EDITORIAL

Indo-Pak Ties

Seize This Opportunity

WHAT began as a courtesy invitation by the Indian prime minister to Pakistan psresident General Musharaff to witness the final one-day cricket encounter between the two counties has ended as a significant diplomatic engagement, mutually beneficial to both the countries.

The 17-point statement issued at the end of the two-day visit marks a watershed in Indo-Pak relations. First, the statement affirms that the “peace process is now irreversible.” This affirmation is preceded by a recognition of “the overwhelming desire of the people of the two countries for durable peace”. Further, it states, “recognising their (leaders) responsibility to continue to move forward towards that objective, the two leaders had substantive talks on issues.”

Second, he joint statement informs that the vexed dispute over Jammu & Kashmir was addressed and the leaders agreed “to continue these discussions in a sincere and purposeful and forward looking manner for a final settlement.”

This is precisely the approach that the CPI(M) has been advocating all along. It is a matter of satisfaction that this approach, of continuing discussions on contentions issues (apart from Jammu & Kashmir, like Sir Creek and Siachen) while improving relations in other areas, is now being followed. This is in sharp contrast with the Vajpayee government’s approach which was inconsistent, sporadic and knee jerk. More often than not, that government’s approach was determined by its domestic political considerations of when to raise the communal temperatures. Hence the independent initiatives of two sides and invitations to unprepared summits like in Agra, on the one hand, and strident declarations that no talks can take place unless Pakistan ceases support to cross border terrorism etc etc, on the other.

Returning to the joint statement, the third feature to be noted is the categoric assertion that, “the two leaders pledged that they would not allow terrorism to impede the peace process.” How sincere will the Pakistan side be in implementing this only time will. But such apprehensions cannot be allowed to negate or dilute the efforts to improve the relations.

Fourth, the joint statement, lists a further series of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) such as the opening up of new travel routes; opening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai; easing visa restrictions etc. Clearly, the huge emotional welcome, on both sides of the divide, by the people for the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service has had a deep impact on the political leadership of both countries.

Finally, the joint statement is a big step in improving economic and trade relationship between India and Pakistan. Recognising the great potential, both sides agreed to reactivate the Joint Economic Commission and the Joint Business Council. Trucks will now be allowed be ply across the LoC to promote trade and the petroleum ministers will meet in May to discusses oil pipelines. Pakistan has announced its support and cooperation for the Iran-India oil pipeline to pass through its territory.

It must be noted, the success of the visit goes much beyond the joint statement. The overall bonhomie that was seen in all official and social encounters left a feeling of optimism, not normally associated with Indo-Pak relations in the recent past. President Musharraf, referring to a 1960s Bollywood blockbuster “Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon” (the story of the film is about estranged childhood friends who accidentally meet in Kashmir to eventually become lovers) said that this time around he has come with a new heart! (naya dil laya hoon). Surely, much speculation will take place in the coming days to explain and interpret this “change of heart”.

Be that as it may, the important point is that both sides today appear determined to carry forward the peace process. This opportunity must be seized to consolidate the process in the interests of the peoples of both countries. Obviously, the people-to-people contacts that have significantly grown during the last year must be intensified in the days to some. This can only help and pressurise both governments to stay on course.

All said, it is necessary to caution that given the over half a century of hostility and bitterness in Indo-Pak relations, it would be naive to presume that the problems will disappear overnight. The peace process would be long and arduous. However, both sides – governments and people – must be prepared to overcome the hurdles and obstacles when they arise. This must be the overall approach that the UPA government must adopt without, even for a second, lowering our guard of vigilance.