PM seeks peace with a country at war with itself

On a day that Pakistan was rocked by yet another suicide attack, prime minister Manmohan Singh called on the embattled neighbour to destroy terror on its soil with this promise — that it would not find New Delhi wanting in response if it shows sincerity.
Singh reaffirmed the talks offer to “anyone who has any meaningful ideas for promoting peace and development in Kashmir”, in an apparent hint to revive the stalled dialogue process with the separatists.

Addressing a large public rally before inaugurating the 19-km Anantnag-Qazigund railway stretch, Singh appealed to the people and the government of Pakistan to grasp the hand
of friendship India has extended.

“I call upon the people and government of Pakistan to show sincerity and good faith. I hope that the government of Pakistan will take the ongoing action against terrorist groups to its logical conclusion. They should destroy these groups wherever they are operating and for whatever misguided purpose… As I have said many times before, we will not be found wanting in our response.”

On “humanitarian issues”, he said: “[Their] resolution requires the cooperation of Pakistan, like the issue of detainees of the two countries languishing in each other’s jails even after completing their sentences or making travel and trade through the LoC easier.”

In an apparent reference to the 26/11 attackers, he said Islamabad should curb the activities of elements responsible for terrorism in India. “If they are non-state actors, Pakistan has a solemn duty to bring them to book. The perpetrators of acts of terror must pay the heaviest penalty for their barbaric crimes against humanity.”

Singh reminded Pakistan how, eventually, the militants turn against the country, bringing death and destruction. “It is a misplaced idea that one can reach a compromise with the ideology of terrorists or that they can be used for one’s purpose. The real face of Pakistan is for the people of Pakistan to see with their own eyes,” he said.

Singh recalled “the fruitful and productive” talks New Delhi had with Islamabad during 2004 to 2007 — a progress “thwarted repeatedly by acts of terrorism”. “Intensive discussions were held on all issues including a permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue. For the first time, people were able to travel by road across the LoC, divided families were united, overall trade with Pakistan increased three times and visas to Pakistanis was doubled,” he said.

To express his intentions, Singh recited the well-known Urdu couplet: “Kutch aisa bhi manzar hain tareekh ki nazroon main, lamhoon ney khata ki aur sadiyoon ney saja payee (Certain accounts of history show how moments commit the mistakes and centuries pay for it).”

Reiterating his talks offer, he said: “We want to carry all sections of the people with us in resolving the political and economic problems of J&K.”

Also present on the occasion was the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Gandhi, congratulating Kashmiris for “enthusiastically participating” in the assembly and Lok Sabha polls, said there weren’t any issues that could not be resolved by talks in a democratic setup. Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah. said his government would provide help in making the situation conducive for the resumption of Centre-state talks.

 Singh also called for early local body polls in the state. “I would urge that elections to local bodies be held quickly. This will increase people’s participation in the process of development.”