The bonhomie a distant dream

The latest developments in the India-Pak relations indicate a bleak future for both the countries.

India had called off the foreign secretary-level talks after the Pakistani High Commissioner met with the Kashmiri separatist leaders in Delhi before the meeting. While the Indian government justified its move saying that Pakistan should be dealing with the official government and not separatists, Pak government defended itself citing that they had not done anything new but the usual meetings of its officials with the Kashmiri leaders before the talks that had been continuing for years. During his maiden trip to Kashmir, Modi had reacted sharply against the neighboring country for its proxy war against India using the terrorists and separatist leaders. Pakistan denied the claims and is continuing the provocations with increased ceasefire violations and frequent incursions along the line of control. People from half a dozen villages have been evacuated from the stress prone areas by the army.

The Indian security forces recently discovered a 50 metre long tunnel near a forward post along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu region’s sensitive Pallanwala sector. The tunnel was similar to the one found in Samba district near the border two years ago. The reality that the tunnels secretly built could have been used for intrusions by the Pak army has alerted the Indian forces. The already strained relations between the neighboring countries are deteriorating. Defence Minister, Arun Jaitley has warned Pakistan that the Indian security forces were prepared to respond effectively to protect the country’s interest. But the stern warnings have not affected Pakistan. At least that is what the frequent ceasefire violations are indicating.

When Modi invited Nawas Sheriff for his swearing in ceremony along with other leaders, it was seen as a beginning of a new relation between the two countries bringing about hope and excitement. Sheriff was apparently satisfied with the visit and Modi vowed to adopt steps essential to improving the strained relations. But the recent developments are a blow to the peace efforts. Modi, evidently is seen sticking onto his Hindutwa agenda. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik hit out at Narendra Modi over his "hardline" approach on Kashmir and rejected the contention that the separatists were to blame for stalling the Indo-Pak talks. The initial hope that the two neighboring countries which share common languages, culture and tradition could maintain friendly relations with each other has vanished. Both India and Pakistan should effectively engage in sincere peace process for the betterment of both the nations rather wasting the energy and resources along the LOC which in turn would only lead to political, economical and national security crisis.