Little do we seem to realise that every single day of delay only helps the militants to tighten their stranglehold over the helpless and agonised people of Kashmir. Even the release of Hurriyat Conference leaders has helped in altering perceptions. From the task assigned to Mr Pant, it can be presumed that he has rightly moved to fix the snag in the efforts to start formal talks with the Islamic extremists of Kashmir. The offer can lay the foundation of an abiding relationship in this vital area. These talks need to be seen in the backdrop of improving ties of India and Muslim outfits including clerics.
Past prejudices have to be shed.
The safety and welfare of our men in uniform is far more important than a few diplomatic pats on our backs. We must take note of the approach of the European Union towards developments in Afghanistan. It has evidently decided to take off the gloves and turn its moral indignation into effective action to deal with the Taliban. The significance of these developments should not be under-estimated. The Pandits were hounded out a decade ago.