South Asian News Agency
Published Date: Mar 14, 2014
Track-II Diplomacy’: Indian peace delegation visits Pakistan
A high-profile peace activist delegation from India has visited Pakistan to take part in the ‘Track-II
Diplomacy’ on enhancing peaceful relations between the two countries.
In this regard, delegate conducted a briefing of “People to people
contact: a way forward”, which was organized by Sustainable Development
Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad.
The Indian delegation was comprised of four participants Satya Paul
Arora, Secretary General, South Asian Fraternity, New Delhi, Bhawani
Shanker Kusum, Chairman, Gram Bharati Samiti, Amer, Jaipur, Shri
Kharaiti Lal Bhola, Chairman, Patita (Destitutes) Sudhar Sabha, New
Delhi and S. Ranjit Singh, Secretary , Lala Lajpat Rai Birthplace
Memorial Committee, Dhudike.
Satya Paul Arora discussed the problems and prospects of peace
between India and Pakistan. He said that the two governments should
relax visa regime as the people from the countries can hold video
conferences but people to people contact is too demanding for them.
Furthermore, he said that visa for journalists, traders, lawyers,
students and academicians should specifically be relaxed for a better
communication & business relationships.
Shri Kharaiti Lal Bhola said that the problems were not limited to
the governmental level, but in fact serious psychological and mental
constructs among the people created serious barriers and constraints for
peace. Both governments should spend money on welfare instead of
defense.
Bahawani Shanker Kusum stressed to have no visa restrictions on both
sides so that there should be peaceful exchange programs between youth
and new generations without any hindrance.
Ranjeet Singh appreciated the positive attitude of Pakistanis towards Indians during exchange visits.
Ahmad Saleem, renowned writer said that SDPI has conducted studies on
common history and events of 1947 & 1971. However, instead of
narrating violent events, our researchers has compiled about the events
where the people saved people hailing from other religion and sectarian.
He opined that there was a need to remove hate material from our common
history.
During the concluding remarks, Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairman Board of
Governors, SDPI said that Pakistanis across the board want peace with
India. If they join hands to foster peace, they can make immense
progress.
Source: http://www.sananews.net/english/track-ii-diplomacy%E2%80%99-indian-peace-delegation-visits-pakistan/