Fresh tensions in Indo-Pakistan ties?

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury | Published: December 13, 2013 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00

Leaders of India and Pakistan are, of late, again talking about tensions in their ties and some have even gone to the extent of speculating on another war not as a distant possibility, unless the prevailing situation improves. Under-standably, the strong words are more a rhetoric than the likely happenings. Nevertheless, this situation underscores the fact that the two south Asian nations remain far from being good neighours.
The much hyped meeting between the prime ministers of two south Asian countries on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly session (UNGA) sometime ago raised hopes for improving their often-battered bilateral relations. But sceptics say that the discussions between the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Mian Nawaz Sharif were only another round of parleys at the highest level that is unlikely to produce much because of complexities in the relations between the two countries. Yet, such a summit, coming after a long gap, augured well and analysts believe would at least help arrest the trend of escalating tensions.
The meeting between the two prime ministers evoked interests not only in the two countries but also beyond.  Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm of his country following the last elections that saw his party win the polls easily. He was ousted from power by a bloodless coup in 1999 by the then army chief General Pervez Musharraf at a time when his government was believed to be making efforts to improve ties with arch rival India. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his the then Indian counterpart Atal Bihari Vajpayee made effective strides towards better relations; the latter undertook a bus journey from India to Pakistan as a symbolic gesture for strengthening ties with the perennially hostile neighbour. But Nawaz Sharif realised little that his overtures for peace with India had caused anger and unhappiness in some quarters in his country, probably also within the army, which later toppled him from power. The coup occurred against the backdrop of an incursion by the Pakistan army in the Indian territory Kargil that caused loss of lives of many soldiers in the both sides. It was believed that it was the brainchild of army chief General Musharraf, who was not on the same board with the civilian government of Nawaz on the issue of ties with India. The army chief went on to stay in power for long nine years - a period that was particularly very difficult for Nawaz Sharif, who finally made it to power once again after an agonising phase. It is his third stint as the prime minister and Nawaz's return to the helm in Pakistan is witnessing the chance of a friendly bilateral relation with India even though the path is strewn with many obstacles.
It is not too long that Nawaz Sharif has taken over as the head of the government and in this short time he has shown some gestures like releasing 340 Indian fishermen from Pakistani prison. But the positive omens were obviated by more serious negative happenings like the killing of 12 Indian troops by the militants in the disputed Kashmir region. India pointed fingers at Islamabad for such incidents that are not uncommon in that volatile area. The trans-border militancy is a critical problem in the bilateral relations that has defied any settlement. However, this has not dented the pitch of talks too badly and both sides affirmed in the New York meeting that efforts must continue for a reasonably cordial Indo-Pakistan relationship.
Two countries have several key problems including the Kashmir issue, but it is the deficit of trust and confidence that often acts as a stumbling hindrance in the improvement of ties. New Delhi is also harping on Islamabad's failure to punish the perpetrators of the Mumbai killing in 2008 when attackers from Pakistan, targeting some famous sites and institutions in the commercial capital of India, killed 156 people. All attackers also lost lives in the encounters and one Ajmal Keshab, who was caught alive, was later hanged following court trial in India. Two countries have other problems as well while bilateral contacts are not on a total standstill with cooperation in many fields.
The new Pakistani prime minister has pledged to work for expanding economic cooperation, and there is an impression that both leaders being Punjabis may put in their sincere efforts towards bettering the difficult relations. Dr Singh is originally from the west Punjab, which is now in Pakistan and Nawaz from the East Punjab that is a part of India after the 1947 partition. True, Indo-Pakistan relations are contingent upon several factors and national issues are inextricably linked with the efforts towards good ties.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Indian leader, vying for the top position in the country through the next elections, has severely criticised Manmohan Singh as a "weak" person, who would not succeed to dealing with rival Pakistan. Narendra Modi, who has been named by the main opposition party BJP as its nominee for the prime ministerial poisition, said the other day that Pakistan needs "tough" treatment from India because of its "hostile" acts. Modi, known for his communal politics, is disliked by the secular and progressive forces in India, but is credited for transforming his Gujarat state into an economic power-house as its chief minister for the last decade. He is also well known for anti-Pakistan attitude and it seems that any effort by the present Congress-led UPA government for improving ties with Pakistan may be frustrated by the opposition stance. Pakistan too has its compulsions in advancing in terms of good ties with India. However, sincere efforts by both sides can make some difference.
During a recent visit by Pakistan prime minister to "Azad Kashimir"- which is the Pakistan-held Kashmir - Nawaz Sharif said ties with India can not be improved unless the Kashmir dispute is settled. Narendra Modi visited Jammu in the Indian-held Kashmir and warned Pakistan of serious consequences unless Islamabad halts "terrorist" activities in the Kashmir region. Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also blamed Pakistan for "creating" trouble in the Kashmir area. They should stop such accusations should they really want to improve ties.
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