RANJITH SOYSA 

The tense situation taking shape in the Indian sub-continent will have adverse

repercussions in the region unless India and Pakistan can consider reaching a peaceful solution to the issues arising from the massacre of 26 mostly Indian tourists in Kashmir by a group of armed men said to have a link to Pakistan. Pakistan rejects the claim. Both India and Pakistan meantime have taken a series of actions against each other enhancing the fears of a full-scale war in the sub-continent.

Both countries have suspended diplomatic relations with each other and have ordered the return of their citizens to the country of origin. India issued a statement that it would suspend participation in the Simla agreement in the critical Indus water treaty with Pakistan. Pakistan reacted promptly and warned India that any disruption of water supply would be considered an act of war” and it will take required steps to respond with full force.

Both countries are proceeding ahead in an aggressive manner which can lead to a bigger conflict creating issues for the sub-continent as a whole and the neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka,

As we have signed secret defence agreements with India some are speculating that Sri Lanka too will have to play a role in helping India in this conflict. The Sri Lankan government is continuing to ignore the fair request made by responsible citizens to publish the contents of the agreements so that people can voice their democratic views and. also if necessary seek legal redress against the contents in the agreements, if the sovereign rights of the country and the people are violated.

As the country will be dragged into a conflict between two of our friendly neighbours. Sri Lankan President should now disclose to the public the contents of the agreements and take steps to inform the PM of India that Sri Lanka does not want to be a party to a tussle between two friendly countries but can act as a mediator to settle the issue peacefully.

Let us re-tread the path followed by our former Prime Minister Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranayake in helping India and Pakistan to mend the fence peacefully without shedding blood.

RANJITH SOYSA