The murderous ploy of terrorists who blasted the peace train—Samjhauta Express—plying between the Indo-Pakistan border and the killing of 67 people, including some Pakistani nationals, is a cruel reminder that innocent lives—whether Hindu, Muslim or Christian—are under constant attack of anti-peace, insane elements who have nothing worthwhile to achieve other than causing destruction to the noble ideals of peace and brotherhood. Wherever such elements have been operating, the cost to human lives has become too high a price for which no amount of political argument can defend such senseless tragedy. Resort to killing in whatever form or manifestation and against whomsoever it is perpetuated cannot be allowed to stifle the voice for peace. A clear and strong message has to be sent out against those attempting to create a world of violence, fear and hatred.
And it is for this reason alone that both India and Pakistan should leave no stone unturned to continue working towards normalization of relations and securing permanent peace in the region. Failure to do so will only give the anti-peace elements encouragement to further their irrational cause through senseless acts of violence and destruction of innocent lives. Both Delhi and Islamabad should now step up efforts to get the Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism, which the two neighbours signed in September 2006, on track and respond to the latest attack with a greater sense of purpose including the need to implement counter-terrorism initiatives and investigations. The political leadership in both countries must also realize that terrorism is a scourge that needs to be dealt with, beyond the realm of party politics and such acts of terrorists and the terrible human tragedy it is creating should not be politicized for cheap publicity and electoral gains.
The peace process between India and Pakistan, which has been severely tested time and again, must be maintained because its success is important for both the countries and the future of the region. The two countries should also continue to search for mutually-acceptable options for a peaceful negotiated settlement of all issues, including Kashmir, in a sincere and purposeful manner. In this regard, the four-point settlement formula for Kashmir: soft borders, self-governance, demilitarization and joint management as suggested by Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf deserve a serious look in by New Delhi. The four-point formula could amply serve as the basis for a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Without compromising on its national interest, India can work together alongside Islamabad and the Kashmiri people and contribute towards forming a consensus on an acceptable solution to Kashmir. It is in the interest of both India and Pakistan to facilitate efforts towards a peaceful settlement rather than keeping the conflict alive because at the end it is the ordinary people on both sides of the border who become victims of such senseless killings. This is the biggest tragedy of them all.
