Linking normalisation of ties with Kashmir extreme: Menon

"It would be a mistake to bind normalisation of Indo-Pak relations with finding a solution to Jammu and Kashmir problem; and dialogue is the only way to find out solution of this issue.'
This observation was made by the Indian High Commissioner Shiv Shankar Menon while addressing the members of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) here on Tuesday.
Shiv Shankar maintained that linking normalisation of relations with resolution of Kashmir problem was extreme and a partial view. He said: "It is wrongly assumed that Pakistan has no interest in a broader relationship with India and pays no cost for hostility to India, and ignores how confidence building can reinforce the effort to resolve issues. If we do so we would make the benefits available to both our countries from normalisation of relations hostage to the most difficult issue that we face. Instead, we should do both, seeking solutions and normalising relations. We can move forward if all concerned are willing to accept the ground realities, if all concerned take the long view of history and our destiny."
He further said that after the process of dialogue between both the countries, it was now widely accepted in both the societies that the normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan would open up tremendous possibilities for accelerated growth in both countries. For the first time in many years, we had a political climate between the two countries that made it possible for each country to concentrate on its primary task, improving the living conditions of its own people, removing poverty and increasing prosperity.
"India sincerely believes that a strong, stable, prosperous and moderate Pakistan is in the interest of India and the entire sub-continent," he added.
He said in Indian view, civil society and organisations had a major role to play in redefining and normalising Indo-Pak relations. Recognising the new realities that we face and responding to the wishes of vast majority of people of both countries. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggested recently that peace-making process ultimately culminated in our two countries entering into a treaty of peace, security and friendship to give meaning and substance to our quest for shared goals, he added.
He said although the Indian government was dialoguing with real elected representatives of Kashmiri people in held Kashmir, but India to find pragmatic and practical solution, had decided to talk with un-elected representative of Kashmiri people also.
He said terrorism was an enemy of civilised societies; and unfortunately more remained to be on in curbing the menace of cross-border terrorism. He said that one major achievement of the process of dialogue so far had been the cease-fire along the LoC. The other was the opening up of travel between India and Pakistan, restoring air, rail and bus transport links. 'We have done so not just across the international boundary but also across the LoC.
India and Pakistan have re-established trade and travel links and are also trying to build an infrastructure for trade between the two countries. We have agreed and about to sign a revised shipping agreement that will permit the carriage of cargo between Mumbai and Karachi by sea by India, Pakistan and third country vessels. Rail cargo links have been re-established through Attari-Wagah; and India is ready to do so through Khokhrapar-Munabao as well," he said.
He said: "We also wish to liberalise the visa process for ordinary citizens and businessmen and hope to increase civil aviation links, permitting private airlines to fly between the two countries and adding more frequencies and new destinations. As a result of the dialogue process, ordinary Indians and Pakistanis have successfully reached out to each other, outside the establishment, in political parties, the media, the business community and academia."
To a question about atrocities being committed by Indian armed forces in Kashmir, he invited the SCBA members to visit Kashmir and watch the situation prevailing there.
About the Iranian nuclear issue, he said that issue should be resolved in a diplomatic way, and added that Iran had every right to have nuclear technology for development and peaceful purposes. To another question about delay in Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, he said they were considering pros and cons of the project.