The similarity between Kashmir and Balochistan, tempting as it may seem, is a false equivalenceOne of the first things beginners in chess are told to avoid is the “Copycat Trap”. He must step lightly now, if he is to avoid a similar trap in foreign policy strategy. The default position remains one of engagement, but no substantive talks took place when the Foreign Ministers or Foreign Secretaries met this year, or when Prime Minister Modi called Prime Minister Sharif to enquire about his health and wish him on Eid. Disservice to KashmirHowever, the similarity between Kashmir and Balochistan, as tempting as it may seem, is a false equivalence. Raising Balochistan, then, is more akin to Pakistan raising, say, government action in Maoist areas or in Nagaland or Manipur.

Source: The Hindu August 17, 2016 18:33 UTC