Indian and Pakistani peace activists have made a plea for talks between the two sides, saying aggression would not provide any solutions.
Referring to the recent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar argued that an aggressive response by either side would not lead to solutions.
"Is it beyond human ingenuity to reach a solution? The unresolved matters could only be an issue of pride for white mustachioed retired generals," said Aiyar, speaking at a seminar on "India and Pakistan: Melting Tracks, Withering Freedom" here yesterday.
"If talks are not the solution, then what is? Letting the Army take aggressive steps is not a solution...And these people who are angry over the death of five (soldiers who were killed in the attacks on the LoC), what will calm them down? 50, 500, 5,000 or 50 lakh," he said.
"Are we waiting for the last 'jawaab' (answer). We will finish them and they will finish us. Why are we fighting?" he asked.
Referring to long standing disputes on Siachen and Sir Creek, he said a solution to these issues would benefit both countries.
"Siachen is not fit for human habitation. Some 140 Pakistani soldiers were killed in an avalanche. The number of Indian soldiers dying there is far more. It is not Pakistani bullets that are piercing hearts, they are victims of frostbite," Aiyar said.
He also expressed concern for Indian and Pakistani fishermen languishing in jails in both countries. "Some 150 Pakistani fishermen are in Indian jails and 450 Indian fishermen in Pakistani jails. How can we not feel the pain?" he asked.
However, he said Indian fishermen cannot be let off on the plea that they sailed into Pakistani waters because there are more fish there.
"Indian fishermen cannot go into Pakistani waters - because they believe that like the fish they do not know any borders," he said.
India faces similar problems with Sri Lankan and Thai fishermen and all the countries need to work towards a solution. "We cannot keep fishermen in prison for over two years.
