Ceasefire Good, but must be followed by political dialogue

By: Mudasir Dar

Given the complicated channels of power that operate in Kashmir, the gesture of a ceasefire needs to be supported by backchannel dialogue with Pakistan and cultivating a strong domestic constituency for peace. Despite the sabre-rattling on the surface, there may have been signs of a thaw in recent months. This week, for instance, both the Indian and Pakistani DGMO's seemed to speak the same language,  and came into a ceasefire agreement with each other from February 24, generating hope for the people of Kashmir for a political dialogue on various issues between the two nations. , leading to speculation that there may have been backroom work. Now, the Ministry of External affairs statement reads" In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the border, the two DGMO agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have propensity and lead to violence “Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and cease firing along the Line of Control with effect from midnight 24/25, February 2021,”

The same statement has been widely welcomed by Kashmiris and all over the world also but the important thing that should be associated with this all is that of political dialogue of two nations with each other. The dialogue process with Pakistan could provide a vital opening to push forward with the peace process. In the past, Pakistan’s military and political leadership have pulled in different ways (unless the generals were indirectly in power), often undermining dialogue with the civilian government. This could be an important moment to engage both, as well as the leadership in Kashmir.

Let's get one thing right. Nothing in Kashmir will improve  India's relations with Pakistan will improve till relations with Pakistan improves. And what is unlikely to happen as long as we keep pitching a hard, muscular line against them instead of sitting down and talking out differences. There is far too much at stake when India conflicts with its neighbours. Neither side can win because we are joined at the hip. While India hates Pakistan trip, Pakistan is tit for tat to India with a hate India trip. the consequences are there for all to see.

By figures, there were more than  4052  ceasefire violations in 2020 highest in two decades, in the year 2019 with more than 3200 ceasefire violations that had been reported. compare these  figures,there have been 405 violations in 2015,583 in 2014,347 in 2013,114 in 2012,62 in 2011, 44 in 2010 and 28 in 2009.This suggests that the relationship deteriorated over the last 15  years and the results of these violations had been quite brutal and bloody with human lives being lost on either side of the LOC, be it a soldier or a Civilian but the blood of everyone is red.

The spike in violations in the last two years has been explained as due to the abrogation of 370 but these violations are mostly meant to make the infiltration possible. Instead of doing what is likely to make more sense- scaling down tensions, reducing the hostilities. But who wants to make sense, and care for the lives of our civilians and soldiers.Pakistqn should ensure that there is no  infiltration, that will make LoC peace durable and That is the need of the hour.

As has been said by Narendra Modi Honourable PM many the times in his different speeches that the two countries share most of the problems including poverty, Corruption and many other issues that the two countries need to fight for but the same seems impossible as most of their resources are getting utilised to fight each other on LOC and the common concerns remain thereof.

 The initiation of a  meaningful dialogue shall bring succour not only to the people of j&k, reduce tension on borders and help the people displaced because of hostilities, return to their homes, but shall also be a huge relief to the people of the subcontinent. A country with the one-third population living below the poverty line without access to Basic amnesties of life like health care and safe drinking water can ill afford to spend ten billion rupees to fight and contain street protests in the UT of j&k, and twenty-four billion rupees to retain control over a few hundred square kilo-meter glacier without a trace of life. The same has been the case with our neighbouring country also ,and even I may say worst of this is present in our neighbouring country. The meaningful political dialogue shall facilitate the use of precious resources for the welfare of deprived and downtrodden people of India and Pakistan.

 it is such a delight to read the spy chronicles, a book co-authored by two of the most famous spymasters of the two famous spymasters .former raw chief AS Dulat and former ISI chief Asad Durrani. Their conversation took place in Istanbul, Bangkok and Kathmandu. They are not as sinister as we may think .they are most about lost opportunities. the two spymasters are warm and Frank with each other, often offering perspective into why our two nations continue to conflict with each other. their chat shows that we could have, as easily, chosen to be a place. what was perhaps needed was more imaginative political leadership on both sides.

Talking has always helped to resolve the most complex conflicts. Unlike the Arabs and Israelis, Indians and Pakistanis have a strong cultural bond. we have shared literature- a common love for Manto, Sahir, Faiz Ahmed Faiz. A shared cinema-an undying love for Bollywood. A shared obsession with cricket India Pakistan matches (rare, very rare nowadays) is the most widely watched games ever.

The spy chronicles try to tell you what has gone wrong. The warmth of the engagement between the two spymasters makes us realise that there is still hope that future leaders may be able to bring the two nations closer and create an atmosphere where we can meet freely, share ideas and experiences and celebrate our common heritage without being seen as anti-nationals. After all, Parents and Grandparents of both countries are sure cherished memories of an undivided nation. if the two spymasters can break bread together and risk-sharing memories, so can our political leadership. if for no other reason, for the sake of the most beautiful place on earth: Kashmir .let's take away our silly war from there.

 

Author is student cum social Activist, is recipient of Presidential Award in world Scouting and can be reached at mudasirdariust@gmail.com.