Author:
Publication: The Week
Date: July 29, 2001
The Week-Sofres Mode opinion poll
Two days after the talks between
India and Pakistan broke down at historic Agra, Sofres Mode interviewers
fanned out in New Delhi to gauge the mood of the people. They spoke
to 220 adult males across the city to gather what they thought about the
summit and its fallout.
The findings were in tune with what
the rest of India thought about the summit, if media reports were any indication
of the mood of the populace. An over-whelming 87 per cent of the
respondents said the summit was a failure and cross terrorism, along with
Kashmir, remained the main issue. A majority (53 per cent) favour
strong action against militants. Thought the respondents were sceptical
of a peaceful future, 73 per cent felt that India should continue talks
with Pakistan. About 80 per cent approved Prime Minster Vajpayee's
stance that all issues should be discussed and 66 per cent wanted him to
visit Pakistan. Sensing the ground reality, 79 per cent said there
could be no immediate solution to Kashmir issue.
Can Musharraf be trusted?
NO - 77%
Yes - 20%
Don't know - 3%
Agra Summit was a failure.
YES - 88%
No - 10%
Don't know - 2%
Who is responsible?
PAKISTAN - 57%
India - 10%
Neither - 7%
Both - 26%
Media coverage of the summit
No effect - 32%
Decreased people's expectations
- 6%
Increased people's expectations
- 62%
Impact of the summit on Indo-Pak
relations
Improved a lot - 4%
Improved a little - 37%
No effect - 48%
Worsened - 11%
Main issue in Indo-Pak relations
is
Cross-border terrorism - 52%
Kashmir - 48%
Approve India's decision to discuss
all issues
YES - 78%
No - 21%
Don't know - 1%
Can there be an immediate solution
to the Kashmir problem?
No - 79%
Yes - 21%
The best solution is
Strong action against militants
- 52%
LoC as border - 26%
Refrendum - 20%
Can't say - 2%
India's effrots to establish peace
with Pakistan
India has done enough - 54%
India should give in some more
- 44%
Can't say - 2%
Should Vajpayee visit Pakistan?
Yes - 67%
No - 33%
Is long term peace with Pakistan
possible?
Yes - 27%
NO - 73%
Should talks between India and Pakistan
continue?
YES - 72%
No - 28%
