Army CBMs will be high on talk agenda

While both sides have had difficulties in bridging the gap over their basic approach to the subject, there is a recognition that these differences should not come in the way of improving military-to-military contacts.

While India had suggested border meetings along with a host of other CBMs in the last round of talks under the composite dialogue, Pakistan had made a specific proposal for flag meetings during the foreign secretaries meeting last December. This was included in a list of 20 CBMs put forward by then Pakistan Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar.

The proposal sought to have monthly flag meetings in Olding, Chakhothi and Sadabad sectors between local commanders of the area. India too had earlier suggested setting up hotlines between local commanders in Leh and Skardu. Similar hotlines between local commanders of Suchetgarh and Sialkot as well as Baramulla and Murree were proposed.

There has, however, been no movement on this issue. The problem, sources said, is the disagreement on Islamabad’s suggestion to link these moves with a broader strategic restraint regime. But given the fact that each of these steps can contribute to reducing risks, create mutual trust and help maintain tranquility along the LoC, there is a case for the political leadership on both sides to take it forward.

Ahead of Musharraf’s visit, sources said, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had also discussed the possibility of further reduction of troops in the Valley. However, the military assessment is to wait till June before taking any decision on the subject.

Meanwhile, 24 hours before the visit, officials from India and Pakistan went through a tough time firming up Musharraf’s itinerary in India. His desire to make it this time to the dargah of Khwaja Moinnudin Chisti in Ajmer now stands fulfilled, but that means his meeting with former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has been virtually called off though they are likely to meet at the cricket stadium. Officials maintain that efforts are still underway to organise a meeting but the official itinerary does not mention it.

Musharraf’s own wish to watch cricket for longer than just 90 minutes too could not be accommodated in the packed schedule. He arrives in Ajmer in the afternoon and is in Delhi by 6.20 pm on Saturday. The talks with the PM have been shifted to Sunday morning. He will hold a breakfast meeting with senior editors on Monday morning before his departure to Manila. This apart, he has set aside two hours for the Hurriyat leaders on Saturday.