In a significant development, US and the Afghan Taleban have finally signed the much-awaited peace deal aimed at securing an end to almost two decades of violent conflict in Afghanistan.

This deal will allow gradual withdrawal of US troops from the country. We must remember that in this volatile region, unstable Afghanistan is not in the interest of any global power especially neighbourhood like India, Pakistan, and Iran. Afghan people have seen lot of violence. From Soviet invasion in 1979 to US war in 2001, the country has been in the grip of violence for the last four decades. Generations of Afghans have been denied basic peaceful existence.

If Taleban sincerely implements this peace deal, it would bode well for Afghanistan's young population. But we must also remember that the Taleban have a history of extracting concessions in exchange of false assurances. We all hope and pray for peace to return to Afghanistan.

Apropos “Will the Taliban keep peace?” (DH, March 2), in a significant development, the US and the Taliban in Afghanistan have finally signed the landmark peace deal at Qatar’s capital Doha. The deal was to put a stop to the approximately two-decade-long violent conflict in Afghanistan. This deal will also help with the gradual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

We must remember that in this volatile region, an unstable Afghanistan is not in the interest of any global power, especially the neighbouring countries like India, Pakistan and Iran. In fact, Afganistan has seen a major conflict for the last 40 years starting from the Soviet invasion (1979) and from the US troops. Generations of Afghan people have been denied a peaceful existence.

If the Taliban sincerely implements this peace deal, the young Afghani population will definitely welcome the Doha peace deal as it will bring Afghanistan into the mainstream. But we must also remember that the Taliban has a history of extracting concessions in exchange for false assurances. We all hope and pray peace returns to Afghanistan

(2)"U.S.Taliban Peace deal ,Offer a glimmer of Hope"
Khaleej Times,March 2,2020,L.E.

In a significant development, US and the Afghan Taleban have finally signed the much-awaited peace deal aimed at securing an end to almost two decades of violent conflict in Afghanistan.

This deal will allow gradual withdrawal of US troops from the country. We must remember that in this volatile region, unstable Afghanistan is not in the interest of any global power especially neighbourhood like India, Pakistan, and Iran. Afghan people have seen lot of violence. From Soviet invasion in 1979 to US war in 2001, the country has been in the grip of violence for the last four decades. Generations of Afghans have been denied basic peaceful existence.

If Taleban sincerely implements this peace deal, it would bode well for Afghanistan's young population. But we must also remember that the Taleban have a history of extracting concessions in exchange of false assurances. We all hope and pray for peace to return to Afghanistan.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa's focus on National security and Sinhalese culture helped him emerge victorious in Lankan Presidential elections(Gotabaya sworn as Lankan Prez,19th Nov),His promise during campaign that he will combat Islamic terror is surely a good news for India,as this will curtail Pakistan's influence on the Island nation.

However worrying factor for India is China's strong bond with Rajapaksa brothers.With India always keeping its line of communication open with brothers,there should be a positive response from President Gotabaya in coming days.

Sir — This refers to the editorial, "Standing up to a bully" (August 29). Finally, diplomacy prevailed in calming down the tense situation in Doklam which prevailed for more than two months. It is a significant achievement for India that in this stand-off, the US, Japan and Vietnam all fully supported the Indian standpoint. Congratulations are forthcoming to those diplomats, from both sides who toiled very hard, though behind the scene, to end this deadlock.

The editorial is timely as New Delhi's decision to develop infrastructure like roads in this region is of utmost militarily importance from a strategic point of view. It will also give confidence to Bhutan as we are obliged to protect Bhutan's sovereignty as well.

Sir, The surprise meeting of the NSA's of India and Pakistan in Hong Kong is a major diplomatic breakthrough, given the two sides had earlier engaged in mutual blame game resulting in cancellation of talks. External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Islamabad to attend the conference on Afghanistan is a big outcome of this meeting. Both sides can to utilize this meeting to thrash out crucial matters such as frequent clashes and breach of peace at the LoC, the steady stream of jihadi elements from across the border etc.-Even Pakistan will have a platform to put across its point of view. This is a good beg, for it will help break the deadlock that had arisen between two neighbors. The two countries can agree or disagree, but it is imperative that they initiate the talks. Nothing will be lost if India and Pakistan share their individual concerns and anxieties honest, and openly and openly.

Sir - The standoff in Doklam came to an end after almost 10 weeks. During the crisis, most major nations supported India's stand. Diplomats from both countries deserve to be congratulated for diffusing the tension through talks.

