has been felt , concluded and emphasized in 2004 but truly mentioning that Indian leadership never ever tried to tune up their mindset with regards to core issue of Kashmir and other regional burning issues.
On winning elections Narindra Modi’s invitation to leaders of South Asian nations including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to his oath-taking ceremony in May 2014, came as a pleasant surprise for political observers, media analysts and general public in South Asia and world over. The hopes became high and expectations appeared reassuring that relations between India and Pakistan will get normalized and a way forward will be found to resolve all outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan.
On contrary to it BJP proven to be an extremist Hindu party and opposite to Ghandi’s Secular Ideology presented BJP Govt has revealed her true face of Hindu leadership / psyche by canceling secretary-level talks with Pakistan on the plea that Pakistan’s High Commissioner Abdul Basit held meetings with Hurriyat leaders, prior to holding of secretary-level talks. Indian Govt’s sudden decision to call off talks has come as a serious blow to peace process between India and Pakistan, grounding all signs of optimism that peace will be brought in South Asia under new leadership of Modi – Nawaz affinity.
It worth mentioning that Kashmiri leaders off and on used to meet with officials of Pakistan embassy since as per UN resolutions Kashmir is a controversial issue between Indian and Pakistan that has to be resolved through plebiscite. Moreover, it is a set practice to engage with Kashmiri leadership prior to any high level meetings between India and Pakistan. Kashmiri leaders are the central representatives about whom India and Pakistan will proceed to decide their fate through peace dialogue. Hence, they cannot be ignored as vital stakeholders. Indian interpretations of stakeholders in the light of Simla Agreement are absolutely mischievous.
For example, every Indian Govt including Indian Congress and BJP, had been facilitating meetings of Pakistani officials with Kashmiri Hurriyat leadership in the past. Modi Govt’s decision to cancel talks, seem politically motivated. Their efforts to abrogate article 370 in IOK indicates that BJP led Modi Govt is proceeding with a plan to promote Hindutva philosophy and annex Kashmir as part of Indian union.
India has also disregarded US Govt’s suggestions to make concerted efforts to engage in dialogue process with Pakistan. Indian allegations that cross border infiltration from Pakistan were on the increase and Pakistan was not taking any action against alleged terrorists of Mumbai attacks. Similarly Indian Army’s surge in LOC violations, indicate that India is finding excuses to spoil relations with Pakistan.
Indian propaganda that Pakistan was sponsoring terrorism in Afghanistan also reveals the real face of Indian leadership who spare no time in maligning Pakistan even from Afghan soil.
In short world community takes note of the growing tensions between two nuclear south Asian states because it’s a direct threat to the global peace. BJP government and other India extremists political and military top brass has to learn that resolving conflicts bilaterally with neighbouring states is the real way to establish permanent peace. Indian leadership has to show courage to face the issues and take steps to address the disputes confronting the two nations.
The write can be approached through zameer36@gmail.com
