Development Will Help Kashmir, Pakistan: Former Indian General

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, May 10: The former Indian army general and the Governor of Kashmir, Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha say fundamentalism is not going to help Kashmir or Pakistan.

The Governor said the world has to find solutions to conflicting demands of fundamentalism and secularism. He said that fundamentalism is not going to help either Kashmir or Pakistan. He spoke at length about the diversity of Jammu and Kashmir and eulogized the pluralistic ethos of its people. He said that the extremists do not have much popular support.

This, he said, during interaction with British High Commissioner in India, Sir Richard Stagg in Srinagar on Saturday.

Sinha said that there has been flexibility in approach towards solving problems on both sides and hoped that restoration of democracy in Pakistan would further strengthen the bilateral relations, which will steer the region to peace and prosperity.

He noted with satisfaction the depleted hostility towards India in Pakistan and said that even the Pakistani media is no longer indulging in fire and brimstone against India. "These are positive and encouraging developments", he maintained.

The Governor expressed happiness over Pakistan's march towards democracy, saying it will help the neighbouring country to resolve all its problems. At last, Pakistan seems to have emerged from military dictatorship and 'we wish our neighbour to prosper and progress', he added.

General Sinha elaborately discussed the impact of recent elections in Pakistan and Nepal and said that the polls under the international scanner have provided an opportunity to the people to express their will freely and fearlessly. The success of Maoists in Nepal demonstrates the triumph of ballots over bullets while the apprehensions among the Opposition in Pakistan about rigging also proved wrong.

General Sinha said Kashmir is ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity with focused attention on development.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.

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