India and Pakistan must not allow the attack on an Indian Air Force base, that has left seven troops dead, to derail the recent efforts to build strong neighbourly relations. If the two countries turn cold towards each other again, it will only play into the hands of these terrorists. The agenda of militants is to sow trouble between India and Pakistan and thrive by the violence.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to Lahore on December 25, to greet his Pakistan counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, on his birthday. There was a wave of optimism that the hostile nuclear neighbours would build a foundation for a solid friendship. A week later, terrorists attacked the air base in Pathankot. No one has claimed responsibility, but Indian intelligence says the terrorists came from across the border. The terror agenda is crystal clear — there must not be peace in the subcontinent. The leadership of both countries must therefore ensure they stand united against these terrorists because terror has ravaged both India and Pakistan. Both have paid a high price. It is time the scourge is wiped out.
