Tensions along the LoC

Given the current situation, further peace overtures may be impossible, but we should not throw away previous gains.

Relations between Pakistan and India have become so strained right now that a single episode has the potential to badly poison ties between the two countries. Restraint is the order of the day and for once, it has been India that has refused to show any willingness to compromise. A Pakistani soldier, says our military, inadvertently crossed the Line of Control (LoC), after which he was questioned by the Indians and then killed. If this version of events is indeed true, then India’s behaviour is intolerable and should be condemned. That does not mean, however, that we should use this as an excuse to stir up further anti-India sentiment. Doing so will not bring our soldier back and will make it even more likely that future incidents along the LoC are blown out of proportion.

So far, Pakistan has demonstrated ample restraint. It has appropriately condemned the incident and complained to India but has not taken any punitive measures. That is how it should be. The chances of such incidents occurring along the disputed border are high, which is why both India and Pakistan need to ensure that they do not use these deaths as a reason for more sabre-rattling. A lot of progress has been made in the peace process over the last couple of years and retreating to square one will be to the detriment of both countries. Given the current situation, further peace overtures may be impossible right now but we should at least ensure that we do not throw away previous gains.

India, too, needs to play its part. Its reaction to the various LoC fracas have been disproportionate and over the top. Our sportspersons and cultural figures visiting India have felt unwanted and unsafe and had to return home. This is unfortunate since right now, these people-to-people exchanges may be needed more than ever before. When governments are at each other’s throats, these citizens can help keep contact alive and show the value of engagement. We need to keep these cultural engagements alive. If both Pakistan and India are indeed committed to peace, they will overlook these tragic LoC incidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2013.