Indian shelling across the Line of Control, which has led to the martyrdom of seven Pakistani soldiers, is the latest and the most deadly ceasefire violation in the present episode of heightened tensions between the two states. Following the sad incident of ceasefire violation of India which caused death of soldiers, Pakistan requested the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan to send a report to the United Nations Security Council on the present state of affairs in the Line of Control and the working boundary. It is an effort from Pakistan to involve international community to look into continued Indian aggression, it also shows the fact that Pakistan is willing to let an independent body evaluate its claims of Indian aggression. Continued Indian violations of ceasefire and Working Boundary have put the two countries in a stage where any large scale tragedy can occur between two neighboring countries.
It was rightly considered that policy of Narendra Modi would be aggressive after he became Prime Minister of India. But there were some moments when it seemed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart could pave the way for constructive engagement between two countries for dialogue. But Indian policy after the Uri attack turned violent regarding Pakistan, Modi launched a targeted campaign against Pakistan to isolate it internationally. But Modi government failed in heinous plans as Pakistan still has the same importance in the international arena as before. Meanwhile, Modi further escalated anger and bitterness by ensuring continuation of hostilities. Some 26 civilians have been killed due to Indian shelling on the Pakistani side since the Uri attack.
It is also a fact that after ceasefire violations from India, Pakistani troops also give befitting reply and certainly many Indian soldiers also die. But leaders of both countries come forward to engage dialogue and put an end to killing soldiers of each others. Pakistan’s demand of putting Kashmir at the centre of every agenda of bilateral talks But India maintained only way possible for talks is Pakistan taking action against non-state actors involved in cross border terrorism. At the moment it seems that there are very few chances of dialogue between two countries. But dialogue is only one way forward for both countries to normalize relations and ensure peace in the region. War is not the solution, both countries have fought many wars but after each war they had to come on negotiation table in order to resolve the issues. Therefore, Pakistan and India by utilizing back channel diplomatic means need to find terms of dialogue that are acceptable to both. They need to move away from their uncompromising positions. First engagement may not be enough to resolve the bilateral issues but can certainly reduce the trust deficit. It is a fact that without peaceful region, it would be very hard for India and Pakistan to reduce poverty in their countries and to deal with other economic challenges.
Only way to improve relations and end hostility for both states is to resume dialogue process as soon as possible.
