New Delhi:
It was 2nd January 2016, the fateful day when seven of our security personnel gave their lives to save Pathankot air base. The nation has come together to pay tribute to martyrs but our politicians have starting blaming each other over the issue. The Congress party has started blaming PM Narendra Modi’s foreign strategy and the same thing was done by the BJP when it was in opposition during 2008 Mumbai attacks.
From last 60 years, India and Pakistan have been blaming each other for rising terrorism in the region. From 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijack to Kargil war to 2008 Mumbai attacks to Gurdaspur attacks to Pathankot attacks, every time India has faced the wrath. Every time both the countries tried to stitch the relations incidents like such crop up.
Moving a step ahead former PM Atal Bihari Vajpaee started Delhi to Lahore bus service in 1999 but was back stabbed with Kargil war and recently PM Narendra Modi gave surprise visit to Lahore which was retaliated with Pathankot attacks.
India has long maintained terror originating from across the border should stop for the peace talks to deliver. However, PM Modi’s visit to Lahore was seen as both the countries are getting ready to write new chapter in the annals of diplomacy. The recent attack has raised many questions on the about to resume official dialogue.
According to some experts, both the South Asian neighbours should not stop the talks over peace as initiatives are reply to such terror incidents. The attack at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in northern Punjab, around 40 km from the international border, coming within days of PM Modi's maiden visit to Pakistan, might have made a dent, but the balanced response from both the countries have raised hopes.
The six terrorists who staged the attack were killed in a gunbattle that lasted for over 80 hours and seven Indian security personnel were also killed.
For the first time, Pakistan immediately condemned the attack and expressed its commitment to partner with India to eradicate terrorism. PM Nawaz Sharif called PM Modi and assured him of decisive actions against terror outfits within 72 hours.
Not only India, but Pakistan has also tasted the bitter taste of terrorism in 2014, when terrorist killed 141 people including 132 children entering an Army school at Peshawar.
The time has arrived for both the south Asian neighbours to work together and wipe out terrorism from the region. Now, the government should keep people’s sentiments in mind and work cordially.
