RESUMPTION of dialogue on any level between Pakistan and India is always threatened by elements who wish to torpedo the peace process and keep tensions high.
Unfortunately, ever since the BJP took power in Delhi in 2014, aversion to dialogue on the Indian side has been very clear.
On Tuesday, there was some positive movement when Pakistan said talks on the Kartarpur Corridor would resume on July 14.
However, the martyrdom of five Pakistani soldiers along the LoC yesterday once again proves the presence of elements in the Indian establishment who wish to scuttle chances of peace.
According to the military authorities, the incident, which took place in AJK’s Chamb sector, is evidence of “state-sponsored terrorism by India. ...”
Clearly, if there is to be peace in the subcontinent, incidents such as those targeting Pakistani troops and civilians must stop.
Coming back to Kartarpur, there has been much stalling from Delhi’s side to the project that would provide visa-free access to Sikh pilgrims from India to a revered gurdwara in Pakistani territory.
India had cancelled the meeting scheduled for April 2, presumably because the BJP was looking to project an anti-Pakistan image ahead of the Indian general election.
Now with Narendra Modi’s party firmly ensconced in power, perhaps the Indian government has decided that it can once again re-engage with Pakistan.
However, the Indians have also said the Kartarpur issue should not be viewed as a renewal of dialogue with Pakistan.
The fact is, while Pakistan has gone the extra mile to open channels for peace, the Indian side has shown an arrogant indifference to resuming bilateral talks.
While there are a few glimmers of hope now and then — chance meetings abroad between officials of the two countries or the exchange of pleasantries — these are offset by negative developments, such as the recent violence perpetrated by India along the LoC.
These incidents and mixed messages raise questions about India’s desire for peace.
Is the BJP so beholden to the zealous ideology of the RSS — its ideological parent — that it is unable to rise above narrow populism and display statesmanship when it comes to talking to Pakistan?
Yes, there are irritants like militant groups and Hindu hardliners in India who don’t want peace between the two states.
But for the future of over one billion people of the subcontinent, more effort is needed, particularly from Delhi’s side, if the goal is to revive the peace process.
Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2019
