Monday, May 15, 2006
When the army chief turns into politician
President of Pakistan General Musharraf is slowly turning, or I should say, very fast turning into a shrewd politician. Knowing the amount of pressure building up on him regarding the “k” factor, and the kind of impatience being shown by the general to script a dialogue on the peace process, its not striking or shocking that he is turning yet again to the whole world via media to showcase his utmost desire to end the 55 year old problem. The recent interview to Karan Thapar has clearly shown the cunningness and the shrewdness of Mr. Musharraf. Sensing very well the nerves of the militants and the core commanders in the Pakistani army, the general suggested the innovative idea to lend his full support to end the cross border infiltration and terrorism if the Indian government “demilitarise” three important cities of J&K namely kupwara, Baramulla and Srinagar.
I sincerely hope that the President of Pakistan remembers his earlier statement made in 2004 that he will do his level best to make sure there is no infiltration in the Indian side of the LOC. Now, about two years later, he makes a complete turn around by stating that the Indian government should first demilitarise the three cities in the valley. I would like to tell to Mr. President Musharraf that “if you want to gain something, then please, learn to sacrifice also”.
This is a clear act of desperation to appeal to his own people that he is trying his best to find a solution to the Kashmir problem and it’s the Indian side that’s not responding the way it should. Well, Sir, if the people of Pakistan believe you then clearly your job is done and we will, for sure, see you win the elections soon.
Somewhere deep down, he is scared. Scared of the people of Pakistan, whom he promised Kashmir. He couldn’t get it through Kargil and now, trying the political way. Full marks for manipulating the options in his hands but, alas, he still has to go a long way in gaining our trust.
I sincerely hope that the President of Pakistan remembers his earlier statement made in 2004 that he will do his level best to make sure there is no infiltration in the Indian side of the LOC. Now, about two years later, he makes a complete turn around by stating that the Indian government should first demilitarise the three cities in the valley. I would like to tell to Mr. President Musharraf that “if you want to gain something, then please, learn to sacrifice also”.
This is a clear act of desperation to appeal to his own people that he is trying his best to find a solution to the Kashmir problem and it’s the Indian side that’s not responding the way it should. Well, Sir, if the people of Pakistan believe you then clearly your job is done and we will, for sure, see you win the elections soon.
Somewhere deep down, he is scared. Scared of the people of Pakistan, whom he promised Kashmir. He couldn’t get it through Kargil and now, trying the political way. Full marks for manipulating the options in his hands but, alas, he still has to go a long way in gaining our trust.
.jpg)