DECADES of bitter relations between Pakistan and India could finally end as Indian Defence Minister Normal Sitharaman said on Monday New Delhi will welcome any comment on wanting peace from Pakistan
India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir since both countries gained their independence in 1947.
The border remains militarily very active with regular exchanges of fires from both sides.
“Any comment on wanting peace will definitely be taken seriously,” Ms Sitharaman said when asked about the the comments made by Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, which supported the initiation of a peace process.
Pakistan media reports said Bajwa claimed a peaceful resolution would be possible only through talks between the two countries.
The chief general said it was Pakistan Army’s “sincere belief” all issues between Pakistan and India, “including the core issue of Kashmir”, could be solved peacefully by “comprehensive and meaningful dialogue”.
He added: “While such dialogue is no favour to any party, it remains the inevitable precursor to peace across the region.
“Pakistan remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour.”
In a major decision, the Home Ministry announced last week Wednesday security forces will not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramadan but reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.
The Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and according to a senior Border Security Force official “the BSF retaliated effectively”.
When asked about the recent incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan and whether India would stick to its decision not to launch any operation in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Defence Minister Sitharaman said New Delhi's armed forces will abide to what was announced.
Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing along the the International Border on Sunday.
“We shall fully honour the policy which the Home Ministry on behalf of the government of India announced.
“The policy has clearly laid out how it is going to pan out and we shall abide by everything that was announced,” Ms Sitharaman said.
The separatist violence in Kashmir has killed more than 47,000 people since 1989.
Some human rights groups and NGOs put the death toll at twice that amount.