By Emb Hashmi
For the first time in a long time two of Asia’s most powerful country heads have met to open dialogue on the fragile situation between Pakistan and India, including the horrific human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and home grown terrorism.
Nawaz Sharif and Dr Manmohan Singh have shaken hands in front of the world’s media in the hope of achieving some common bond and securing even the smallest of peace resolutions for both countries to work in harmony.
One major achievement that was agreed was to reduce violence and tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir which will be a priority for both countries.
Another significant step was both prime ministers accepting the invitation to visit each other’s countries but no date has been set as yet.
Senior military officers – the Directors General of Military Operations or DGMOs – have been asked to “find effective means to restore the ceasefire” that was declared in 2003, Indian national security adviser Shivshankar Menon told awaiting journalists after the talks, which were held on the edge of the UN General Assembly.
“Both agreed that the precondition for forward movement in the relationship, which they both desire, is really an improvement of the situation on the LoC,” he continued to say.
The meeting had come even though both sides did not have the full support of other polirtical parties in their ruling countries such as the BJP who advised Dr Manmohan Singh party, to not meet the Pakistani prime minister in the wake of recent deadly attacks in Kashmir.
“As for how useful and productive the meeting was, I think the only proof will be in the months to come.” Said Mr Menon.
He said that the Pakistani prime minister also promised “there would be action” on punishing those responsible for 26/11 attack in Mumbai, which killed 166 people.
Tension between the two countries have risen sharply after two Indian soldiers were killed in January, by Pakistanis who crossed the Line of Control. In August, five Indian soldiers were killed in a bold ambush which involved Pakistani specialist troops, the allegation was never confirmed by Pakistani officials.
If the two sides can reach a strong resolution over Kashmir hat will benefit both countries, it will be a huge step forward and go down in world history as it is said more people have been killed in Occupied Kashmir then in Gaza, the significance of this major meeting will take time and real results could take years.
