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Journalism of Courage
This moment calls for sobriety and restraint. Dont let a jingoistic clamour endanger India-Pakistan dialogue
Even as the new Pakistan government seeks to resume the dialogue with India,and Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Nawaz Sharif prepare to meet next month,the ambush and killing of five Indian soldiers,allegedly by Pakistani troops and terrorists at the Line of Control,threatens to place great strain on a delicately poised relationship. Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Tuesday,but not before opposition parties tore into the government for what they termed as its failure to stand up to Pakistan. The Samajwadi Party poured scorn on the bechara defence minister,and the BJP demanded to know whether the UPA was on Indias side or Pakistans. It suggested that all talks with Pakistan cease if even one bullet is fired on the border.
The Nawaz Sharif government has shown some initiative towards repairing the relationship. Manmohan Singhs record with Pakistan has been hampered by his partys reluctance to make a bold move,as well as hostility following the 26/11 attack. Indeed,the bilateral dialogue is burdened by constraints on both sides. India has asked for some headway on 26/11,it wants larger commitments on choking terrorist activity and improved trade relations. Pakistan wants India to understand that its civilian leadership is invested in reconciliation,but has little control over the security establishment and its offshoots. Only dialogue,a skilful and patient engagement,can extract anything meaningful from these fraught circumstances. As the US begins its withdrawal from Afghanistan,and Pakistans terrorists turn their energies to the eastern front,the space for bargain and negotiation must not be compromised.
