Arun Joshi

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s phone call to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Sunday on the latter’s stupendous victory in the just-concluded General Election was nothing short of an ice-breaking moment for J&K that had eagerly been waiting for the moment.

It was no ordinary congratulatory call from Pakistan PM and the response by Modi was equally eloquent, showcasing pathways to foster peace, progress and prosperity in the region of South Asia where Kashmir is considered to be an outstanding issue between the two countries.

Kashmiris are rightly analysing the importance of this conversation as path-breaking as it was the first such call – Pakistan premier had said during the times of bitterness over Pulwama and Balakot in February this year that his phone call was not responded to by Indian Prime Minister —that holds the promise of things moving forward in the way people in this state always wanted.

The contents of the conversation released by the foreign ministries of the two countries are quite encouraging — rather these can be called ice-breaking moment when seen and read against the backdrop of the catastrophic consequences that the ultra-nationalistic rhetoric could have unfolded in February this year after the February 14 Pulwama attack and the retaliation in aerial strike at Balakot — for people of Jammu and Kashmir.

They were particularly worried over the possibility of war breaking out between India and Pakistan. The internal situation in the state, especially in the Valley, despite intensified anti-militancy operations, was not showing an end to the alienation that has become a byword to describe the psychological distance to describe the distance between Delhi and Srinagar.

Prime Minister Modi’s exhortation for an “environment free of violence and terror for peace, progress and prosperity of the region”, in response to Imran Khan’s congratulatory message, specified the first steps needed to institute the dialogue process. Read in the context of Imran Khan’s reiteration of his “vision of peace in South Asia” and wish to “work together” with his Indian counterpart to achieve these objectives should be seen as a preface to the future conversations between the two leaders and their countries.

Those would be great moments for the people of J&K who are the worst affected by their hostilities, and benefit most when they talk friendship. India has genuine concerns about the violence and terror being exported from Pakistan into Kashmir. It would be a mistake if Modi’s words are interpreted as a precondition for the dialogue.

He has only reminded Pakistan leaders of their own words and commitments that terrorism is not in their country’s interest. It is time for them to heed Modi’s words to make progress in improving ties with India. That alone can help address all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Courtesy:The Tribune,May 28,2019