By deciding to go ahead with his meeting with Nawaz Sharif in New York, even after the dastardly terror strikes in Jammu, Dr. Singh has demonstrated both pragmatism and courage. Non-engagement with a democratically elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, who has professed his intention to pursue peace with India, is not an option for our country. In fact, forces inimical to India — both within and outside — want to see the breakdown of the peace process. Pakistan is as much a victim of terror as India is, and it is in the interest of both the countries to fight the common enemy together.
Raj Kishore Mishra,
Gurgaon
The Jammu attacks were undoubtedly meant to derail the peace process. Dr. Singh’s decision to continue with the peace talks deserves to be appreciated. Hopes of improving India-Pakistan relations that have been revived with the election of Mr. Sharif must not die down.
Aneesh M. Makker,
Malout
The Hindu has done well to tabulate the pattern and timings of terror attacks, coinciding with meetings between the two nations. Had Dr. Singh cancelled his meeting with Mr. Sharif, the terrorists would have succeeded in their design.
Stephen Heynes,
Bangalore
What is abundantly clear is many forces in Pakistan are against negotiations and want to ensure that instability prolongs in Kashmir. In this dismal scenario, talks with Pakistan will be an exercise in futility. Surely, enduring peace continues to be a mirage in the subcontinent.
P.K. Varadarajan,
Chennai
For us to believe that terrorists infiltrate without the knowledge or backing of the Pakistani troops is absurd. What our diplomats and the Prime Minister must understand is that peace is a two-way street and can never be achieved if there is no desire for it from across the border. Till then, we will keep losing brave army men and policemen and continue condoling their deaths.
Archit Gupta,
Manipal
Condoling lost lives is not a solution to terrorism. We have seen a series of attacks from across the border. It is difficult to understand why India cannot retaliate. Every life is important. Our security personnel cannot be left to die in attack after attack.
Narendra Reddy Singampalli,
Guntur
The army has ruled Pakistan for most part of its existence. It has consolidated its hold on the country and the civilian government is at best a smokescreen. Although at times one wonders whether retaliation could be an option, one shudders at the prospect of a war between the two nuclear states. It is hoped that the talks between Dr. Singh and Mr. Sharif will not end with the usual handshakes and bear hugs.
A. Michael Dhanaraj,
Coimbatore
