M A I L B A G

Pakistan must reciprocate India’s gesture

HK Dua’s front-page editorial “An offer well meant” (March 26) is timely. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s offer of a peace treaty with Pakistan is most welcome. Kashmir, no doubt, is a knotty problem. Both countries are facing roadblocks in the peace efforts. However, the confidence building measures should be extended to other spheres like trade and tourism to step up people-to-people contacts.

At the same time, both sides should set up a joint consultative machinery to clearly identify and smoothen the irritants so that a proper ground is prepared to resolve the Kashmir problem.

Dr Manmohan Singh has rightly indicated that General Musharraf is sincere and well meaning in his approach. Both countries must shed the baggage of the trauma of Partition and create a bulwark of cooperation in South Asia so vital for the security and integrity of this important region.

Lt-Col CHANAN SINGH DHILLON (retd), Ludhiana

II

The peace process initiated by the NDA government under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has reached its zenith during the UPA rule under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Dr Singh has lauded General Musharraf’s efforts in tackling terrorism in the past. He has offered certain mechanisms by which both countries can live in peace and improve the quality of life of the people. Each other’s resources, trade and cultural heritage will prove beneficial for both countries.

While Dr Singh’s offer of a peace treaty is well-intentioned, General Musharraf is a different personality. He listens, but when he is under internal pressure, he starts his anti-India tirade to ease the pressure. General Musharraf should understand the value of unity between both countries and act accordingly.

The terrorists are working under his command. He should restrict them and close all the terrorists’ camps in his country. Only then, these steps would help restore peace in the region.

PURAN SINGH, Rewari

III

General Musharraf must reciprocate India’s fine gesture wholeheartedly. Bombs and bullets never build nations. Successive Indo-Pak wars have left behind wailing widows, miserable mothers, crying children and destruction of life and property.

It is time we put our past animosities behind and look forward to a new era of peace, cooperation and development. There is no reason for us to fight on any issue. Given the political will, we can resolve all the problems including Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and Baglihar across the table.

As one who has served the Indian Navy for well over three decades, I would suggest India and Pakistan to raise monuments captioned “The Souls of the Dead” after every 100 km on the Indo-Pak border with this inscription — Let us salute those who made supreme sacrifice for their respective countries during all these unwanted wars and swear by their sacrifices to extend a hand of friendship and live like one family and one federation.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari-Hamirpur

IV

The Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service will improve bilateral ties and bring the people closer. Guru Nanak commands respect in the universe. His principles and fundamentals of living are respected as a way of life.

Thus, the new bus service is not only important to Sikhs but also allow them easy access to the birthplace of their Holy Guru for which they have been praying since Independence. The two countries should now resolve their disputes peacefully.

KAWALDEEP SINGH, Patiala

V

Pakistan President General Musharraf must treat Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s offer of a treaty of peace and friendship in the spirit in which it has been made and respond favourably. There is no substitute for peace and tranquility. Dr Singh has chosen the right time to extend his hand of friendship to Pakistan — the inauguration of the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service.

I hope wise counsel would prevail over the Pakistani rulers to respond to India’s offer in the same spirit expected by the Indian government and the people.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA, Rohtak

VI

After Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee flagged off the bus to Lahore, there was the Kargil conflict because of Pakistan’s war mentality. General Musharraf even threatened to use nuclear weapons, if need be, against India. I don’t know whether the Nankana Sahib bus will help change Pakistan’s attitude towards India.

Both countries should strive for peace. I feel the best possible solution is to convert the Line of Control into a permanent boundary between India and Pakistan.

SUDHA SHARMA, Patiala