THE signs filtering through the Indian news media suggest that yet another attempt is being made for a separate Khalistan state. This demand is reappearing in east Punjab, the state dominated by Sikhs.

The well-coordinated attack on a police station in Gurdaspur presumably carried out by Sikh separatists has demonstrated their ability and capacity to take the enemy by surprise.

As expected, the finger of suspicion was initially raised against Pakistan but in the absence of any credible and supportive evidence for the baseless claim, common sense seems to have ultimately prevailed, and Indian authorities are grappling with the issue from a different and realistic angle.

Pakistan itself is the greatest victim of terrorism in which more than 50,000 innocent citizens have lost their lives. Instead of blaming any other country, we have identified the villains, and our valiant armed forces are successfully engaging the enemy and rendering tremendous sacrifices.

Likewise India is also faced with several separatist movements. It would better for New Delhi to redress the grievances of those who have preferred to take up arms against the government instead of sitting at the negotiating table. India should think before making baseless and childish allegations against Pakistan for its follies.

Mahmood Ali Khan Khurjavi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2015

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