Developments in Indo-Pak relations and the recent peace diplomacy continued to dominate the Urdu press in the Valley. Growing Indo-American friendly relations, especially after Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani’s visit to the US, received prominent space in the Urdu dailies.

·         Indo-Pak Relations

Srinagar Times, in its editorial (10 June 2003), observed that India and Pakistan were heading towards an important breakthrough and both seem to be trying to resolve the Kashmir issue. “The Lahore bus service would resume on July 1, the railway and air links are being restored and more importantly, both countries have announced their High Commissioners be sent to their respective offices in Delhi and Islamabad very soon. The two countries seem to be forgetting their bitter past and heading towards a result-oriented dialogue process in a planned and sequential manner” read the editorial.

“A delegation from Pakistan comprising of intellectuals, journalists, and Parliament members which visited India returned with the message of friendship and love. India too, is to send a similar kind of delegation to Pakistan. Those who believe in violence would be disappointed by these developments; but, Kashmiris are fed up of violence. They are eager to see violence coming to an end and are hopeful of an outcome” summed up the editorial.

The bilingual daily, Alsafa, gave prominence to the statement by Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed who asked the militants to give up their gun for the restoration of long-awaited peace and put an end to increasing violence in the Valley. “Militants should give positive response to Indo-Pak peace initiatives. Perhaps, it is for the first time that efforts are being made on diplomatic and internal level to resolve the Kashmir issue. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has invited Pakistan for talks and at the same time NN Vohra is meeting people from diverse backgrounds in Jammu and Kashmir…. Our government is engaged in preparing a conducive atmosphere for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. The international community is against terrorism and it is an ideal time for militants to drop the gun and join the mainstream” the statement read.

The Aftab in its lead news (13 June 2003) reported the statement of Deputy Prime Minster LK Advani who called upon Pakistan to give up its hostile approach and enter into a meaningful dialogue with India. “Pakistan should destroy terrorist camps and put an end to cross border terrorism to enter into a dialogue with India. We want an end to the menace of terrorism. We want the people of Jammu and Kashmir to live in peace and dignity.” The statement further read: “Prime Minister Vajpayee once again has extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan and it is upto Pakistan now to wipe out the terrorist camps from its soil as promised to the international community, America in particular.”

In a statement carried by the daily Uqaab, Masood Khan, spokesman of the Pakistan External Affairs Ministry, expressed that India should avoid setting out pre-conditions for initiation of a dialogue with Pakistan. He said, “India pollutes the atmosphere being created for dialogue between the two countries by putting forth pre-conditions as compulsory for the dialogue. India does not have a permanent stand vis-à-vis Kashmir which is of great concern to Pakistan as the international community is observing Indo–Pak developments. This is a golden opportunity for the two countries to resolve all issues including Kashmir and should not be wasted away” read the statement.

·         India, US and Iraq

The Srinagar Times, in its editorial (14 June 2003), observed that friendship with the US would cost India dearly: “contrary to its expectations, American forces are losing control over Iraq. In order to strengthen its grip over Iraq, besides few other countries, America wants to rope in India for obvious reasons. India claims to be the fourth biggest country in the world in terms of military might” read the editorial.

The editorial pointed out that the extraordinary treatment meted out to Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani during his visit to the US was intended to win his confidence: “Advani, on his return from US, said that the Iraq issue dominated the meeting with President Bush and Rumsfeld.”

Close ties between India and the US would definitely affect Pakistan. However, if India sent its troops to Iraq, friendly relations with the Arab and Islamic countries would be greatly affected; secondly, the ruling BJP would have to face the wrath within and outside the country. Elections are due in five states in few months, and the Lok Sabha elections the following year. The government has already received a great setback during the Gujrat riots, cautioned the editorial.