Opinion    
Indo-Pak relations:
It’s time to end the relations
by Dr. Deepak Pawar

Why are we bending over backwards to accommodate our ‘friendly’ neighbors? It is okay to be peace loving, and that’s what sets us apart from them, but to be magnanimous to the extent that we have been with them and consistently overlook the harm that our country has been subjected to, is not only foolish, but is also a crime against our own people, especially those who laid down their lives in wars and terrorist attacks.

We need to take stock, sit back and think rationally as to what we are gaining from associating ourselves with Pakistan. I am aware that champions of ‘peace process’ would argue that India is gaining a lot from this alliance, in that there will be a let up in cross-border terrorism and Pakistan will round up the culprits on their side of the border. It’s been a few years since mutual dialogue was established and the ‘peace process’ was initiated. May I ask, apart from uniting a few long lost relatives in the two countries, has it brought about any reduction in terrorist activities since then? If anything, it’s quite the opposite. Terrorists are striking at will at some of our most dear and strategic public places. Pakistan may vehemently deny any involvement in these attacks, but there is no doubt as to the source of these terrorists, their machinations or indeed ammunitions.

Doubtless, not the whole of Pakistani society is involved in subversive activities. They may be largely peace loving like we are and I am not pointing fingers at all of them. Besides, there are bad apples in our basket too. But at the same time Pakistan has undeniably harbored terror camps on its soil. Even if we agree that there may be militant groups operating covertly across the border, which the Pakistani Government may not be controlling, what have they done to curb their growth and root them out? They are not even ready to accept that there are terrorist groups operating from their country, let alone control them.

It is time for a radical shift in our foreign policy. Akin to Gandhiji’s non-co-operation movement, I propose a policy of total non-involvement with Pakistan. Please bear with me while I attempt to justify this and consider the following issues.

Political differences

We take pride in our democratic system and secularism, with representation of all classes and people of diverse faith. On the other hand, Pakistan has always been prone to a theocratic and sometimes autocratic military regime over the years. Religion is at the core of all the state policies. But then again, what else can be expected from a country, which took its birth based on religious reasons? Do they deserve the kind of attention that we are showering on them, especially after they decided to separate themselves from us some 60 years ago?

Differences in economic progress

We have made rapid strides economically and continue to scale new heights in the global scenario. Pakistan’s economy, on the other hand, is in the doldrums. If the ongoing ‘peace process’ would result in us bailing them out of their financial humdrum, then what can be better for them? It seems in their quest for economic one-upmanship, they need to have everything we do, be it nuclear technology or information technology.

There is another neglected corollary to their economic travails. Ever since we have thrown our doors open to them with a red carpet to boot, the Pakistanis have arrived in hordes and a vast number have disappeared! Disappeared into our society, taking on a new identity and in a few years, no doubt will be entitled to all the rights and luxuries that an average Indian enjoys. And all this when we are grappling under the scourge of population explosion and poverty and trying to curtail subversive elements in our own society. Who knows how many of these people who have settled down here are connected to the terror camps form across the border?

Differences in religious freedom

We are a secular state represented by various faiths, religions, castes and tribes living harmoniously, save an occasional aberration. Yet others, including Pakistan point fingers towards us whenever there is a minority related issue. Such people should be referred to the fact that right now, an Italian leader of the ruling party, a Sikh Prime Minister and a Muslim President, are representing India. Minority communities in India have excelled in every sphere, be it politics, films, or sports. Actor Feroz Khan was right in saying, much to the chagrin of the Pakistanis, that generally Muslims in India lead a much better life than those across the border.

Our neighbors should also look at what is happening in their own backyard before commenting on us. For them, there are only two classes of human beings; Muslims and non-Muslims. Hindus and Christians in Pakistan are left with no choice but to put up with the oppression and isolation or convert to Islam. Doesn’t the concept of human rights apply to Pakistan at all? Yet we open our doors to them, allowing some to settle down in our free society and others to spread their hatred amongst us.

