Amritsar, Oct. 22 - The problems of relations between India and Pakistan are complex and multidimensional. They are historical, geographical, social, cultural and psychological.
Mr Kanwal Sibal delivering a lecture on Indo Pak relations under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs at Guru Nanak Dev University said that Pakistan has no historical basis; it has only a political one. If the case that two distinct people with their own clear sense of history had been forced to cohabit against their will and at an opportune moment separated as independent entities reconciliation would be easier in Principle. But if the division is made because of political expediency distorted narratives and geo-political reasons the cut and paste separation remains incomplete the the wounds of partition will fester.
He said that the two nation theory lost meaning with millions of Muslims staying on in India in 1947. It was further eroded with the creation of independent Bangladesh. Pakistan is obsessed with the idea of parity with India which is based on the notion that Muslims are superior martial race over the Hindus and long standing encouragement by the western powers interested in balancing India.
Mr Sibal laid emphasis on the fact that the claims of insecurity from Indian side are false. They raise this bogey only to draw attention of western world towards themselves and gain benefits out of that. Mr Sibal was categorical in his statement that there is no political force in India that advocates unstable Pakistan. He said that we in India have ceased to assert our legal claim over the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in the interest of peaceful resolution of our differences. The thrust of our policies is to settle the Kashmir issue on the basis of Actual line of Control (LOC). He, quoting the statements from our Prime Minister, said that while actual borders cannot be changed they can be made irrelevent, which is a clear signal to Pakistan that India accepts the de facto position on the ground and wants to move forward amicably.
Mr Sibal said that despite Pakistani hostility towards us our response has been to maintain composure and keep the door of dialogue open. It sees no alternative to a dialogue. With both sides having nuclear weapons the risk of escalation following a limited strike are too serious.
He further said that India’s economic growth has been impressive and this has to be sustained to steadily eliminate poverty. Massive spending on infrastructure is required and at this juncture we can not afford to have any hostility on the borders. He said on the other hand Pakistan is a failing state, it is riven by terrorism and religious extremism and has far less at stake in a positive future. In contrast with India Military is more potent and powerful force in Pakistani politics.And as long as military remains the most powerful force in Pakistan the chances of reconciliation with India will remain distant.The military needs to cultivate hostility with India so that it can preserve its preponderant role in Pakistan’s polity. He observed in a candid manner that the people in Pakistan cannot be counted upon to lead the normalization process with India unless they have the political strength to introduce veritable democracy in the country and therefore, India is compelled by geography to bear the cross of Pakistan on its back and it should not end up being crucified.