Sources of terror must be fixed within no time
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit followed by the 11th East Asia Summit (EAS) that came to an end on Thursday at Vientiane, the capital city of laos, highlighted strong concerns about the security and territorial issues across the Asia-Pacific region. As the ASEAN’s theme for 2016 was ‘turning vision into reality for a dynamic ASEAN community’, the central focus was on the implementation of the ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2025’ which saw the leaders of the group and the dialogue partners pledged to work in unison in the coming years. However, the EAS which is a get-together of the Asean and eight of its dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, brought to light that three issues deserves immediate attention-terrorism, constant provocations from North Korea and tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) waters. The entire Asia-Pacific region consists of a resource rich and strategically vital group of nations which play a significant role in the major affairs of the international community. Sensing this, the congregation of the leaders, barring reservations emphasized on the need to tackle global terror and appealed for strong cooperation among all the nations. Undoubtedly, the entire zone engages the top global actors like that of the US, Russia, Japan, China and India either directly or indirectly. Therefore, realizing the very sensitivity of the region, the Asean nations and its external dialogue partners must be extremely respectful while addressing common or bilateral issues.
Meanwhile speaking at the 14th Asean-India Summit at Vientiene, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forthright in underlining the country’s deep concerns on the growing cross-border terror. Though he did not name Pakistan, yet he made it clear that only one country in our neighbourhood produces and exports terror. He urged the international community, particularly the leaders present there, to immediately take steps for isolating this nation. His appeal for issuing sanctions against Pakistan must be noted seriously and only this can teach that country a lesson. Starting from the recently concluded G20 summit in China to the EAS, Modi put forward the point that terror has no colour, no religion and it has no boundary. To him, there should be no differentiation between good and bad terror. The bottom-line is crystal clear-it must be nipped in the bud. He is absolutely right in saying that terrorism has no factory and it has no supporting bank. Hence, some of the countries like Pakistan which are officially sponsoring and harbouring the jihadis must be nailed. Moreover, Pakistan’s persistent effort to promote Islamists has already reduced the space for peace in the South Asian sub-continent and in turn it is increasing violence. Will there be a way out to isolate PakistanIJ Will America and China stop aiding Pakistan in the interest of global peace and developmentIJ Can India afford to avoid talking to PakistanIJ Only at the level of the UN, Pakistan can be prevented from fomenting jihadist violence in the region, but such a move must have the blessings of at least the majority of the members of the Security Council. Being an old ally, both America and China can no way turn their back to Pakistan. But these two global powers may issue warnings and put pre-conditions to Pakistan before delivering aids. India cannot afford to avoid talking to its irresponsible neighbour. As India can’t change its neghbour even if it desires, so Pakistan has to be engaged, but with extreme caution. Thus, the road ahead is murky.