The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Friday, June 21, 2002, Chandigarh, India

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

M A I L B A G

Understanding the ruler in Islamabad: time to end terrorism

This has reference to Mr Hari Jaisingh’s article “Understanding the ruler in Islamabad: time for Indo-US cooperation to end terrorism” (June 14) in which he has highlighted the problem of Pak-sponsored terrorism and the nefarious role of General Musharraf. I share his concern about the perverted nature of General Musharraf who never stands by his words.

However, we have to face the harsh realities. Some time back, Prime Minister Vajpayee had said about Pakistan that we can change our history but not geography. So we have to live with this neighbour headed by a committed fundamentalist. The best way is that we have to change our style of dealing with him. The old low profile soft state image has to be replaced by tough and bold posture.

This we find now in the working and conduct of our Prime Minister who has started taking a firm stand. Through our diplomatic offensive, we have been able to make a significant victory over Pakistan without going to war. In the comity of nations, Pakistan has been isolated. Still, there is no room for complacency. We must be alert, vigilant and shrewd enough to see through General Musharraf’s tricks so as to foil his evil designs.

DR ADARSH BATRA, Lecturer, Assumption University of Thailand, Huamark, Bangkok

Pak U-turns: It is in America’s own interest to force Islamabad to cooperate fully in hunting down Al-Qaeda and other militants. Without American help, India is not likely to get off the ground. Musharraf had to ditch his old friends — Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Now Pakistan has had to disown the jehadis operating in Kashmir as well.

Musharraf has not only been caught telling lies but the two U-turns have proved that Musharraf is a puppet of America. The USA has pushed Musharraf further into a corner. So even if the war clouds have receded, they have not yet disappeared.

UMED SINGH GULIA, Gohana

NUCLEAR STRIKE: Pakistan’s belligerent posture and first strike nuclear option not withstanding, the chances of nuclear flare-up between the two neighbours are very remote. Nuclear weapons are basically used for strategic and political gains. Even countries branded as rogue will think twice before pressing the red button. Pakistan will never use nuclear weapons against India unless threatened with complete annihilation, which is well beyond the Indian conventional military power. This fact Pakistan very well knows.

Col KULDIP SINGH GREWAL (retd), Patiala

OF GRAVE CONCERN: We, the undersigned, Americans of Indian, Kashmiri and Pakistani decent, South Asians in the United States, and allies, are committed to empowering peace and justice in South Asia. We recognise certain injustices that plague South Asia, such as those related to the self-determination of the Kashmiri people, the secularisation of India and the democratisation of Pakistan. We support the struggles of the people of Kashmir and of India and Pakistan to live in peace and urge the respective Pakistani and Indian governments to continue deescalating and renew diplomatic relations and dialogue.

We have been gravely concerned over the escalation of rhetorical, military, and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan that threatens any war by either intention or misstep. Encouraged by the recent decline in such escalation, we call upon political leaders in India and Pakistan to continue to exercise prudence and neutralise inflammatory diplomatic stances as a precondition to developing sustained commitment to the following:

End the 55-year history of confrontational politics between India and Pakistan through demilitarising common borders/ Line of Control and the Kashmir Valley. Demilitarising nuclear nonproliferation and decommissioning, decreasing military stockpile, and no landmines. Resume a dialogue towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue that is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders. Ending all forms of Hindu and Islamic extremism that recurrently leads to violence against Muslims and other religious minorities in India, women and religious minorities in Pakistan and more widely threatens regional peace and stability. End all direct and indirect support for terrorism on the part of individuals, groups or governments.

Maintaining open travel, communications and other cultural exchanges between the people of India, Kashmir and Pakistan. Reduce defense expenditure and increase trade and commercial activity to benefit the economic lives of the peoples of India and Pakistan.

The deliberate cultivation of nationalism based on war-mongering, brutality and violence is unjust and unethical. Such nationalism does not fulfill the historical vision that motivated the independence struggle in India and Pakistan. Our communities and leaders must mobilise resources that address the real issues of poverty, dispossession and disempowerment. India and Pakistan must invest to form strong bilateral alliances to commit to the common regional goals of democracy, secularism, education, healthcare and access to livelihood resources, particularly amongst South Asia’s most marginal populations.

SATNAM S CHAHAL, President, Qaumantri Punjabi Bhaichara Of California, California

We must defeat Pak designs
In his article "Understanding the rulers in Islamabad", Mr Hari Jaisingh presents the 'naked picture' of General Musharraf's dirty intentions to take revenge and 'the Evil' of his mind to see India 'humiliated in the international community'. He has rightly stated that China and America were behind the nuclearisation of Pakistan. How can a poor country like Pakistan (with population of 14 crore) dare to threaten a big and strong democratic country like India in such a blatant manner?
Now big countries like America, Britain, France and China have realised 'the existing subcontinental relatives' but still half-heartedly. Why don't they come out openly in favour of India's fight against 'terrorism', particularly crossborder terrorism initiated by Pakistan? The Taliban, Al-Qaeda and all other Islamic fundamentalist terrorist organisations find safe refuge in PoK and Pakistan. Its sole aim is to grab 'Kashmir which is a far dream.
It's time to formulate a comprehensive strategy towards Pakistan without blindly following the USA or any other country. Our own decisions without any foreign influence will only be helpful to save our 'sovereignty'.
BALRAM CHAWLA, Dharuhera (Rewari) Haryana

Deplorable treatment

Apropos of “PAU Professor forcibly evicted from house” (June 15), I am appalled at the level of degradation at PAU. A senior scientist has been subjected the immense humiliation at the hands of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr K.S. Aulakh. The amazing turn of events that have led to the terrible eviction of Dr Grewal from his residence is simply beyond belief. In fact, it is a clear indication of the miserable situation in PAU. This scientist has been humiliated and thrown out like a common criminal.

Dr H.S. GILL, Chandigarh

Breaking shackles

What people like me had been praying for years has now happened. Your paper has broken the shackles of self-imposed restraint in following policy of excessive care while criticising even the blatant misdoings of the three wings of governance of the country. The Press is an instrument in a democracy which should not feel restricted or worrisome about the intricate legal bandages while exposing the enemies of society. The rest of the legal work can be done by the law-enforcing agencies/courts.

Heart-felt congratulations for your bold reporting in the last few months. I have one request to make. You have so far not come out with precise details about the latest decisions of the government of India about recalling of worships and allowing overflights for Pakistani Airlines. I think the recalling of warships is justified if America made the request so that it could not be embarrassed in moving men and material to nab terrorists hiding in Pakistan; allowing overflights may be a mistake as it would create a grave security risk. Used unscrupulously, as is the wont of Pakistanis always, many “Parulias” may happen.

D. P. KARKAR, Kurukshetra