Some sort of engagement with Pakistan would be fine

By O.J.George

It is a good sign that some sort of engagement between India and Pakistan is in the offing. According to indications, Home Minister P.Chidambaram would take part in the SAARC conference in Islamabad during February 26-28,which could throw up opportunities for both the countries to exchange ideas.

Terrorism is the bane of Pakistan and it is reaping a whirlwind of its after-effects for the curse of encouraging terrorist elements. Terrorism is a phenomenon which would go on exploding, either outwards or inwards. When terrorist elements don’t have avenues to strike others, these would foment troubles within.

It is easy to create troubles on matters of faith, but bridling the elements would not be easy. Those who encouraged al-Qaeda, Taliban and other organizations cannot call off their activities at their will.

The US is doing its best to help Pakistan control terrorism perpetrated from Pakistan. But all attempts to curb the menace in Pakistan would have only marginal effect. For the very foundation of present-day Pakistan is built on agencies dealing with terrorist activities.

The faith-based terrorism is spread far and wide the world. Therefore, leaving Pakistan alone, asking it to finish off terrorism at one go and then come for discussions would not be all that good. Perhaps it would be better to engage them head-on for better results.


The Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan would meet at the SAARC conference in Thimphu in April and in between the Foreign Secretaries would exchange notes on relevant issues.

No opportunity should be wasted to expose the wrong-doings going on at the behest of Pakistan while dealing with terrorism.