“You must sit across the table with Pakistan to discuss peace,”: Manish Shankar Aiyar

Goa Khabar:  Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Indian diplomat and former Union minister for Panchayati Raj said that India and Pakistan needed to sit across the table to sort out their differences. “Real peace can only be achieved if discussed across the table,” Aiyar said. Aiyar was speaking on the topic: “Memoirs of  a secular fundamentalist.” at the ongoing, 12^th Goa arts and literature festival at the International Centre Goa on Friday.

Recollecting his three years as the consul general of India in Karachi between 1978-82  and his annual trips to Pakistan in the last 40 years, Aiyar said, “The two governments may have differences with each other, but the common people of Pakistan are extremely warm and affectionate towards India and Indians. They possibly form the largest constituency of people outside mainland India who are friendly towards India. We must leverage this goodwill.”

Criticizing the government of India for not making any efforts work towards peace between the two nations, Aiyar said, “No attempt has been made by the present  government to talk to the Pakistan government. No peace can be achieved without dialogue.”

Recalling some of his experiences of his diplomatic tenure in Pakistan 40 years ago, Aiyar said, “I remember issuing 3,00,000 tourist visas to Pakistanis visiting India in my three year tenure. The Indian police never reported a single case of misuse of this visa.”

Sharing his views on secularism, Aiyar said “I am as fundamental in secular outlook, as some people are fundamental about religion.”

Aiyar rued the fact that India was increasingly becoming non-secular. “The present party in power is keen to drive home unity through uniformity and this is dangerous. We could easily become like Pakistan if we carry on with our politically driven, Hindutva agenda.”