Former Indian Army chief General (retd) Manoj Naravane has expressed support for RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale’s stance on holding talks with Pakistan and promoting people-to-people contacts. He said such engagements are important for the people of both countries and could lead to overall positive development in the Indian subcontinent if both sides engage in dialogue.
The former Army chief noted that the fundamental struggles of the “common man”, especially the basic needs of “roti, kapda, and makaan” (food, clothing, and shelter), are identical on both sides of the border. He added that the common man on both sides has nothing to do with politics, yet they bear the brunt of the politics of both countries.
“When there is friendship between the two people, there will also be friendship between the two nations,” he said.
Naravane was responding to a query about RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s statement expressing his desire for dialogue.
“It is the right thing. People-to-people contact is important,” he remarked.
The former Army chief made these comments while visiting a bookshop in the city to sign his new book, ‘Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries’.
He emphasised that people-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan. It is pertinent to mention that India and Pakistan used to have active trade corridors before 2019. However, these were shut down after the two sides downgraded their diplomatic and people-to-people relations following the abrogation of Article 370.
Meanwhile, the RSS leader had also said that while “Pakistan’s military and political leadership have lost India’s confidence, it is time for civil society to take the lead.”
Naravane said there should be people-to-people connections between the two countries, be it through "Track II" diplomacy or sporting events.
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