Tension between nuclear nations grows (Dan 8)

 

Tensions grow between Pakistan, India
June 14, 2015 ALI HUSSAIN

The Indian involvement in the events that led to the breakup of Pakistan in 1971 and the acknowledgment of the fact by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as provocative statements by other Indian politicians have once again engaged the two nuclear neighbours in an increasingly hostile war of words.

The provocative statements by Indian leadership, according to analysts, are nothing new as they have tried this in the past on several occasions with the objective of provoking Pakistan into mis-adventurism with a view to declaring Pakistan an irresponsible nuclear power.

“Modi’s acknowledgement that the Indian government was involved in the events of 1971 that led to the fall of Dhaka is not new as the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had celebrated the separation of East Pakistan,” said Lieutenant General Talat Masood (Retd), a senior analyst.
He said that Prime Minister Modi’s statement in Bangladesh was aimed at pleasing the Bangladeshi Prime Minister and provoking Pakistan. According to him, Pakistan need not be angered due to Indian leadership’s provocative statements. He appreciated the government’s strategy to raise the issue at international level through diplomatic channels. Amid grown tensions, the United States also urged both India and Pakistan to take steps to reduce tension and move towards resuming the dialogue process to resolve their outstanding issues. “The relationship between India and Pakistan is critical to advancing peace and stability in South Asia,” State Department spokesperson, Jeff Rathke, told reporters in Washington.