Films and culture

It is perhaps naïve to bring in films here, but films are considered to be great socio-cultural unifiers. But our films are banned in their country mainly because their pedestrian film industry will disappear into oblivion if their films have to compete with ours. However the reason they are stating is that our films showcase a different culture, which is rather bold for their tastes. Now, suddenly our cultures are different! Yet the Pakistanis perhaps watch more Hindi movies than we all do put together. They watch them one way or the other. And it is usually the other way. I am talking here about the cross-border piracy. Half of the problem of piracy plaguing our film industry will be resolved if we can curtail cross-border piracy, which seems to have become a viable industry in itself! And nobody seems to be bothered.

They watch our movies alright. But they just don’t like it if our films portray patriotic or India-centric themes. Thankless as they are, they enjoy our films, whilst indulging in India-bashing at every opportunity. There is certainly no dearth of talent in our own industry and we are self-sufficient in every department. Why then, are we going all out to woo less than average performers from across the border, who will be grateful just to be considered for a part in our films? I do not buy Pooja Bhatt’s argument that there are better musicians in Pakistan than in India. Such people and indeed her illustrious father, Mahesh Bhatt, who seem to have taken it upon themselves to bring in as many non-actors such as Meera from Pakistan should ideally stay there and continue making their cheap Hollywood reproductions using ‘better’ local talent.

Many names, one agenda

Be it Al-Qaeda, Taliban, LeT, JeM, Bin Laden, Abu Salem, Dawood Ibrahim, or others, the common theme for all of them is terrorism. Along with the West, India has also borne the brunt of this theme partly because we are a non-Islamic state and mainly because we are a soft target due to our policies. All of them have created havoc in our Country to various extents and all have some connection or the other with our neighbour. Their overall agenda is to divert our attention from Nation building, from our attempts to promote religious harmony and to undermine the ongoing economic progress. And we, with our ‘please all’ policies and lenient approach, are playing into their hands perfectly.

Terrorist state

Pakistan will never ever aid India sincerely in weeding out terrorism from our soil. Alone or in partnership. The concept of partnering Pakistan in investigating terrorism in India defies all logic. It is like asking Bin Laden to chair a panel looking into the 9/11 attacks! For them to even consider helping us, they need to acknowledge that the source of terrorism in our Country is indeed from their soil. Despite evidence to suggest the existence of a culture of terrorism in their country, Musharraf & co have steadfastly denied it. In fact, as a classic example of projective identification (a psychological defence mechanism), they are now alleging that we have instigated the Baluchistan movement. Yet we go to them, brushing every issue under the carpet, extending an olive branch, asking them to help us, when we really should be looking to blank their presence from our soil.

Other neighbors

Unfortunately there are also other nations around us, which are knowingly or unknowingly abetting terrorism. We know for a fact that terrorists from Pakistan have traversed through Nepal on a few occasions. And our great eastern neighbor, Bangladesh is covertly exporting multitudes of its people across the porous border, whilst breeding radicalism on its own land. It is only the geographical distance that has prevented terrorists from Pakistan and Bangladesh from forging an alliance against us. When we have so many issues to sort out with these countries, not to mention the border disputes with China and the Tamil conundrum in Sri Lanka, why are we focusing our attention almost exclusively on Pakistan?

Global terror scenario

Living in the UK these days, is like living in a nation that is at war. With an invisible enemy. So called ‘British’ Muslims, born and bred in the UK, educated and financially well to do, are turning to radical ideology like never before. Their excuse for resorting to terrorism is that their brethren, be it in Kashmir, Afghanistan or Iraq are being persecuted by non-Islamic states. If educated youths can take recourse to terrorism with a warped sense of judgement, consider what the easily brain-washable, illiterate, jobless Pakistani youths would do. Why do these educated youths continue to live a life of luxury in western countries when they really should be out there fighting for their ‘kith and kin?’ Elsewhere, we have already witnessed the 9/11 events, Madrid and Bali bombings, to name a few. And guess where most of these attacks and plots can be traced back to? Correct, Pakistan! Our partner in the fight against terrorism!

