Encouraging statements, no solid action
Relations between the two South Asian nations, Pakistan and India, have never been really good. Whenever the two countries gain traction on the way to peace, some hawkish, anti-peace elements, which are unfortunately present on both sides of the border, prove more than just talking heads, and disrupt the entire painstakingly put together exercise to a halt with some activity that puts either one of the country in a doubtful position. And if somehow that does not happen, a cross-border firing incident, quite the routine in this part of the world, is treated as if that is the end of the world. With tensions high and passions flaring, it is not easy controlling these incidents before they go out of hand.
What the leadership, particularly the top political leadership, of the two countries must realise is how high the stakes are for the peace process to succeed. It would not just be these two countries at each other’s throat if things do get out of control, the whole South Asian region with ramifications for the Middle East, and up north as far as China and Russia, are sure to get rattled by this madness. The trick to deescalate the tension is to recommence the dialogue process without any further delay. Both prime ministers, Manmohan Singh and Nawaz Sharif, have expressed their desire to work through the crisis. However, it is time to test their resolve, to walk the talk. It started with the killing of five Indian soldiers on the Line of Control which the Pakistan Army denies having any involvement in. There have been cross-border firing incidents after that one but it was this incident that put a stopper on the promising chances of renewal of the peace process that had unfortunately stalled in January. The interior minister of Pakistan’s statement that the incident could have been orchestrated by a group from within India has further inflamed the situation. Instead of trading allegations, both sides would benefit from the useful approach of crisis management instead of playing a zero-sum game. When such issues are contained, dealt in their individuality, without being connected to peace process at the larger scale, there would not be a problem in moving forward with the pressing agenda of peace and harmony which is in the benefit of both countries.
Despite all the commotion, the statements from senior political leadership of the two countries offer a glimmer of hope. However, Islamabad seriously needs to look into the demand of the Indian prime minister and External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid who want Pakistan to take action against those who they claim to have perpetrated the tragic incident of Mumbai 26/11. This is one way of building confidence. That said, pegging the whole peace process with this action is also something that India needs to revisit.
