There are reports of killings from both sides as border skirmishes are going on unabated between the armies of Pakistan and India. Not surprisingly, both sides appropriate the blame to the other for these ceasefire violations. The fresh escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) and working international border has cast a shadow on intra-Kashmir trade with authorities suspending the cross-border trade after two days of intense exchange of fire that has left some civilians and soldiers dead. While in Pakistan, a total of 19 civilians — 11 along the LoC and eight along the working boundary — have so far been killed in about 178 ceasefire violations, including 45 on the working boundary. On the Indian side, eight civilians were killed, six in Ramgarh sector and two in Rajouri, and at least 22 people were injured in the daylong firing on Tuesday. Another 80 people have been severely injured in the attacks. It remains a mystery as to who violates the ceasefire first. Despite heightened security protocol and all other measures, there is no end to these border skirmishes.
Although this certainly is no full-scale war but these ‘unprovoked’ firing incidents between two neighbouring countries can lead to a bigger tragedy anytime. Both states must find a permanent solution to this deadly engagement. There are numerous examples in the world that show that hostility between two or more nations does not bring any good. Rather, warfare has caused widespread destruction and loss of thousands of precious lives. Despite knowing the obvious dangers of war, different nations like Libya, Yemen, Syria and Iraq are to this day still engaged in fighting, and stakeholders are unable to find a roadmap to peace. The conflict between Pakistan and India is counted among one of the oldest rivalries in the region. The world is observing an absence of good leadership in both countries, which has failed to ascertain the advantages of peace and trade. It is the responsibility of both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and come forward for holding a dialogue with one another; India maintains its position of severing ties unless there is cessation of terrorism that allegedly emanates from Pakistan. India’s plans for regional leadership wouldn’t see fruition unless there is peace with Pakistan. And indeed, it is in the interests of Islamabad to peacefully settle all issues with New Delhi. Pakistan is facing a trust deficit and has to improve its image regionally and globally.
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 has become necessary for both states to take some tangible action. 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. Unless both countries resolve their outstanding issues, they would remain entangled in problems, and would not be able to tackle other challenges. Wars never solve any problems but create more. No one can afford war in today’s world. What Pakistan and India need to do is develop trade and commerce and promote people-to-people contact. Both countries should tone down their recent rhetoric and focus on resolution of conflicting issues. http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/03-Nov-16/unabated-loc-violations
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