Common defence

While agreeing with Pervez Hoodbhoy (Nov. 28) that it may be tactically expedient for India to join hands with Pakistan to wage a common war against terrorists, one hopes that India would genuinely empathise with the people of Pakistan, who are reeling under mindless, heinous acts of terrorism, and unequivocally express solidarity with the common people of that country. The Home Minister’s statement to the effect that evil intent cannot be ascribed to the majority people of Pakistan is to be welcomed and more such voices of moderation should emanate from India. If the masterminds of terrorism are to be denied the privilege of sowing the seeds of poison in impressionable and gullible minds, the barrier of mistrust between the people of both countries will have to be overcome and that can happen only when people-to-people contact is encouraged assiduously.

R. Ravichandran,

Chennai

I welcome and appreciate the insights provided by the author. India and Pakistan are arch rivals, but at this juncture of history, this relationship needs to transform itself into an agreement of mutual trust and assistance, at least for the basic need of existence. The Kashmir issue, for both India and Pakistan, has been largely an issue of crass ego, due to which none could step backward from their current stance. Yet India, as the bigger brother, could take an initiative towards the betterment of ties. For this to happen, the Pakistan government too will need to get its domestic affairs in order. A new history is lurking around us, let both the governments be mindful enough to allow it to be created.

Siddharth Shankaran,

Bangalore

When India has nothing to do with the internal problem at Balochistan, how can the writer say “it is possible that India is aiding some insurgent groups”? When the whole of J&K area indisputably belongs to India, where is the scope for “some kind of resolution” on the Kashmir issue? Further, demilitarisation at the border can be done only if Pakistan also genuinely falls in line. Until Pakistan takes strong action against the terrorists responsible for 26/11 and other attacks in India, there is no point in talking of both countries jointly fighting the jihadists.

R. Srinarayan,

Chennai

Mr. Hoodbhoy’s perspective was very interesting. As for his bottomline thought that a divided Pakistan would be more detrimental to the interests of India, it is also a fact that notwithstanding a non-interfering India, the world has been, time and again, a witness to the non-evolution of any unified form of leadership / type of governance on a solid basis in Pakistan. Even as a divided Pakistan is not Indian’s desire, the suggestion that India should cooperate does not sound convincing. We do have several nations in the world which are literally surrounded by countries which are inimical to them.

Ravindran Chellappa,

Vellore