An invariable feature of Indo-Pakistan equation: whenever it stands a fair chance of breaking the impasse, something to irrevocably stall the process happens, in fact, it is usually guaranteed. Several precedents exist. One can recall Benazir Bhutto’s first stint in power when efforts to usher in a new era of ties with Rajiv Gandhi’s government were sullied.
History is repeating itself in the wake of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif’s intent to bring about a normalisation of relations with New Delhi. PM Nawaz warming up to Manmohan Shingh had agitated the hawks on both sides, and surely, if there are lobbies inside Pakistan that do not want his wish to materialise, there seem to be a jingoistic brigade on the other side of the border as well who reject the rapprochement efforts.
On Tuesday, a number of soldiers, that an Indian army officer claims were “elite commandoes” from Pakistan sneaked across the Line of Control into Occupied Kashmir and tiptoed right over to an Indian checkpoint where they gunned down five of their soldiers. The Indian media, barring a few exceptions, is crying itself hoarse that a lesson be taught to Pakistan – whose supposed involvement in the incident is an emotional accusation and has no basis in fact.
The attack has been categorically denied by the Pakistan army, that maintains that their soldiers did not do so much as fire a single bullet. Islamabad’s stand is vindicated by the State Department’s assertion that the reports are unconfirmed.
Indian Defence Minister AK Antony’s statement while protesting the incident that, “persons dressed in Pakistani uniform” carried out the killings did not go well with his nation’s audience which started accusing him of giving Pakistan an “escape route”.
The vitriol by the Indian media and the Opposition is a sad reflection that Pakistan bashing is big business in India, and also demonstrated the hold that many radicals enjoy over the media. Charged demonstrations in front of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi will excite mob sentiment that must not be allowed to sway reason. Peace is the only option that is available. And hence it must be given a fair chance to show the miracles it can perform.
Uncertainty, as to whether the possibility of a new era raised by Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif’s optimistic outlook, has sprung up. If we cower before those who want a perennial state of cold war between the two neighbours, whichever side of the border they may be, it would be an abject surrender to a hopeless fate for both sides.