ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Civil society organisations and concerned citizens have called upon India and Pakistan to show restraint and resist any temptation of war-mongering.

“Better understanding and constructive action rather than confrontation between states will discourage militant groups which are growing in strength in both countries.

The Pakistani government should no longer stay in a state of self-denial.

India too must bear in mind that militant groups and extremists thrive in a state of conflict and polarisation.

Both governments must sincerely redouble their efforts at addressing the rise of militant groups in the region,” said Dr Nayyar and Jehangir Akhtar, well-known peace activists of the Awami Jamhoori Ittehad.

With them were other human rights activists. They stressed on composite dialogue urging that the peace process be resumed forthwith.

Neither of the countries can bear the cost of keeping defence forces on alert and suspension of normal peacetime duties.

The activists condemned the recent terrorist attack on Mumbai and expressed sympathies with the victims’ families.

Jehangir Akhtar said US drone attacks were also terrorism, and extremism and militancy in the tribal region would not end unless intensive economic development and opportunities were provided to the people there.

“Pakistans civil society is alarmed at the loss of life, denial of education to girls and large-scale displacement of civilians in Fata and Swat.

Regrettably, there appears to be total absence of a cohesive policy by the Pakistani government to protect its own citizens,” they said.