DOST KHAN
Jammu: Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s bravado over Indian response to border skirmishes lacks commitment. Like his predecessors, he doesn’t want to come out of self-patting syndrome and therefore the quote “No one can dare cast an evil eye on India” cannot inspire the compatriots. He is right while saying, “Our jawans are protecting the border with all their might. Even if someone tries to do so, BSF and other security forces will give them a fitting reply,” but he is miserably wrong in his assumption that the matter can be sorted out through dialogue with Pakistan. Islamabad has a definite agenda and they are pursuing it in a planned manner. Pushing in terrorists under cover-fire and ceasefire violations are essential ingredients of the bigger plan. The sinister agenda is to keep pot boiling in the region and to internationalise Kashmir issue. For furthering this agenda, local actors are always there in the Valley to supplement their plans by igniting the situation. They are currently doing that if the under-currents in the process of government formation is any indicator. The nation is disgustingly watching voices of initiation of dialogue with Pakistan and terrorists emanating from the Valley.
It is irony that while Pakistan is employing all tactics to internationalise Kashmir, some elements in the Valley-both in mainstream and separatists are placing the assailant and the victim on the same pedestal. This can be well illustrated by the statement of a very senior mainstream leader who is on record having stated, “Instead of reacting in knee jerk manner, India and Pakistan should maintain spirit of the ceasefire”. Did India breach the agreement? Unfortunately, the psychology of some elements in Kashmir remains the same that is prevalent across the borders. And, circumstances have brought such elements at the centre-stage of Kashmir politics now, as a result of which ‘dialogue with Pakistan’ rant is gaining momentum in Kashmir. This is because successive governments in New Delhi have all along pursued a wrong path to deal with rogue neighbour. The present dispensation is no different.
Sagacity demanded that India should not have engaged itself with Islamabad because there is nobody to talk to in view of different power centres existing in Pakistan. The irresponsible nation in the backyards has been employing arm twisting methods to browbeat India. At times threats of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities are highlighted to send a signal that the neighbour can go to any extent to marginalise India. The frequent cease-fire violations should, therefore, be seen as provocation to India to retaliate. Nowhere in the world has any country boasted of its military status. India has, at least, never made a mention of being a nuclear power. One wonders whether Pakistan’s threats have any role to play in bringing Indians on the negotiation table.
New Delhi has never been steadfast in its Kashmir policy. It has been wavering.