B L Saraf
bushanlalsaraf@gmail.com
Recently, two statements of the two most influential public and political persons have come in the public domain which may have some reflection on India’s relations with Pakistan. First, it was the Second in Command of the RSS, Dattatreya Hosabale, who spoke for Indo- Pak dialogue and the other came from the Army Chief, General Upender Dwivedi, administering a stern warning to Pakistan to desist from creating a mischief in the Indian territory.
Hosabale said in an interview with a news agency that “fostering dialogue with Pakistan was important.” He, however, tempered his statement with a caution “If Pakistan is a pin prick trying to create incidents like Pulwama we have to answer appropriately because the security and self respect of country and the nation have to be protected ….” He added,” But at the same time we need not close the doors ……” He emphasized the need of a dialogue and said India was always ready for the dialogue that is why “diplomatic relations are maintained, trade and commerce continue and visas are being given.” On 16th May, General Dwivedi told Pakistan to “decide whether it wants to be a part of geography or history or not.” General was speaking in an interactive session at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. These two statements have reignited a debate among the circles who keep a close watch on the Indo- Pak developments.
Coming from a person who holds Second position in RSS hierarchy, it is an encouraging to know that due attention is being given to better Indo -Pak relations. To many, it may sound strange that it comes from the top quarters of an Organization which is, generally, perceived as one not enamored of India -Pakistan détente, of any kind. It may be noted that India -Pakistan dialogue, though at times on low key, went on even during Galwan skirmishes in 2021. NSA level talks happen even today, supplemented by interaction between former Army Generals and the Diplomats of the two countries. It suits both countries to be on talking terms and find a way to a smoothen relationship. For Pakistan, stake is high because of its tottering economy: for India an economical and a shorter route to carry on its growing trade with Afghanistan will be available -Chahbhar route having been rendered out of bounds by the idiosyncrasies of Trump .Even otherwise also India’s growing economy will receive a further push by having trade with Pakistan.
If we look behind ,the dialogue process- called India Pakistan Composite Dialogue (CD) between India and Pakistan started in the late Nineties of the previous century and continues till today, though with interruptions, primarily caused by the Pakistan sponsored terror attacks in the Indian territory.
One has to admit it, though bitterly or someone may wish otherwise , that Pakistan as a country is there to stay on the globe. After Operation Sindoor and in the wake of ongoing US-Israel versus Iran war its importance has received a big boost. Even otherwise also, placed strategically as it is coupled with its nuclear arsenal -, it makes imposable for the world powers and the countries that matter to ignore Pakistan’s importance. Here, one may add that neither the engagement nor the kinetic force has deterred Pakistan to give pin pricks to India. For India, therefore, it is not wise to ignore Pakistan’s mischief potential .Despite receiving a deadly blow during Opertaion Sindoor its undesirable intentions towards India have not materially changed. October last attack of Red Fort Delhi and ongoing terrorist activities in J&K prove the point. This fact was probably in the mind of Hosabale when he cautioned Pakistan to desist from such acts if the dialogue process had to go on.
It is not that the Indian Armed forces are against peace prevailing between the two countries. Former Army Chief General Manoj Narvane supported RSS leader’s stand. On 13th May in a function, in Mumbai, he acknowledged that “the fundamental struggle of a ‘Common Man ‘specially the basic needs of roti, kapda and makaan were identical on both sides of the border. ” He said the common man has nothing to do with the politics.” And added “when there is friendship between two persons, there will also be friendship between two nations.”
RSS leader made a point that rather than banking on the state authorities in Pakistan, it is prudent to engage with the civil society groups there which include sports person , artists etc. After all till 1947 we were one -with shared culture, history and geography . General Narvane’s logic on friendship between Common man of both the sides translating into the friendship between two nations lends support to the view. This is precisely the point which many in India have been constantly hammering. But then many persons, who matter most in the present political and state apparatus , would taunt them as “Moam Bati Wallas ” because they would march up to the Wagha border carrying lit candles in the hands to show solidarity with the peaceniks from across the border – who too would be present there to reciprocate the sentiment .
The statement of Hosabale, if honestly reported by the media , indicated a shift of sorts in RSS’s attitude towards Pakistan .Read together with what Sarva Sanchalak, Mohan Bhagwat has been saying off late about Hindu -Muslim unity and advising youth not to go on seeing Shiv Ling under every mosque in the country ,one can see a bright future for India’s pluralistic culture and the co -existent living among communities of different beliefs.
A craze of sorts everywhere in the Sub -Continent, India – Pakistan game of cricket could be the best instrument to start the process. It is for the sports authorities in India to heed the point and initiate process of holding bilateral sports events, both, here and in Pakistan. Onus, in this regard, is heavy on Pakistan ,as it the country which in the past had scuttled the move by launching terror attacks on the India soil just when a sporting event was about to go on .
(The author is Former Principal District & Sessions Judge)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
