However, it is quite clear that the volleys of allegations and counter-allegations exchanged build tensions and are picked up by hawks in either country to add to their stance against any meaningful peace process. This, of course, is highly harmful. To avoid it, we need to develop mechanisms, which can allow us to keep calm along the boundaries of our two nations and tackle the episodes which may periodically occur in a calm and rational fashion. The flag meeting is a good step in this direction as were the talks between the Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force officials held a few weeks ago. It is important such dialogues continue.
Face-to-face interactions can help sort out all kinds of issues and also develop the understanding needed to resolve them before the involvement of the media and other groups adds to complications. Peace between India and Pakistan is, of course, vital to our future. It can be built only if meetings at all levels continue and the process continues so that we can move towards the cooperation essential to the people of our countries and also to a region, which would fare far better if it were less stricken by tension and hostility. It is important to build the peace we urgently need as quickly as we can.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (3)
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So whats the latest about the prosecution of the Mumbai accused? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++== Dont think Indians are so naive as to forget that.Actions not words.
The skirmishes are confined to the LOC, not the whole long border. That implies that if the countries want the LOC can also be as quiet as the rest. Kashmir is a big ticket item in both both countries especially in Pakistan. It means almost everything (new toys for boys, strategies,tactics, etc) goes. Hence the LOC part of "border" is kept live. Having spent billions of dollars neither country is willing to let their part of Kashmir go or allow Kashmir to become independent, one of these days the de facto border will be recognized like rest of the border.
Look thats an adorable pic with a couple of chubby cheery generals - but more contacts and pics should be made of people to people contacts taking place between Pakistanis and Indians - then again I guess the pic above is ok as well, bit off-putting for the soldiers and officers under their respective commands.