M A I L B A G

Indo-Pak ties: Crux of the problem

In his article “Balle-Balle is not peace: India, Pak have to cross many hurdles” (Nov 20), H.K. Dua makes some very pertinent points on the Indo-Pak relations. He has aptly pointed out that policy making is not guided by inner desires of the people and that wishes are not necessarily peace.

India and Pakistan are psychologically miles apart and a real breakthrough in relations shall occur only when the psychological planes on which India and Pakistan operate come close. For that to happen, perseverance on India’s part alone would not be of much help. Well-entrenched psychological barriers in Pakistan leadership’s mind show no sign of softening at this juncture. This fact is substantiated by the efforts of Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee coming a cropper and consequent sliding down of national prestige.

Mr Dua sums up the crux of the problem elegantly: “the path of peace has certainly to be paved with good intentions…and that the well-being of the entire sub-continent should not be lost sight of by those who are destined to make history”.

Dr B.R. SOOD, Professor & Head (ECE Dept), SBBS Institute of Engg & Tech., Padhiana (Jalandhar)

II

Through human channels, India seeks to build up confidence with Pakistan to facilitate a solution to the Kashmir issue, but Pakistan wants to resolve the issue prior to other links. President Musharraf’s proposals of Oct 25 stand rejected as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asserted that India’s boundary cannot be redrawn. Consequently, General Musharraf linked violence in Kashmir with “freedom struggle”.

Pakistan has no principled stand on Kashmir. It is doing injustice to the people of Kashmir by splitting their families. If General Musharraf is progressive, on human and moral grounds he should accept the union of both parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Like other princely states, Kashmir’s accession to India is final. People have constitutional rights to fight against any kind of discrimination. After resolving the Kashmir issue, both countries should think of forming a confederation for defence and other purposes.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

III

General Musharraf’s proposal seeking the division of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be acceptable to India at any cost. The visits of students, teachers, lawyers, journalists, actors and musicians to each other’s country have generated enough confidence among the people of both countries. Political or emotional outbursts of leaders of any country in the media will damage the ‘Balle-Balle’ mood, and whatever has been achieved in the official-level talks, I fear, will go ‘Thalle-Thalle’.

Peace-lovers in the world must appreciate India’s gesture to come forward to get engaged in the peace talks with Pakistan, despite her precondition to end terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. Though, terrorism in the Valley has not completely stopped.

Mr Dua has rightly observed: “But what has essentially been discussed is the “process” for sorting out Indo-Pak problems and the stage for discussing the nitty-gritty of any formula for resolving the Kashmir question has not yet reached”.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari (Hamirpur)

Reorient growth strategy Apropos of the editorial “Deferred development” (Nov 18), though the report is discouraging, the data should be used to critically analyse the deficiencies and correct, reorient and upgrade our overall human resource development plans. Inadequate funding has always remained a major constraint in almost all HRD programmes (annually India spends only about Rs 500 per person). Our vast illiterate, unskilled and educated-unemployed human resource (particularly in rural areas) is already suffering from “capability poverty” and jobless discontentment. We must ensure that all literacy and education programmes generate skilled-creative “can do” workers and entrepreneurs, as per requirements of different public, private employment agencies or for availing themselves of self-employment opportunities. Long-term, region-specific and adequately funded human development programmes should be implemented effectively. Dr M.S. BAJWA, Ludhiana

Arafat and India

The editorial “Alvida Arafat” (Nov 12) points out how Palestine has lost one of the most colourful and courageous leaders. Yasser Arafat fiercely fought for four decades for achieving an independent homeland for his people. Because of his untimely death, Arafat could not fulfil his pledge to the Palestinians.

Arafat had good relations with India, especially during the tenure of the late Indira Gandhi. An able administrator, he stood like a light house. In return, he got abundant love, respect and affection from his people.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari (Hamirpur)

Wagah border

During a visit to Wagah border very recently, our college students were agog to see the international border. The retreat parade in the evening was very impressive. We are proud of our BSF jawans.

As in the Pakistan side of the border, why don’t we have a similar gallery that could give us a better view of our side? They have Jinnah’s picture at their entrance, but we have none. The authorities concerned should look into this and do the needful.

Prof NAHAR SINGH CHAHAL, Guru Nanak Girls College, Mullanpur (Ludhiana)

Shadow government

“India runs its democracy better than us” — this statement on American TV by an election expert makes every Indian proud of his/her matured democracy. It can be made more vibrant and effective by introducing the concept of shadow government as prevalent in the UK and other democratic countries of Europe. It is having a salutary impact on the quality of governance there. India should emulate this for better governance. It would also reduce scams and other malpractices.

Dr B.L. TEKRIWAL, Mumbai