10th anniversary of one of the worst massacres perpetuated by outsiders in independent India passed by in solemn commemoration and recollection. But there was no closure in terms of punishing their architects. The US offer of a fresh bounty on the Mumbai 26/11 attackers may not yield anything substantial but like the earlier two bounties announced on Hafiz Saeed and his lieutenant, any expression of solidarity adds moral heft to the Indian case for punishing the handlers. The US also lost six citizens in the attack and hence has additional reason, besides improving bilateral ties, to arrive at a common ground.

Yet in seeking retribution, the US also weighs its overall interests in the region, which is to keep the Pakistan army in good humour. It was economical in its cooperation over David Headley whose reconnaissance was used by the terrorists to cause maximum damage. It held back news of his arrest till Headley made a plea bargain not to be extradited to India. The US also did not hand over his bank accounts to gain insight into his financing network. Hafiz Saeed has remained untouched despite an earlier $10 million bounty because he is an asset of the Pakistan army. Otherwise Pakistan has no qualms about handing over wanted extremists to the US.

In fact, Pakistan’s recent thaw with Afghanistan was attempted by handing over two dozen Taliban extremists. Pakistan has now launched a hunt for Chinese extremists on its soil. India should take the cue to shed any illusions of any other country taking up its cause. Pakistan in the past had gamely tried to prosecute Saeed when India had the fortitude of not letting ties slack despite the immense strain of the Mumbai attacks. And now, when an opening provided by the Kartarpur corridor has presented itself, it needs to be exploited for further possibilities. India has already stated that terror and talks cannot go together but initiatives like the corridor can proceed. Perhaps it may be opportune to attempt another easily-attainable peace initiative to break the ice.

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Courtesy: Tribune: 29th Nov, 2018