The aim of ex-servicemen's effort in both countries is to develop understanding between the people of the two countries which could lead to improvement in generally hostile climate, and to provide an opportunity to the retired armed forces personnel to join the civil society groups in struggle for attainment of peace.
Last year at the invitation of Association of People of Asia a group of retired Pakistan armed forces officers and ladies visited India. To provide impetus to this effort a visit by a group of 11 senior ex-Indian armed forces officers and 9 ladies was organized from February 23 to March 2, 2001. The group included Ms. Nirmala Deshpande, Admiral & Mrs. Ramdas, ex-Indian Naval Chief, Lt Gen. & Mrs. Moti Dhar, Vice Chief of Staff Indian Army and other senior officers.
On arrival by bus the delegation was given a warm reception by a large number of people. While talking to the press Ms. Nirmala Deshpande and Admiral Ramdas expressed their immense joy at being in Pakistan. The admiral explained they were here to explore the ways to further improve the climate of peace. He emphasized all differences should be resolved through peaceful means as the wars had only resulted in suffering. The admiral felt the recent developments in both the countries had provided unique opportunity for peace and resolution of problems through dialogue Admiral Ramdas felt we owe it to posterity not to was tethis momentous opportunity for peace and the people of India and Pakistan must make their establishments take advantage of it. Ms. Nirmala Deshpande the dynamic leader of this peace initiative said for her it was a source of inspiration to see those who had fought against each other had also realized the value of peace and were now together striving for its attainment. She strongly felt that peace had been denied for too long but now it was bound to come.
Next day the English Speaking Union graciously hosted a discussion and lunch in honor of the Indian delegates. Prominent figures amongst the retired Pakistan officers included Air Marshal Zafar A Chaudhry, Maj. Gen. S. Wajahat Hussain, Lt Gen Nishat Ahmad, Admiral Yastour Malik, Gen. Jahangir Karamat, Air Marshal Khurshid Mirza, Lt Gen Naseer Akhter, Maj. Gen. Qayyum, Lt. Gen. Ziaullah Khan, Maj. Gen. Jamshaid Malik and Air Vice Marshal Farooq Omar, In his welcome address Gen Wajahat, President of the English Speaking Union reminded the audience that Quaid-i-Azam did not stand for confrontation with India because he was a leader who believed in peace, progress and well-being of the people. However, due to unprecedented communal riots at the time of partition and subsequent armed conflicts peace has not been given a chance in the sub-continent. After acquisition of nuclear weapons by the two neighbors the need for early solution of issues leading to peace has become paramount.
Leader of the Indian delegation Admiral Ramdas pointed out the futility of war and the high price paid by India and Pakistan. Due to induction of weapons of mass destruction a future conflict could lead to devastation beyond imagination. He warned this horrible danger must be realized by the people of India and Pakistan and they must prevail on their leaders to ensure peace.
Dr. Mubashir Hasan felt a refreshing wind of peace had started blowing over the sub-continent and achievement of peace cannot be stopped even if some people wanted to. Increasing number of people in both countries have realized the value of desire for peace they cannot be denied. He felt Gen Pervez Musharaf is sincere in reducing tension and solving issues through negotiations.
Ms. Nirmala Deshpande pointed out that many more retired servicemen, politicians and others were very keen to come with her and share their resolve for peace with Pakistani people. She was very optimistic about the prospect of peace and felt this process cannot be delayed any longer as people on both sides had realized the futility of armed confrontation.
In the evening the visitors enjoyed the Tatoo show at the Fortress Stadium. They were extremely happy to have witnessed this exciting event. Later Dr. Khalid Ranjha, Punjab Minister of Law, Justice, Human Rights and Minorities took the Indian Delegation to the fascinating Food Street. They were delighted by the festive ambiance, warmth and friendliness of the Food Street.
