The Hindu : Peace process

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 08, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Peace process

Sir, — The latest peace initiative of the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, towards normalising relations with Pakistan is laudable. However, let us not get carried away by the euphoria. Pakistan has been an unreliable neighbour in the past and so it is important that we tread with utmost caution. The warm handshakes and friendly hugs exhibited by the leaders should be translated into action on the ground.

B. Suresh Kumar,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The SAARC summit brings new hope and promise. Both India and Pakistan have confirmed a cooperative vision for their future. The declaration and the agreement among member-countries to eliminate terrorism in their region and to work for setting up a free trade area have the potential to change the economic, political and social spectrum of the entire region. This may well be the last opportunity for not only Mr. Vajpayee but for peace on the subcontinent.

S. Hemavathy,

Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — It is really heartening to note that Indo-Pakistan ties are blossoming, a far cry from the situation that prevailed following the attack on Parliament. Due credit for this has to be given to Mr. Vajpayee. Let us hope that this time a permanent solution is reached with regard to cross-border terrorism and the Kashmir issue.

Arvind Charanyan V.,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The leaders of India and Pakistan have both displayed great maturity. They have realised the importance of living in peace. The subcontinent stands to gain if peace prevails between India and Pakistan.

Sunchoe F. Malayil,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — What is there for India in the resumption of peace talks? Pakistan has not abandoned the Kashmir issue. Those on the most wanted list submitted by India are still at large. The most wanted Indian don, Dawood Ibrahim, has been operating from Karachi for years together. All along, India has been at the receiving end. We should not give in to pressure from world leaders.

Krishnan,

Palakkad, Kerala

* * *

Sir, — It is the same India that put genuine pre-conditions for talks like stopping of cross-border terrorism and handing over of the 20 criminals. Without any of these being fulfilled, how can it go in for peace talks? Attending the SAARC summit only implies India's commitment to SAARC.

C. Venkatagiri,

Noida, U.P.

* * *

Sir, — It is a pity that even before it has taken a tangible shape, political parties have started looking at the Indo-Pakistan peace process with the elections in mind.

This is a momentous national issue that goes beyond petty electoral calculations and should be treated as such?

V.T. Joshi,

Bhopal

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT SAFTA

SHARING RIVER WATERS

The education wars

The ruins hold the answers

An onerous responsibility