Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India following the alleged “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control (LoC), India’s Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that the entire stretch of 3,323-kilometre-long border between the two countries would be “completely sealed” by December 2018, for which a time-bound action plan would be formulated. Indian government is all set to fend off its border at the states that border Pakistan: Indian-held Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Amid growing resentment, it is good that instead of opting for warfare, India has decided to secure its own border. It is hoped that the sealing of border would result in curtailment of tension. In the wake of recent developments that include accusations of militants’ infiltration from Pakistan to India, claims of conducting surgical strikes and Pakistan’s response to the LoC violations, it had become necessary for both states to take some tangible action. And India’s announcement about sealing its border should be taken positively. It will not only help obstruct the illegal smuggling of drugs and other items but also bring to an end constant Indian claims of cross-border movement. Fending off the border is a sensible decision as it would help eliminate many blind spots along the border.
Along with taking such measures, there is a need to ease tensions at the border through meetings between Pakistan’s Rangers and India’s Border Security Forces. The leadership of both countries should resolve all bilateral issues in a civilised manner, paying heed to each other’s opinions to address grievances and seek solutions. Serious efforts must be made for re-establishment of amicable relations between Pakistan and India. A peaceful border is the need of the hour, and to this end both countries should respect each other and hold a dialogue to resolve all issues. They should join hands for developing bilateral relations, and resolving all outstanding conflicts. There are more urgent needs of the masses in both states. Among them terrorism and poverty are the biggest challenges for Pakistan and India. They need to collaborate to tackle these challenges. Pakistan and India should formalise a strategy for a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir. Both the countries need to reaffirm their resolve that they will not resort to the use of force or threat of the use of force under any circumstances. They need to focus on the causes of tension and take all possible measures to avert further escalation. Serious efforts are needed by both sides to re-engage in the dialogue process. There must be an initial point to start with. Instead of getting bogged down over big disputes, both states need to first sort out smaller issues that can be resolved by applying only a little rationality. Issues like the withdrawal of forces from Siachen, Sir Creek, fishermen’s arrests and border skirmishes may lend themselves to relatively easier resolution. These are issues that can be resolved by Islamabad and New Delhi by sitting at the negotiating table even without the intervention of the UN. The only thing that the two countries need to acquire is mutual trust. Both countries need to take confidence building measures for the establishment of long lasting peace in the region. They have to talk to each other if they wish to co-exist as peaceful neighbours. So far, there are no indications that both states will be on good terms any time soon.
Unless both countries resolve their outstanding issues, they will remain entangled in problems and cannot tackle other challenges. The fact that Pakistan and India are neighbouring states cannot be wished away. Wars never solve any problems but create more. No one can afford war in today’s world. What they need to do is to develop trade and commerce and promote people to people contacts. Both the countries should tone down their recent rhetoric and focus on the resolution of conflicting issues. *