On 25 February the delegation traveled to Islamabad by the Motorway Next morning they participated in a meeting organized by Gen M. Aslam Beg, ex-Chief of Army Staff, through FRIENDS. Gen Aslam Beg gave a detailed assessment of the situation prevailing in South Asia and his views on how to improve the relations between India and Pakistan. His presentation was followed by a lively discussion between the Indian delegation and invitees of FRIENDS. The Indian delegation then met Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, ex-President Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Sardar Sahib having been closely associated with the Kashmir issue gave an incisive presentation. His lucid and frank views were greatly appreciated by the visitors. Later Sardar Qayyum hosted a lunch for the Indian delegation. Admiral Ramdas and Lt. Gen. Moti Dar took the opportunity to call on the Foreign Office and meet the Assistant Foreign Secretary for South Asia.
In the evening Mr. M.P. Bhandara, Chairman Murree Brewery, hosted a reception on the beautiful lawns of his magnificent home. The reception provided an excellent opportunity to contemn discussion on issues confronting India and Pakistan and how to solve these. Mr. Bhandara cautioned regarding the new dangers posed to our region by nuclear weapons and emphasized the urgent need for resumption of talks and adoption of confidence building measures, which would help in solving the core issue. Admiral Ramdas also emphasized the need for dialogue and solution of problems through peaceful means.
On 27 February the visitors visited Taxila Museum and then they traveled to scenic Abbottabad valley. In Abbottabad they were first entertained at a reception by Comd and Mrs. Khalil-ur-Rehman at their splendid villa. The PIFFER Centre hosted a memorable lunch for the group in their Officer's Mess.
The same afternoon Ms. Nirmala Deshpande, Admiral L. Ramdas and Lt Gen Moti Dar called on Gen Pervez Musharraf. According to him the delay in APHC leaders visit to Pakistan would reinforce the impression that India was not keen on solving the Kashmir issue. He felt telephonic contact between Prime Minister Vajpayee and him was willing to meet India more than half way while propitiating its honor and dignity, He mentioned various measures, which Pakistan had taken for the initiation of a dialogue with New Delhi. Gen Musharraf said that it was unfortunate that no forum existed in the South Asian region for fostering economic development though it contained over one-fifth of the world population. He emphasized the need for strengthening and enhancing the scope of South Asian Association for Regional cooperation (SAARC) and India must play a positive role in it. Then Musharraf conveyed his greetings and good wishes for the people of India.
The members of the Indian delegates reciprocated the feelings of goodwill for the people of Pakistan. They agreed with the need for early resumption of talks between the two countries. They said they were enormously impressed with the abundance of goodwill and hospitality ex-tended to them by the people of Pakistan. They felt majority of people in India including the armed forces were of the view that Kashmir was a political issue and there was no military solution to it. They assured that people in India also stood for peace and amity between the two countries. The Indian delegates thanked the Chief Executive for providing them the opportunity to meet him and assured that on their return they would urge their leaders to begin the process of dialogue without delay.
In the evening Maj. Gen. and Mrs. Jamshaid Malik hosted a dinner in honor of the Indian delegation at the Islamabad Club. The dinner was attended by a number of retired armed forces officers and wives. This provided yet another opportunity to continue a cordial and frank exchange of views.
On 28 February a seminar on "Impediments in Indo-Pak relation and possible solutions" was organized at Islamabad. In an atmosphere of understanding and civility the former combatants who had earlier been encountering each other in a different spirit applied their minds to the need for peaceful solution of issues so that both countries could co-exist as sovereign civilized states. After a detailed exchange of views the retired senior armed forces officers evolved consensus that Kashmir problem need to be resolved through peaceful means. They urged both the countries to begin dialogue without putting any preconditions so that an atmosphere of trust can be created.
On 1st March Human Rights Commission of Pakistan organized a largely attended meeting at Awan-i-Jamhoor to enable the Indian delegation to meet a cross-section of people and try and understand each other's views. The common theme in the views expressed by the speakers was the need for peace in the sub-continent, so that people of India and Pakistan could co-exist as civilized neighbors. Speakers from both sides felt the two countries had paid a very heavy price for the confrontation and animosity of the past fifty years. New peace must be given a chance.
