Death of a soldier

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has extended an olive branch to Prime Minister Modi by writing a letter espousing peace and proposing talks between the two nations. He struck the right notes: invoking the late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and batting for peace for the sake of future generations, expressing a willingness to discuss trade, religious tourism and even terrorism. His suggestion about the two Foreign Ministers meeting each other at the United Nations has positive undertones, as only through talks can there be a way forward. However, on the border, there was an incident that contradicted the pious intentions expressed in the letter.

BSF head constable Narendra Singh became the latest casualty and even after he lost his life while on patrol duty, he also suffered the ignominy of having his body mutilated. Even as the soldier was cremated in Sonepat, there were calls for retaliation against the barbaric act of the Pakistani forces. There is no doubt that the armed forces will do what is necessary. The death of the soldier is certain to cast a shadow over the peace overtures from Pakistan. Indeed there had been some progress, and soft measures were undertaken between the two nations for confidence building. The release of prisoners, mostly fishermen held in jails for territorial transgressions, just before Imran Khan’s swearing in as Prime Minister of Pakistan had been seen as a step towards resumption of talks between the two nations.

Killing and mutilation of soldiers performing their duty on the border bode ill for any peace process. The latest incident, and an earlier one a week or so ago in Naushera point towards endeavours to sabotage any peace overtures from the Pakistani side. The Pakistan Prime Minister will need to ensure that he reins in his army. It is a tall order, but it is always tough going for someone who seeks to break the mould, as Pakistan’s Prime Minister is trying to do.