Despite turbulent relations between India and Pakistan, a former Indian general has expressed hope that the longstanding issues between the two countries can be resolved through mutual trust.
“While Kashmir is a complex issue, I am confident that Siachen, Sir Creek and water dispute will be resolved soon,” said Gen. (retd) Moti Dhar, former vice chief of Indian army on Thursday. He was speaking at a roundtable organised by the Institute of Regional Studies with India Pakistan Soldiers Initiative for Peace (IPSIP), said a press release.
Gen. Dhar, who was heading the IPSIP delegation, stressed on developing an understanding over the water dispute. He said people in both countries need to realise that water resources are dwindling and they will have to devise a mechanism to utilise the existing resources efficiently.
Speaking on Siachen, Colonel (retd) Gautam Das said Pakistan could unilaterally withdraw its forces if it is finding it difficult to sustain the conflict. He claimed the presence of Indian troops on the Saltoro ridgeline wouldn’t pose any threat to Pakistan.
However, Prof. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) termed unilateral withdrawal “impractical”. Citing the Sino-Indian border disengagement as an example, he said there are better ways of military disengagement in Siachen.
Another delegation member, Colonel (retd) A R Khan, said Siachen is a “futile war” and courageous thinking from both countries is needed to resolve the conflict.
Dr Tahir Amin of QAU said Pakistan has always wanted to take a top-down approach in dialogue with India, while India always wanted a bottom-up approach. Most of the issues, he said, exacerbated when Pakistan would agree to the Indian approach and still see no progress.
Agreeing with him, Lt Gen. (retd) Talat Masood said India shouldn’t hide behind excuses such as its domestic politics or overall political and security situation in Pakistan. He said that a fundamental shift in strategic thinking has already taken place in Pakistan and the ball is in the Indian court.
Gen. Dhar argued that a stable and friendly Pakistan is in India’s interest. He said the new generation in India is concerned about a better life, and the governments can no longer ignore popular calls.
He termed the perception of Indian involvement in Balochistan as completely baseless.
He added India wants a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, as it is a trade route to Central Asia.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 23rd, 2012.
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Now it is in the greater interest of Pakistan to resolve these issue at the earliest . If her policy on Kashmir issue remain the same then the disintegration of Pakistan can't be avoided