On April 7, 2005 the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road was reopened. The underlying idea was to foster peace in the region. New Delhi actually had shown tremendous nerve to stand up to the terrorist’s pressure. The militants had threatened to blow up the inaugural bus. While they could not achieve their wicked objective they managed to raze to the ground a landmark which is the exquisite building of the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar by setting it on fire. Very rightly it was felt that the passages would help reunite the families separated for no fault of theirs in 1947.

It could be a route as well for encouraging trade and tourism, it was felt. In fact, if one goes by the utterances of responsible persons both in this country and Pakistan, the plans in this regard have already been set in motion. Fondly the exact link between the two parts of the divided State has been named ‘Aman setu’ which means Peace Bridge. It was meant to be a symbol of growing bonhomie between India and Pakistan which had been estranged despite a long shared past. There was hope that with the ordinary masses moving closer the forces of extremism, ter-rorism and obscurantism would slowly and steadily disappear and that we would have a normal and tranquil environment.

What has happened over the years, especially in recent days? First, the first visitors from the other side dropped in staking claim to their property allegedly left behind by their ancestor’s decades ago. In collusion with the champions of the Resettlement Act they created such confusion that nearly killed the spirit behind the resumption of the link. Then, there was an earthquake and Pakistan’s initial response was not to receive any aid from India through this channel.

 Now there has been a far more serious development. In the name of miseries of fruit growers a secessionist agenda has been played to the hilt. It begins with whipping up fears about an economic blockade at the Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Deliberately no heed is paid to the categorical assertions of the Army and concerned authorities that there is no obstruction on the way. What further rips off the masks from their faces is the provocation from their mentors across the LoC. There has been no let-up in Pakistan reminding them about their being Muslims clearly indicating that its mindset is still rooted in the two-nation theory based on religion.

On the positive side the ‘Aman setu’ has indeed provided quite a few sentimental and emotional moments. A large number of friends and relatives have been able to see each other through the shortest route after a long time. This is not a small gain. Mainly they have to tell Pakistan that whatever their religion they are first human beings who believe in all gestures promoting mutual goodwill. It is doubtful, however, whether they can do so.

In the present instance a crude attempt has been made under the camouflage of economic distress to attack the purity of the LoC. That Pakistan wants to undermine this Line is too obvious. Do ‘Aman setus’ serve any purpose in a hostile milieu like this? New Delhi will only be failing in its duty if it permits an assault on the LoC either by insiders or outsiders.