Budgam, Oct 02: Political analyst and track II diplomat Om Prakash Shah on Tuesday said that there is a hunger for better relations among the people of two countries. “I found a hunger for better relations with India in Pakistan and same is the story here in India. Most people in India would like to have better relations with Pakistan,” he said.
Shah was speaking on the occasion “Symbol of Fast for Peace and Improvement of Indo-Pak relations organised by CEEO India and Child Rights Educational Society on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi” at Budgam.
Track II diplomat, in response to a question of Kashmir Images on recent cancellation of talks between the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan, said that there is a “possibility of reconciliation” between India and Pakistan and soon it could happen. “If the media, society, intellectuals take it upon themselves that this reconciliation is the urgent need for the people of India and Pakistan, it would happen and it should happen.”
Meanwhile, more than three dozen participants took part in the event who also put forth their suggestions vis-à-vis improving relations between the two nuclear powers and resolving Kashmir dispute.
The participants unanimously stressed on the need of resolving Kashmir dispute. They said that the people of Kashmir must be given an opportunity to decide their fate.
Appealing the leaders of both countries to start a fruitful and constructive dialogue, a religious leader, Molvi Abdul Gani Bhat said, “When I was a kid, I would hear that there will be talks. I have grown older now, but talks are yet to start.”
Khursheed Ahmad Dar, a participant said that there is an urgent need to stop national media from spreading propaganda against Kashmiris.
He added that a section of media is blowing things out of proportion.
Several others said that Kashmiris including Muslims and Hindus are facing harassment in India and they are not being provided rooms in hotels.
While urging Shah to raise this issue with concerned quarters, Harpal Singh Pali, a Teachers Joint Action Committee leader said, “Even I don’t get room at Golden temple after revealing my Kashmiri identity.”
