Apropos the report "Sharif set for third term as Pakistan PM" (May 13) , the people of Pakistan deserve to be congratulated for coming out in huge numbers to vote for democracy - despite threats from extremist elements - paving the way for a smooth transition from one elected government to another. The Indian government should take this opportunity to render full support to the new government so that democracy thrives in Pakistan and the spectre of military coup is not able to rise its head, again. We have observed that our relation with Bangladesh has improved substantially since the Awami League government came to power about four years ago, mainly on a vote against the fundamentalist forces in the country. Though religious fundamentalism raises its ugly head in Bangladesh now and then, it is by and large contained through the efforts of the elected government. Similarly, one hopes that in the coming years, the force of religious fundamentalism is weakened in Pakistan, too. It is true that we have many unresolved issues with Pakistan, such as handing over of masterminds of 26/11, cross -border terrorism, inhuman treatment of our soldiers, and so on. But what we should ensure, through a process of bilateral relations, is that such heinous crimes are not repeated. This is the only way to ensure that peace prevails in the sub-continent.
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V Sridhar, Kolkata
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201 · E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number