However, the Indian government should not be lax after seemingly getting an upper hand over China. For instance, it should develop infrastructure on its side of the border. This will also reassure our neighbour and ally, Bhutan,

Yours faithfully,

It is appalling that the escalating violence in the neighboring country has been taking a toll on media persons besides the common man (ISI behind journo death?, June 1). The brutal murder of prominent journalist and bureau chief of Asia Times Online, Syed Saleem Shahzad, should be condemned by the international community which should demand an apology from Pakistan for the incident.

It is now clear that the ISI, which literally dictates terms in that nation, is engaged in a covert effort to silence all voices being raised against the state and its authoritarian moves.

It is indeed a shame to call Pakistan a democracy.

Sir - The standoff in Doklam came to an end after almost 10 weeks. During the crisis, most major nations supported India's stand. Diplomats from both countries deserve to be congratulated for diffusing the tension through talks.

However, the Indian government should not be lax after seemingly getting an upper hand over China. For instance, it should develop infrastructure on its side of the border. This will also reassure our neighbour and ally, Bhutan,

Sir, The death of Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Bugti in a military for Pakistan. Earlier, such high-handedness was used against Bhutto and Jio Sindh movement chief G.M Sayed. Pakistan should remember that it lost its eastern territory, which became Bangladesh in 1971, as a result of the use of military might to quell a political movement.

Baluchistan is Pakistan’s largest province with vast natural resources like mineral and gas reserves like the Sui Gas fields and the Chinese-built Gwadar seaport.

Pakistan has been exploiting these resources without handing over the benefits to Balochistan,which remains one of the most undeveloped regions in South Asia without any access to motorable roads, potable water,electricity,schools and health care. Pakistan should not forget that Karachi has vast Baloch population and 60 percent of the population of Sindh province is Baloch ethnics.

Sir, The Killing of Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Bugti by Pakistan army will have terrible fallout on Pakistan. Pakistan should remember that it lost Bangladesh in 1971 as a result of military action to quell a political movement.

Pakistan has been exploiting the resources without passing on the benefits for the development of Baluch people. The killing will complicate the matters in the already turbulent regions and prove fatal for Pakistan’s solidarity.

Sir — This refers to the news report, “Centre, J&K happily forgot Chamel Singh!” (April 1). The Pioneer has done well to highlight the issue of Chamel Singh’s torture in a Pakistani jail and the Centre and the State Government’s seeming lack of interest to take up the matter with the neighbouring country. Pakistan’s treatment of Indian prisoners is in clear violation of Geneva Convention that clearly mandates that prisoners of enemy countries must be dealt with in a humane manner.

Numerous cases of such tortures have been reported in the recent past and India must press Islamabad to institute a serious probe into such incidents and punish the culprits. Unfortunately, like always, the neighbouring country has maintained silence on the matter. India must take up the issue. New Delhi must forcefully highlight this issue in world forums and also take up the matter more robustly with Pakistan. We must send out a loud and clear message that such dastardly acts won’t be tolerated.

SIR, The killing of five Indian soldiers was a well-coordinated attack by regulars of the Pakistan army. Even if it was the handiwork of terrorists, it was carried out with full support of the Pakistan army. Islamabad should be made to realize that India's is capable of retaliating even harder.

As President Roosevelt had once said famously: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far". India should talk to Pakistan, but retaliate immediately after such attacks as the one in the Poonch sector.

The latest violation of ceasefire by the Pakistan Army and the brutal killing and mutilation of the bodies of two Indian soldiers is highly condemnable and unpardonable.

This barbaric act is totally against the Geneva Convention, and is a chilling reminder of the brutal attack on Capt Saurabh Kalia and his team by Pakistani troops in Kaksar sector of Kargil during the 1999 conflict. The intrusion in Indian territory, the killing of our brave jawans and the frequent breach of the Line of Control by Pakistani is proof that the country is not serious about making peace with India.

These are just few of the many attempts by the Pakistani Army to derail the so-called dialogue process between the two countries. Significantly, the recent outrage also comes at a time when Kashmir is enjoying relative peace.

The Government of India must take the recent incident seriously and demand appropriate action. It also needs to seriously do a re-think on its relations with Pakistan. Our diplomacy seems to suffer a serious disconnect with ground realities and public sentiment. We continue to offer concessions and Pakistan continues to snub us.

