RSS Leader Advocates Firm Stance Against Pakistan While Keeping Dialogue Open
RSS General Secretary Calls for Strong Response to Pakistan
Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the second-highest official after Mohan Bhagwat, emphasized on Tuesday that India must maintain a robust response to Pakistan and its support for cross-border terrorism. However, he also highlighted the importance of keeping the channels for dialogue open. To support his argument, Hosabale referenced actions taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who adopted a firm stance against terrorism while also engaging in diplomacy. He recalled that despite tense circumstances, Vajpayee made a significant gesture by traveling to Lahore by bus.
In a podcast, he stated that all possible efforts have been made thus far, but more initiatives should continue. Vajpayee attempted to foster dialogue, and his bus journey to Lahore led to several important developments. He noted that the current Prime Minister also extended an invitation to Pakistan during his oath-taking ceremony. Hosabale described Pakistan as a 'small mustache,' suggesting that if Pakistan continues to instigate incidents like Pulwama, India must respond appropriately to safeguard national security and dignity, urging the government to take this into account.
Moreover, he stressed that India should not completely shut the door on dialogue. He asserted that there should always be readiness for communication, which is why diplomatic relations, trade, and visa processes should continue. He believes that maintaining these connections is crucial, as there should always be a pathway for dialogue. He also mentioned that sports relations between the two nations should persist, expressing hope that these interactions could foster better ties, given the cultural connections and shared history between the countries.
While he underscored the need for a strict approach towards terrorism, he reiterated that there should always be room for dialogue.