Ata Hasnain stresses for Indo-Pak dialogue

Former Army General, Syed Ata Hasnain, addressing media in Baramulla. -Excelsior/Aabid Nabi
Former Army General, Syed Ata Hasnain, addressing media in Baramulla. -Excelsior/Aabid Nabi

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 5: Former Corps Commander of Srinagar based 15 Corps Lt General (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain today remarked that dialogue is the only way out between the two neighbouring nations for creation of a conducive and peaceful atmosphere for the people.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Hasnain said that things in Kashmir will be fine and people will live a peaceful life once both nations will go for a full-fledged dialogue.

Click here to watch video
He said the things across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be alright and people will be allowed to move freely once the issues get resolved through a meaningful dialogue.
“Pakistan should reciprocate and cooperate with the peace overtures made by India to help in peace, prosperity and development on a larger extent, especially for the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.
He said that if Pakistan wants to extend peaceful relations with India there will be peace but it must have some clarity about the decisions made there.
Recalling the service days rendered in Baramulla district, he said: “I was posted in Uri when the two Governments of India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire along the borders and even at the time of Karavan-e-Aman between the two nations.”
He stated that Pakistan must be clear about its decision since they extend a hand for peace and trade but within no time the decisions are revered and there is no clarity about who is the decision-maker.
“Pakistan talks about forgetting about everything that has happened in the past to develop relations with us but the next minute everything is reversed”, he said.
He maintained that there is peace across Kashmir and everything must start with a dialogue in the Valley with a new beginning. He also said that once the confusion about the decision-making ends in Pakistan only then there will be peace.
“I am very connected to the peace of Kashmir and with dialogue everything will be good and settled”, he said.