5th Feb, Hindu editorials

Please find below some NEW facts about India Pakistan dialogue

• Dialogue between Institute of peace and conflict studies in Delhi and Jinnah institute in Islamabad
• Chaophraya dialogues: dialogue between retired military, foreign service and intelligence officials
• These dialogues have helped produce a broad consensus in favour of dialogue

WHY DIALOGUE STALLED?

• India’s and pakistan’s priorities don’t match
• Pakistan wants India to discuss siachen and kashmir .

• This is in the interest of pakistan army

• India wants pakistan to make visible progress on Mumbai 2008 before they discuss sensitive issues

WAY AHEAD

• After Salman Taseer’s assassination,it is clear that pakistan society is caught in a state of vortex
• It is highly unlikely that pakistan’s judiciary will be able to bring the perpetrators of Mumbai attack to book
• Hence India needs to set aside its demand on mumbai 2008 and move ahead with the dialogue
• The dialogue should be supplemented by regular back channel negotiations
• It is only through more dialogue that india can ensure pakistan stops supporting terror groups