Navjot Sidhu, Pakistan and India (English Version) 12 Dec 18 Rakshak News
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/navjot-sidhu-pakistan-and-india
Navjot Sidhu, Pakistan and India (English Version) 12 Dec 18 Rakshak News
Since Imran Khan took over the reins of Pak, Navjot Sidhu has visited the country twice. The first was the swearing in of Imran, where he was seen hugging General Bajwa, the Pak army chief. The criticism for the hugging crossed party lines. Navjot defended his actions claiming that General Bajwa had announced that Pak is contemplating opening the Kartarpur corridor, linking Dera Baba Nanak on the Indian side to the Kartarpur Gurdwara, fulfilling a long-term demand of the Sikhs. This was the first time this decision of Pak came into the public domain.
His second was for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor on the Pak side. During the ground-breaking ceremony on the Indian side, two days before the Pak event, Capt Amarinder Singh, the chief minister of Punjab, who had turned down his invitation from Pak, with a strongly worded letter, warned the Pak army chief against expanding terror networks into Punjab.
During Navjot’s visit comments by him gained even more criticism. He commented on Pak TV, that he is happier being in Pak than in South India. He was photographed with Gopal Singh Chawla, a known Khalistan supporter. Sidhu on being questioned claimed he never knew who Chawla was, despite the Kartarpur Gurdwara being adorned with his photographs and posters of referendum 2020, a non-binding vote on an independent Khalistan. It was surprising that he attended the event with his eyes closed and failed to see these multiple posters.
He also justified his hugging General Bajwa, stating it was not a Rafale deal. His open support to Imran covered in his interviews led to criticism within India. Imran praising him and giving him greater importance than the central ministers present at the occasion only added to his discredit. A video also emerged of him stating in Pak that ‘initiative for talks’ has always been from the Pak side.
It is rather surprising that Sidhu appeared to have forgotten the grenade attack in Amritsar which claimed 3 lives just prior to his departure as also the busting of over 80 modules linked to the ISI in his home state, Punjab. While he backed the offer for talks from the Pak side, he ignored the support by the same Pak army to militancy in J and K and now slowly spreading to Punjab. It was the man behind this, General Bajwa, whom he hugged. He also never raised the issue of the objectionable posters adorning the Gurdwara.
Whether he desired popularity in Pak or wanted to be a member of back door diplomacy remains unknown, however, within India his actions have come in for criticism. His defence has been largely ignored. The popularity which surrounded him earlier, now appears to be vanishing. His comments on recommencing peace talks lack reality and clarity.
Peace between nations can only come through talks is well understood, however this occurs only when there are indicators that both sides are keen for the same. Solely by Imran mentioning that the government and the army are on one side and desire talks, does not project the right picture to India. Simultaneously blaming Indian intelligence agencies for being behind the Karachi attack does not build confidence. Unless there are moves to remove irritants and actions undertaken to prove that there is a serious desire for peace, there can never be talks leading to any progress.
For India, proceeding against those behind the Mumbai attack and reducing support to terror groups would build confidence for talks. Opening of the Kartarpur corridor or writing a letter to Modi seeking talks is no indication of a genuine desire.
It is this aspect which Sidhu has missed. His desperation to act as a liaison between the two governments, claiming his proximity to Imran, would not be accepted unless he accepts reality, raises the right issues and speaks facts. His words not being echoed by even his close supporters and party members is indictive of the value they carry. It does appear at the end of the day that Sidhu has caused more damage by his actions and comments than projected genuine Pak intentions.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army