JK News Today Special Commentary
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’ s remarks that “ the era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over,” underscore two fundamental points that India will not bow to any pressure from any international quarter to resume dialogue with its neighbour in the west without securing certain guarantees and their translation on the ground., and that Kashmir question is closed once and for all.
The timing of the remarks is very significant . He made this announcement at a time when India is playing a big role in addressing the issue of conflicts at the international stage, especially on Russia-Ukraine theatre . Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia and then Ukraine , held talks with President Vladmir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that the tools of dialogue and diplomacy should be applied to end the conflict . He reiterated his long-held belief that the “ era of war is over.,” and even offered to mediate between the two warring nations . Thereafter he has spoken to the US President Joe Biden and Russian president to work for peace in the region .
It may seem a contradiction that Jaishankar was rejecting the dialogue with Pakistan at a time when India was invoking dialogue and diplomacy elsewhere ? It is not . The Foreign Minister was categorial in adding , “actions have consequences.” That phrase is self-explanatory vis-à-vis Pakistan .It just requires turning of pages of history between the two countries to know why it is significant statement reflective of the realities . In continuation with that, it is important to see how Pakistan is behaving . It has upgraded its tools of proxy war in Jammu and Kashm8r through which it intends to bleed India. It is now in the cyber space and giving a loud voice to the anti-India narratives .
Pakistan is keen on talking to India . Several statements by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar have focused on having friendly ties with India . There is inclusion of a condition that the “ core issue of Jammu and Kashmir be addressed first.,” because Islamabad’s contention is that unless Kashmir issue is addressed , the ties cannot improve and South Asia will not be at peace with itself . It has unleashed a high-intensity campaign based on its charges that “ India was seeking to undermine the geography and demography of the Muslim-majority region.”
Pakistan’s frustration is understandable – the people in Kashmir have understood the dynamics of their destiny . At a time when Pakistan is economically and politically unstable , it cannot offer any solace for the people of Kashmir, sections of which wasted time over the decades pleading for an option to bec0me part of Pakistan . Now they are more disillusioned with Pakistan than ever before. A nation that finds its own two-nation theory rejected by its own people , how can it inspire confidence among others. Pakistan has set worst examples of its rule in occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir, which it calls “ Azad Kashmir.” The people are being suppressed and oppressed there. They are being denied the basic amenities and if they protest, they are subjected to bullets . This has happened time and again.
Pakistan will have to tune to the new realities that have dawned in this side of Jammu and Kashmir where pro-Pakistan elements , though very few, are struggling to insert their narrative into the public discourse . The general mood has turned to the idea of India , and those attempting to rejuvenate the idea of Pakistan are in for a big frustration after the elections . “ Article 370 is a done thing,” Pakistan must understand this sooner the better .
Foreign minister has outlined a new vision that India will not stay passive , it all depends on how Pakistan’s actions – good behaviour will be responded with positivity , otherwise actions have consequences .
