To Link or to De-Link?

India-Pakistan relations are abject lessons in how not to be good neighbors.

To be good neighbors interaction must take place. Both parties cannot sit aloof blaming each other. This will beget more animosity and devilish thoughts. One has to talk to find out solutions.

Since that heinous 26/11 Mumbai terror attack India had been rightfully demanding Pakistan to act and stop breeding terror. It had also rightfully asserted that unless Pakistan took action on terror the composite dialogue process would not be resumed. This led to a philosophy of linking action on terror to further talks between the two neighbors. No action on terror, no talks.

Pakistan, bleeding from terror attacks within, had naturally been dithering on that. But finally it had admitted that the Mumbai attack was planned in Pakistan and executed by terrorists from that country only.

The Indian Government took note of this belated but positive development and in the joint declaration issued in the Egypt meet on July 16, 2009 when Indian Prime Minister held talks with his Pakistan counterpart, it was agreed upon to de-link action on terror from the composite dialogue process for peace. It was rather a notional agreement than with strong commitment.

While the Pakistan media applauded both the Prime Ministers the Indian media had been skeptical. The philosophy of 'links' created havoc on the opposition party ranks. Major opposition parties staged a walkout in the Indian parliament on July 17, 2009 alleging the government's 'capitulation' to 'pressures'. The US angle always comes in handy whenever there are references to 'pressures'. With the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton scheduled to arrive in India the same day evening for a five day visit what was implied was clearly intended.

Even diatribe, invectives and allegations are also part of the 'dialogue' process. At least this is more productive than sitting glum. Why make an uproar over linking or de-linking talks from action on terror when all peace loving souls want durable peace in the subcontinent? Particularly at a time when ominous intelligence reports hint at more terrorist strikes in Mumbai and around any moment.

The best possible way for all political parties and others would be to de-link politics from the peace initiative.