Members of IPSIP had a detailed exchange of views with Kashmir Martyrs Parents Association led by Maj. Gen. M. H. Ansari. The Martyrs Parent Association suggested that for peace the withdrawal of Indian Security Forces from Kashmir, holding of immediate and unconditional talks in accordance with, APHC's demand and to declare Occupied Kashmir a disputed territory before commencement of talks was important.
Admiral Ramdas requested the parent to use their influence on the Majahideens and urge them to put an end to their activities so that a climate of Peace is created and peace talks can be started, Gen Ansari was of the opinion that jihad will continue until the Indian Forces are not withdrawn from the Valley.
At night Lt Gen and Mrs. Nasir Akhter hosted a dinner at their home. The visitors enjoyed exquisite hospitality and met a galaxy of leading political leaders, businessmen, media and retired armed forces persons, Since the guests were due to leave early next morning the evening was brought to a close. Mr. Nirmala Deshpande and Admiral Ramdas who briefly shared their impressions and said they were carrying home marvelous memories from Pakistan. They were impressed by peoples desire for peace, good will and normalization of relations. They extended sincere thanks for the warmth, courtesy and hospitality extended to them during their stay in Pakistan.
Before the curtain was brought down on the visit of IPSIP-India the following joint Statement was issued.
Preamble
1. As a sequel to the visit of IPSIP (Pak Chapter) delegation to India in January 1999, a group of senior officers and their wives, under the dynamic leadership of Ms. Nirmala Deshpande, erstwhile Member of Parliament in India, visited Pakistan from 23 February to 2 march 2001. Admiral Ramdas, Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, headed this delegation.
2. A large number of senior officers from the three services, including many retired Service Chiefs, from Pakistan, participated in the deliberations of this group. The highlight of this visit was a meeting with Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf.
Joint Statement:
3. The Members of IPSIP from both countries, consequent to detailed discussion, resolved to put on record the following noteworthy contributions of IPSIP in furthering the cause of peace in the region with particular reference to improving Indo-Pakistan relations for our mutual benefit.
a) Help in creation of atmosphere of friendship and goodwill between the people of the two countries in general and former service personnel in particular.
b) Strengthen the belief that war no more remains an option in resolving issues concerning inter state relations.
c) Urge the leaders in the two countries to make serious efforts in finding a peaceful solution to all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, to pace the way for normalizing and developing friendly neighborly relations without resorting to the use of violence.
d) Lastly the IPSIP gratefully acknowledges the positive role of women on both sides of the border in fostering friendship in Indo-Pak relations, In this context, the part played by Ms. Nirmala Deshpande "Didi" has no parallel.
4. We jointly urge the authorities in both countries to resume an early dialogue at the highest level to resolve all pending issues coming in the way of lasting peace in the sub-continent in general and Indo-Pak relations in particular.
Conclusions:
On their return to India, the members of the delegation met their Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee. Mr. Jaswant Sing, Foreign Minister, Mr. Brajesh Mistra, National Security Advisor and Principal Secretary to the Indian PM. Gen. Padmanabhan, Chief of the Army Staff and Admiral Sushil Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. The delegation has also met a cross-section of the Indian political leadership including Mr. I. K. Gujral, ex-PM. Ms. Sonya Gandhi, Congress, Mr. Harkishan Singh Surjeet, CPI (M), Mr. Yusuf CPI (M) MLA from Held Kashmir and Mr. Launa, a leader from Ladakh. Later few members have also met the Home and Defence Ministers of India.
In their meetings with their Prime Minister and other leaders they have conveyed the good wishes and message of goodwill from Gen Pervez Musharraf, and the people of Pakistan. They further explained that in Pakistan at all levels they found abundance of goodwill and desire for peace with dignity. Ms. Nirmala Deshpande and members of the delegation reiterated the need for early start of dialogue, which should lead to solutions of issues. According to the leaders of the Indian group they have received a very positive response and support for this peace initiative.
In recent months both countries have taken positive steps to reduce tension and move towards dialogue. Members of Indian Pakistan Soldiers' Initiative for Peace in both countries urge the Government of India and Pakistan that under no circumstances this historic moment for peace should be allowed to pass.