Sir, This refers to the editorial "Ball is in Madhesis court" (DH, Dec 23). Decision by the Nepal government to amend its new Constitution to address the demands of Madhesi parties on proportional representation and inclusion of certain demands is a very positive development. This will help re-solve a long simmering dispute which had led to blockade in major parts of country, crippling imports of essential coinmodities and bringing life in Nepal to a complete standstill.

It is also hoped that this conciliatory move will end the five month long agitation which resulted in the death of 50 people in clashes between protesters and police. Resolving a major conflict requires compromise from both sides and it is hoped that both parties will follow the agreement. in letter and spirit towards a more peaceful existence. Kathmandu's decision will also help restore cordial relations with India.

Sir, In the latest of series of attacks on high profile targets in Afghanistan,This week's blast out side the Supreme court premises of Afghanistan in the centre of capital Kabul,leaving at least 20 people dead and many wounded , was a heinious and outrageous act of senseless violence which deserves to be condemned in the strongest terms by one and all ,

These attacks also underscores the growing period of insecurity in Afghanistan and rise of resilient Taleban insurgency. The suicide attack once again reveals the capability of these terrorist outfits in Afghanistan to target at their will ,even the supposed to be the most secure places in the national capital Kabul .In the past the they had even targeted the the Parliament building,It also shows the fragile security scenario in the Afghanistan capital .

After coalition troops started withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2014, after Taliban's stepped up their attacks even at the most secured targets in Afghanistan capital like Parliament,Supreme court etc ,As Taleban knows inside and outside

After coalation troops started withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2014, after Talibans stepped up their attacks even at the most secured targets in Afghanistan capital like Parliament, Supreme court etc ,As Taliban knows inside and outside Afghanistan, due to their long period of experience in insurgency in Afghanistan , Taliban have large funds at thier disposal earned from other means, highly insurgency trained Talibs means taliban fighters and arms ,

As In America, New administration of President Ronand Trump has taken over, Afghanistan Government should seek more help and higher level of commitment from US and other powers in combating terror, as weakening of the (add-civilian civilian government in Afghanistan and it capacity to combat terror attacks and ensuring security in the Afghanistan,

Also we must remember unstable Afghanistan, is not in the interest of any global power especially neighboring countries like Pakistan, Iran and India .

Sir, Apropos “I’ll talk to Taliban anywhere”(DH, Jun 29) by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, almost four decades of strife in Afghanistan has brought it untold misery. Half of Afghan’s population, around 33 million, is young and has never seen a day of peace.

The people deserve an end to this futile war. A permanent solution is needed and it appears that the Taliban, which is a major stakeholder, would not be averse to peace.

An unstable Afghanistan is not in the interest of any global power or the entire region, especially its neighbours like Pakistan, Iran and India.

(ii) Gulf states and India should help Afghanistan,
Khaleej times,30th June,2018,2018,L.E

Almost four decades of insurgency in Afghanistan has brought untold misery to Afghan people. It is one of the worst humanitarian disasters since World War II. Even the Syrian conflict that started in 2011 is coming to an end, as powers there are realizing the futility of this war.

Afghan people want peace; almost half of Afghanistan's population (around 33 million) is young, and has never seen a day of peace. These people deserve a better life. No body wins in a war like this.

The Gulf States and India could offer solutions. These countries should extend their support to the people of Afghanistan, and get Taleban has a seat on the negotiating table. They are major stakeholders, and having been involved in the war for decades, the extremist group would not be averse to peace.

If we see the contemporary history of Afghanistan, none of the powers has been able to rule the country for long. Afghanistan has suffered socially, politically and economically. An unstable Afghanistan is not in the interest of any global power, and especially this region.

US President Donald Trump's plan to reduce the number of American troops in Afghanistan to half is definitely a great cause of concern for the region. Whether the decision will lead to increased fighting in Afghanistan, or a power-sharing arrangement with the Taleban is anyone's guess at the moment.

But India has reasons to worry whatever the case may be. New Delhi has invested considerable time and resources in Afghanistan, and now it should engaging more with Taleban.

Sir, The Political flux in Nepal signals India's need to revisit its foreign policy .

Kathmandu is abuzz with rumours that New Delhi is interfering in its internal affairs and trying to destabilise the present governmnet it is time we handled the Nepal not as elder brother but only as friendly neighbour.Also"s china"s steady inroads into India through Nepal , poses serious economics and security challenges is concerning.

SIR, The Prime Minister&’s decision to boycott the CHOGM conference is not correct; he has succumbed to the pressure exerted by some Tamil parties; over human rights abuses and alleged war crimes by the Sri Lankan army. Instead of boycotting the Colombo summit, India should, attend the conference,and stridently raise the issue of atrocities on Tamils during the 26-year civil war. India would then have been able to buttress the stand that any further violation of human rights will not be tolerated. India is the largest nation in the Commonwealth bloc.

With representation downgraded, the external affairs minister, Salman Khurshid, will step in for the PM.As a seasoned politician, he should deliver a tough ;message on human rights violation by the Sri Lankans.

The issue of atrocities on Tamils should be taken up directly with the Sri Lankan authorities. If necessary, the issue can be referred to the United Nations.

The extent to which Taleban can attack prominent targets in Kabul at will also shows that the Karzai government has absolutely no control over the security situation in his country. Wednesday's attack by Taleban in Kabul's High Security Zone near the US Embassy and NATO headquarters clearly demonstrates that Taleban are down but not out yet. Time and again they have proved that they are well equipped, well funded and well informed. It is also evident that they are being supported strategically by some insiders. The fact remains that violence is at its worst in Afghanistan since the US ousted the Taleban regime in 2001.

These attacks by Taleban militants on prominent targets will worsen the security situation not only in Afghanistan, but in the neighborhood as well. Repeated terror attacks in Pakistan could reach India if serious measures are not taken. As Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram said, we are living in a troubled neighborhood.

Sir, A New humanatarian crisis is unfolding in Myanmar,where Rohingya muslims have been made to flee after an army crackdown, Unfortunately their forced flight after democratic governmnet replaced the military junta in Myanmar.

The UNHCR has already that if the ethnic carnage by the army is not stopped , it could turn into the world's greatest humanitarian tragedy.

This refers to the news report “Suu Kyi calls for reconciliation talks” (Nov. 12) It’s indeed a landslide victory for Myanmar’s democratic champion Aung San Suu Kyi. This reminds us of Nelson Mandela who had been incarcerated in jail for 27 years before walking out to become South Africa’s president.

Suu Kyi, who spent decades of imprisonment in Myanmar, has finally come out to win overwhemingly the parliamentary election. Myanmar, after 25 years of military rule, is all set to hand power to Suu Kyi. These are indeed the memorable moments reflecting democracy’s triumph.

Suu Kyi had the option to go into exile along with her family, but she chose to stay in the country remaining under house arrest for all these years. By taking a firm stand on a democratic form of government, she won many hearts in Myanmar and outside. This is Myanmar’s first free general election in decades, with massive turnout of 80 percent of the 30 million eligible voters, especially in the countryside.

Suu Kyi will however not find it easy as the road ahead is not full of roses. She would need to take concrete measures like the one on Rohingya issue. The minority Muslims have suffered a lot under the military junta and are deprived of their basic rights including the right to vote.

The world in general must seize this opportunity to open a new era of partnership with Myanmar, which is gateway to east.

The world seems to have shut its eyes to the plight of Myanmar’s Rohingyas, who have long been neglected. The Muslim minority suffered from genocide under the military junta, creating the most alarming humanitarian crisis in the country’s history.

The democratically-elected new government led by Aung San Suu Kyi has done little to stop the protracted carnage. When the Nobel Prize winner won the historic election, it transformed Myanmar from a despotic country run by the military junta into a democracy, raising hopes for peace in the Rakhine region.

It was widely believed that Suu Kyi would take a principled stand on the hapless Rohingya community. However, in a cruel irony, the persecutions have intensified as the military remains engaged in the ethnic cleansing of the Muslims.

It is time the international community woke up and took tangible steps to help the Rohingya, as they have no place to go. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that if the world does not stop the ethnic carnage, it will be the greatest humanitarian tragedy the world will ever see.

The Muslim community is already being subjected to rape, mass murder, brutal killings and the burning of entire villages by the military. The UN needs to take immediate action to stop genocides, not only in Myanmar but in other parts of the world, including Syria.

(2) The Rohingya deal raises hope,
Khaleej times,July,12,2018,L.E.

The MoU between the UN and the Myanmar government on the repatriation of Rohingyas has definitely raised hopes. An estimated 700,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar due to its military crackdown leading to one of the most barbaric genocides which Western countries have condemned as the worst ethnic cleansing in recent history.

When Aung San Suu Kyi won the election, it raised hopes for peace in the Rakhine region. But nothing went as expected.

It is hoped that under UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres some lasting solution will be achieved.