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| Stable Pakistan necessary for regional peace: Governor | | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | Sep 13
Hoping that Pakistan will emerge out of present situation with democracy getting restored, Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today said that political stability in the neighboring country is in the interest of regional peace.
In a question-answer session with defence attaches of various embassies in New Delhi, currently on a visit to the Valley, the Governor said that Pakistan is going through a period of acute political instability which is a matter of grave concern for its neighbours. ‘It is in India’s interest that Pakistan emerges from its crisis with stability and peace restored’, he added.
When asked about the prevailing political upheaval in Pakistan and the menace of terrorism engulfing the region, General Sinha said that a sizable number of terrorists and Jehadis are in camps across the LOC and instances of infiltration continue to occur. This has serious implications for India. In reply to a supplementary, he said that after failing to annex Kashmir through three wars waged against India, Pakistan switched over to the ongoing proxy-war under a well planned strategy named Operation Topac launched by General Zia-ul-Haq.
On normalization process with Pakistan and Confidence Building Measures, the Governor said that the two countries have progressed well in this regard. India has been endeavouring for maintaining cordial relations with its neighbours, he said and observed that the people of Pakistan too have demonstrated perceptible desire for peace which is reflected in people to people contacts. This process will help in resolving differences, he felt.
To a question on countering terrorism and winning hearts and minds of the people in Kashmir, the Governor said that a three-pronged strategy- intensifying military operations against ultras, ensuring economic development and taking psychological initiatives- are underway. This mechanism has worked well in North-East, he said, adding that various measures are underway to win hearts and minds of the people in Kashmir. He said Kashmiriyat, a concept of co-existence, tolerance and amity, holds key to peace in Kashmir. Unfortunately this great heritage got trampled during the peak days of militancy in the Valley but now the people are asserting themselves which holds a hope for a better tomorrow, he maintained.
The Governor said that situation in Kashmir is fast changing and improving with a substantial decrease in the level of violence. Any assessment of the situation must also taken into account the threat posed by the presence of terrorist infrastructure across the LOC. He said a massive development programme has been launched and efforts are underway to provide a responsive administration to satiate the aspirations of the people.
The defence attaches posed a volley of questions on Sino-India relations, combating insurgency and his vision about the world in 2030. ‘Through education and vibrant economy, the angularities of today should disappear by 2030’, the General envisioned.
General Sinha shared his experience as a soldier for 40 years, as a diplomat and as Governor in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir with the attaches, who listened to him with rapt attention.
Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr Arun Kumar was also present on the occasion.
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