M A I L B A G

Promoting peace with Pakistan

HK Dua’s front-page editorial “An offer well meant” (March 26) is positive and very useful for promoting friendly ties with Pakistan. We need stronger bonds of brotherhood and friendship across the borders. We have to dispel the doubts and fears and clear the way for lasting peace.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has done a good job by offering to clinch a “Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship” with Pakistan in near future. People from both sides should be allowed to visit their relatives and friends. People-to-people contacts should be encouraged on a larger scale.

If there is any visible blockade in our relations with Pakistan, it is the presence of terrorists on the borders. Pakistan ought not to give shelter and support to them.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

II

The editorial is thought provoking. India is an emerging great power. But it must give up old shibboleths and mindset if it wants to make best use of the new situation following US President George W. Bush’s visit to India.

Think tanks in both India and the US should stimulate new strategic thinking backed by new inspired public that wants to come out of the traditional mould. In any event, there is no flash point. An improved relationship with Pakistan doesn’t entail antipathy towards others or placing all eggs in one basket. Hence, let’s expand the dialogue process and reduce the trauma across the borders.

UMED SINGH GULIA, Faridabad

III

The nightmarish travails of Partition and then the periodic wars speak of suffering. In the nuclear age, it is not possible to redraw the borders. Exchange of territory or a change of the boundaries is not possible. Forgetting the bitter past, the only course is to grasp the hand of friendship, peace and harmony as trusted friends. Good relations will bring peace and prosperity to both India and Pakistan.

A poet has aptly said: Ab to karle hamari mohabat ka yakeen/Umar beet gayee azmanay mein (At least now believe in my love (sincerity) for you/Almost the whole life has been spent on testing).

Dr L.K. MANUJA, Nahan

IV

The editorial succintly highlights the profound significance of this momentous venture. If acknowledged and reciprocated in equal measure and sincerity by Pakistan, this could pave the way for phenomenal improvement in our neighbourly relations leading to prosperity in the troubled sub-continent.

It is also a bold step and courageous idea for which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh deserves to be complimented. The need of the hour is to bring about a change in the mindset, especially among the hardliners. This entails concerted efforts to bury the hatchet and unite to fight our common (and real) enemy — illiteracy, poverty, backwardness and terrorism.

Brig GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA (retd), Shimla

V

Every Sikh household rejoices at the inauguration of the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service. This speaks volumes about India’s efforts to promote peace with Pakistan. Problems like opening a visa office in Amritsar, high bus fare and its low frequency can be resolved across the table.

I am also happy that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced a number of development schemes to arrest the urban chaos in Amritsar. These include an elevated Grand Trunk road right up to the Golden Temple with ample parking facilities and completion of the “Ghaliara” beautification project of the temple.

Brig H.S. SANDHU, Panchkula

VI

Mr Dua has rightly suggested that General Musharraf should respond positively to Dr Manmohan Singh’s offer to sign a “Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship”. The Prime Minister’s sincere offer, which is backed, somewhat naturally and nostalgically by the majority of common people on both sides of the border, should not be difficult for General Musharraf and his men to accept.

Mr Dua has rightly warned General Musharraf against reading what is not said in Dr Manmohan Singh’s statement.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh