Making A Difference

‘Musharraf Promised Not To Raise Kashmir At Un’

Former Air Chief Marshal S.K. Kaul, who was in Pakistan earlier this year as part of the Belusa group, an influential lobby headed by the US-based Shireen Tahir Kheli, spoke to Outlook on his meeting with Gen Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad. Excerpts:

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‘Musharraf Promised Not To Raise Kashmir At Un’
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What was the purpose of your visit to Pakistan? Did you meet a lot of people in the government?

This trip was on the cards for a while. I have many friends there, being part of the Belusa group (an influential Track ll group). Moreover, my wife’s niece is married to the deputy high commissioner, Sudhir Vyas. Yes, there were many people whom I met during my fortnight-long trip to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad including Major General Mehmood Durani, chief of general staff Aziz Khan, industrialist Babar Ali and several serving as well as retired officials and politicians.

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Were you sent as a government emissary?

No. There was absolutely no official tag and it was entirely my initiative.

So how was your meeting with General Pervez Musharraf?

Firstly, I wanted to understand his mental make-up. In most of his interviews and statements, he has been harping on limited points with respect to India. The most important being Kashmir, which he reckons is the core issue.

What did you have to say?

It was a rather frank discussion. I told him that as far as India was concerned, Kashmir was an internal matter. But I pointed out that there were other equally important issues which needed to be addressed such as people-to-people contact between the two countries. Many relatives live on either side of the border and there is a great need for movement. That could be an important starting point.

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Was the General impressed with your arguments? What was the outcome?

I pointed out to him that it was necessary to first and foremost establish a healthy working chemistry. If the two leaders meet after a handshake in the US, Kashmir cannot be the next subject. The Indian government’s stated position is there has to be a substantial reduction of temperature in the Valley as a precondition for talks. General Musharraf did not counter my arguments.

Were there any assurances?

The General assured me that Kashmir would not be raised if the two meet during the United Nations General Assembly in September. I told him that ways can be found for increasing peace if a relationship can be built on trust, pointing out to the failed Lahore trip where our Prime Minister was betrayed.

You realise that much water has flown since your visit?

Yes, I know. Now, I don’t know if they will meet considering the fast flow of events in the last two months. But one can never say what will happen.

Do you feel anything substantial can be achieved through Track II diplomacy?

You can take a horse to the pond, but can’t make it drink. But there is no discounting the fact that these exercises are productive instruments which can be exploited. These are additional inputs and enterprises like these can influence policy decisions in the long run.

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