Peace, broadbased

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, currently on a visit to the region, has confirmed that talks are underway with Pakistan to open a road link between Kargil and Skardu in the Northern Areas, currently occupied by Pakistan. In fact, in his meeting with visiting BJP President L.K. Advani in Islamabad last month, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf too had evinced interest in this road link. There is no reason why progress on this confidence-building measure cannot be hastened. Softening of borders elsewhere 8212; in Punjab and Kashmir 8212; has enlarged the constituency for peace by allowing people to re-establish traditional family and cultural ties. In addition, akin to the trade routes revived in Sikkim, it would be to both India8217;s and China8217;s mutual benefit to further commerce through Ladakh.

Success of peace processes are best measured by the gains they bring to people inadvertently affected by hostility. On its breakthroughs with China and Pakistan, India must broadbase the gains. Passing on the peace dividends to Ladakh would be a good start.