This refers to the editorial, “Making Pakistan pay” (November 24). It is sad that Pakistan has failed to mend its ways. There can be no doubt that mutilation of the dead is no bravery and perpetrators must pay the price. However, as events have shown, there has been no end to violence across the border. One violent act begets another. Post surgical strikes, 18 Indian soldiers and several civilians have laid down their lives. The death toll on the other side of the border too has been equivalent, though Pakistan denies it.
If New Delhi does not wish to get trapped in a cycle of blood feud, it must tap the interlocutors and their skills. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has already signalled his desire to attend the Heart of Asia meet in Amritsar next month. That will be a good time to begin rolling back the spurious satisfaction the gun provides. As for India, it needs to play its cards tactfully.