Modi’s new offer

In a surprising move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter of goodwill to Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying that his country desires cordial relations with the Pakistani people. On the occasion of Pakistan Resolution Day, the Indian premier said, “As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative.”

The perpetually tense relations between the two countries, which have fought three wars, besides engaging in several episodes of limited conflict, suffered a breakdown after India illegally annexed occupied Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.

However, the two countries sprung a surprise last month by announcing the resumption of ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC) after a ‘hotline contact’ between the directors-general of military operations of the two countries. No violation has since then been reported at the LoC.

There has been a gradual thawing of frosty relations between the two sides. However, we should remember that India’s new move may be a trick. The only mission of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is to somehow discredit Pakistan around the world. In this regard, India sometimes attacked its own airport and sometimes had its soldier killed and then blamed Pakistan for it. Modi kept shedding crocodile tears on the bodies of 40 Indian soldiers and wanted to appease his voters by taking action against Pakistan.

Human rights violations are rampant in India, women are mistreated, separatist movements have sprung up due to the degrading attitude of the Indian government. There are 67 separatist movements in India fighting for independence. These movements are on the rise in Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, while the Khalistan movement is in full swing and everyone knows the situation in occupied Kashmir.

On the other hand, Pakistan has also been accused of supporting separatist movements, while India’s approach had been extremely cruel to the people of these occupied territories. One of the reasons why separatist movements exist in Indian states because they were made part of the “Indian Union” against their will. And then instead of providing basic rights, they were discriminated against.

Then all of a sudden Modi sent a message of congratulations to the people of Pakistan. Does India want Pakistan to give up its support for Kashmir? There is something fishy. There should be peaceful talks between the two countries and positive relations should be established. But why India, which rejects every positive offer from Pakistan, is suddenly extending the hands of friendship? Does India want to show the world their positive attitude before making a new accusation?

Even if this is the case, like the previous conspiracies, India will fail again, and if it thinks that Pakistan will take a U-turn with regard to Kashmir, it is its mistake. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, speaking on behalf of 250 million people, has given a clear message that the steps taken on August 5 should be withdrawn first.

In all these circumstances, India must realize that its success can only be achieved by negotiating in good faith. Purposeful dialogue and better relations between the two countries guarantee not only peace and stability in the region but also the development of both countries.