Hawks on both sides see the attack on Patankhot air base as an opportunity to derail the peace process
TANGLA, ASSAM, INDIA: The attack on the Patankhot air base by militants just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sudden Lahore visit proves that militant groups feel vulnerable. Whenever there is a peace initiative, militants feel that the ground beneath their feet is slipping.
Hawks on both sides see this as an opportunity to derail the peace process. If India scuttles the peace talks, it would be playing right into the hands of militants. It should adopt a policy to respond firmly to terror and at the same time, pursue peace talks with Pakistan. War will only bring havoc and no permanent solution. There is no substitute for peace.
Shajid Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2016.
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