Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Government of India8217;s decision to deny Pakistan8217;s Information Minister Sheikh Rashid a visa to travel to India is entirely understandable. It is clear that Sheikh Rashid has to answer some serious allegations that he ran terrorist camps aimed against India once Yasin Malik blew his cover. The allegations against him acquire even more plausibility in light of the fact that independent Pakistani journalists, and no less a figure than General Aslam Beg, seem to be corroborating the charges.
There is, however, a silver lining in this affair. For once, Pakistani society seems to be having a candid discussion of who exactly was involved in terrorist operations against India. The fact that individuals are being named suggests that the issue of terrorism can no longer be swept under foggy abstractions like support for the Kashmiri people. Arguments can be raised against India8217;s uncompromising stand. Some fear that such a stand would risk jeopardising the gains of the peace process. But this fear is overstated. Pakistan has routinely denied Indian politicians visas, yet the process continues. On the contrary, dealing with the issue forthrightly could help consolidate the peace process. It could be argued that large sections of the Pakistani establishment, including General Musharraf during Kargil, have been complicit in violent activities in India. If, for the sake of the peace process, we are willing to engage with them, why single out Sheikh Rashid? There are also serious political difficulties that will stand in the way of Pakistan confronting its own past. Also politically punishing those who abetted terrorism may make hardline elements within the Pakistan government even less willing to compromise for fear of being targeted.
