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Kasauli, Oct 10 (IANS) The three-day 14th edition of Khushwant Sahitya Mahotsav began on Friday in this picturesque tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the vision and values of acclaimed writer and journalist Khushwant Singh.
Recalling Khushwant Singh’s landmark novel, “Train to Pakistan”, former Research and Analysis Wing chief AS Dulat stressed the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan.
“Whether it is the cricket field or the diplomatic table, there should be a warm handshake.”
At the same time, he warned of Gen Z turmoil spreading across the country.
Speaking informally to the media, Dulat said the recent uproar in Ladakh is “a warning to the country, although at this stage it seems a weak possibility”.
Talking about India-Pakistan relations that have been under strain for quite some time, Dulat said that “there is an urgent need for talks.” Linking it directly to the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, he reminded that after the Kargil conflict, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee still invited General Pervez Musharraf for talks in Agra, knowing well that General Musharraf Are. Pakistani Army Chief had conspired to carry out Kargil infiltration.
“Therefore, cross-border dialogue must continue, even if it faces challenges,” he said.
Commenting on the strained on-field relations between India and Pakistan, he said that the spirit of the game must be maintained.
“If you don’t want to play with Pakistan then don’t play, but if you are playing a match then handshake should not be an issue.”
In a session, actor Anoop Soni, famous for the serial ‘Crime Patrol’, underlined the need for mutual communication in the society to avoid incidents of crime and conflict.
He stated that “Violence in society arises from stress which requires social interaction and mediation to be a part of our lives”.
–IANS
VG/KHz