India and Pakistan, two nations born in a very unique fashion on the basis of religious identity. The countries were born because of insistence of the few political leaders. A nation of the most diverse culture divided into two by paying a huge unrecoverable cost of human life and culture, and giving rise to a hatred for each other rooted deep in the hearts of the citizens of the two countries. India and Pakistan won independence in August 1947 and it was accompanied by the largest mass migration in human history of some 10 million. Both countries got independence in 1947 but civil unrest as well as ethnic and religious discord threatened the stability of Pakistan while Indian politicians ratified a constitution, which led to the first democratic elections in 1951. The roller-coaster of India-Pakistan relations dates from the first day of division. The main reason of conflict is the region of Kashmir. India, Pakistan, and the Kashmiris, each believing they should control the region, are disputing the "ownership" of Kashmir. Three major wars have been fought over this, costing thousands of lives, destruction of the valley and unnecessary militarization. This hatred has also cost both the nations a huge cost socially and economically. If the nations would find a way to coexist peacefully, it would pave a way for them to progress socially, culturally and economically too, as there would be less/no need to incur amount on militarization programs of both the countries and in peace, culture flourishes.
Study the past if you would define the future. - Confucius
But the history taught to the new generations through textbooks and the word of mouth of the previous generation inspires hatred for our twin country. No doubt that the creation of Radcliffe border has always been and will continue to be a reminder of that unfortunate painful division. But at least we can try and present history that would have a neutral perspective to it, not inspiring hatred in the young minds. It is the ultimate truth that there is no way to change the geography or to choose our neighbors, thus it is beneficial for both to live peacefully and cooperate with each other and not encourage hatred in any form.
It is not that citizens of India and Pakistan are completely unaware of the events on the other side of the border. In today’s tech world, specially in a democratic country like ours, there are many means for knowing the other side, like the social media, news channels, etc. And one way of enhancing the understanding of the other nation’s concerns, issues, culture and heritage, of which both nations have much in common, can be to start education exchange programs. Our country already has successful tie-ups with some nations, so why not do the same with our neighbor too. The educational exchange programs will help the new generations to gain and share knowledge, helping in constructive development and both sides will get a chance to understand each others culture which is full of love and innocence. Though India is far ahead from Pakistan in the various fields like science, technology and healthcare, and there is more to give than to gain. But if it in any way helps inspire a peaceful future, then it is a worthy investment. Regarding healthcare situations, I’d like to draw attention to recent cases of polio disease in the Punjab region of Pakistan, and threat that the disease might get grip on this side of border too. It reminds us that eradicating diseases on the other side would not only benefit Pakistan but India too.
A country’s economy is one of the most important asset and any country is crippled without a strong economic growth. Also, no country in the age of globalism is self-sufficient for all the commodities. Presently, the trade between India and Pakistan is $2.4 Billion and business relations with our neighbour should be encouraged further. Business brings prosperity and development. It is worth considering that if there is a strong and profitable economic dependency between the countries, then each of the neighbour would think twice before taking any action that would have any sort of negative impact on business relations. Trade should not halt because of any frequent tension because ultimately common man suffers.
In peace, culture and prosperity flourishes. But there have been a number of ceasefire violations recently from Pakistani side. The exchange of fire heats up the situation and does severe damages at both side of border, specially to the civilians. The violations should be stopped because this recoils previous efforts and hesitates future efforts between the two of bringing peace and stability. Both countries should respect the ceasefire agreement and try to maintain peace along LoC. There should be DGMO (Director General of Military Operations, local commanders of the area) meetings regularly to maintain ceasefire. Diplomatic relations are key to maintain peace and coordination. But it is very important to empower democratic powers on both sides. People and media should not give unnecessary coverage and attention to radical people and they should be boycotted and strict action should be taken against them.
A very crucial factor in Indo-Pak conflict is the region of Kashmir and the separatist forces acting in the region. An important step needed to curb these forces, in my view, is to develop J&K. When the people of Kashmir will get education, employment, prosperity then they will not be encouraged to indulge in illegal activities and will not support separatists. Similar steps should be taken for other sensitive border areas too. This is also strategically crucial. Govt. must help in building connectivity in the region to ensure convenience to people and the connectivity would also be helpful in discouraging the undesired forces acting there.
After 68 years of division there are few signs of peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan. There are events which give us hope like the time to time release of prisoners from both sides, having cultural events of celebrities in the other country and, telecasting and appreciation of T.V. shows from the other side. People want peace, love, respect, education, better standards of living, and employment not the war, hatred, bloodshed and gunfire exchange. Pakistan must stop giving nourishment to terrorism at their homeland. Terrorists like Dawood Ibrahim and Hafiz Saeed must be taken under trial. They should be punished because they are the enemy of humanity and not of one country only. Pakistan is weak, both in strategic domains and in political and intellectual leadership to maintain equal terms with India, while India had progressed enormously in developing public institutions, educational institutes, in commerce, trade and industrial growth and scientific advancements. India and Pakistan both share common miseries of hunger, natural disasters, flooding, healthcare and so many other problems. It’s time to move from mistrust into a common shared engagement of cooperation and development. I’m sure you will find all this approaches bit unrealistic because of poisonous past. Yes ‘One hand alone cannot make the clap sound’ and Pakistan must understand this. I’m proud to say that India always finds a way and takes initiative to maintain friendly relation with Pakistan but radical elements and haters present at other side of Radcliffe deteriorate the relationship. In the end, I’d like to quote Paulo Coelho, ‘Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome economic and political barriers. But first they have to understand that their neighbor is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions.’
-- Prateek Dixit and Rusheel Shukla
