Concern Grows Over Pak-India Peace Process
Jacob Cherian - All Headline News Staff Writer London, England (AHN) - As the Mumbai blasts have been widely condemned, experts in South Asia worry about the future of strained India-Pakistan relations consequent to the attacks. The blasts have been seen as an attempt to shatter the peace process between the two countries. Although Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf was quick to condemn the attacks, whether or not a "Pakistani hand" in the incident would remain suspect due to the nature of the conflict with India. There has been a long history of Pak-sponsored terrorism against India. Charulata Hogg from the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) said the attacks could play a role in aggravating those in India who already oppose peace with Pakistan. She told the Hindu newspaper, "Much would depend on how much pressure there is on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take a harder line against Pakistan and how he responds to that pressure." The Guardian noted, "Many in India...are already suspicious of the role played by Pakistan's powerful intelligence services in supporting jihadi groups." The Times poignantly added that India is an "obstacle to the extremist cause" because of its strong democratic values and the fact that it is an emerging player in the global economy. The newspaper went on to state, "Both Mr. Singh and President Musharraf understand immediately the extremists' aims and t |