The American angle

Just because we have inked a nuclear deal with America, it would be childish to assume that America will back us in our fight against terror originating from Pakistan. Despite knowing very well that cross-border terrorism is a distinct reality, Bush has always taken Mush’s side and patted him on the back. After all, America has only its own interest at heart and would have to back Pakistan if it is to gain access to Afghanistan or indeed if it is to nab Bin Laden. This is where we stand alone.

Just to give another example, when the UK terror plot was recently busted, television media recounted all the previous successful terror attacks such as 9/11, London, Madrid and Bali. There was not a single mention of the Mumbai blasts or of attacks anywhere else in India for that matter. Terrorism in their land is a real problem, whereas that in India is non-existent for them, when in actual fact, we have been fighting terrorism since long before 9/11. This is why we need to fend for ourselves and build up a secure future for our Nation on our own accord. This is why we need to draw a line and distance ourselves from Pakistan as soon as possible.

Our other woes

I cannot over-emphasize the fact that we have more than enough problems on our plate to be importing some more from Pakistan. Over-population, poverty, illiteracy, corruption, lack of civic sense and deterioration in law and order are still ailing us, even in these days of economic betterment. Again, instead of tackling these issues, we have ended up giving undue importance to building relations with our unruly neighbor.

Enough is enough

How many more Kargils need to be waged before we open our eyes? How long can the Kashmir imbroglio be allowed to fester? How many more places of National importance should be attacked before we act? And above all, how many more ordinary, innocent people should lose their lives before we wake up to the situation? After all, it is always the common man who is most affected, whilst the ministers from either side continue their ‘dialogue’ in plush venues.

We have already witnessed the Kandahar episode, the 1993 blasts, attacks on Parliament, Varanasi and IISc in Bangalore and the recent Mumbai train blasts, to name just a few. No doubt, there will be many more if we do not act soon. Each time there is an attack we are caught napping. Security is tightened AFTER the horse has bolted and we end up spending years looking for clues and hunting for suspects. Even if they are caught, our judicial system takes decades before delivering a verdict. But that’s a different story in itself.

In any case, each of these atrocities is in some way connected to Pakistan. The hijackers from Kandahar, disappeared into Pakistan once their mission was accomplished and are perhaps roaming freely there, plotting more attacks. If Pakistan were serious about their concerns regarding terrorism in our Country, they would have handed over Dawood Ibrahim to us long back. Instead he continues to live a charmed life across the border, marrying off his daughter to Javed Miandad’s son, no less! And terrorists involved in the other attacks were trained in camps across the border, from their own admission. Yet, instead of keeping Pakistan at bay, we are inviting them to our dinner table.

White elephant

A white elephant is described by the online dictionary as ‘a possession entailing great expense out of proportion to its usefulness or value to the owner.’ Unfortunately that’s what Kashmir has become for us. Purists may cry foul and say that Kashmir is dear to us and is an integral part of India, but we cannot ignore the fact that we have expended unimaginable amount of time, finances, energy and above all human lives in keeping this possession since independence. And in the process we have completely diverted our attention from Nation building towards fire fighting in Kashmir. After all this, have we succeeded in warding off the insurgents from across the border? No! Over the years, thanks to the proxy war waged by Pakistan, the northwestern part of the state has been completely eroded by the virus of terror. This virus is still multiplying and expanding. People living in POK call themselves citizens of ‘Azad Kashmir.’ Well, if ‘azadi’ is what they want, then that’s what we should be giving them.

What then is the solution? The solution I am proposing is likely to be radical, unprecedented, unacceptable for a few, but above all totally non-violent. It is time for another partition. It is time to sit down with the representatives of the people from our side of Kashmir and have an open dialogue with them. To decide the future course of Kashmir’s statehood. It is time to declare Kashmir an independent state bereft of all involvement with us. Of course that part of the Kashmiri populace who wish to remain Indian citizens may be allowed to move in to our Country and rehabilitated suitably, logistical problems notwithstanding. Others, who seek ‘azadi’ should be granted their wish and separated from us with a well-defined geographical border. Once this is established, we can get back to solving our other problems in right earnest.

We also need to distance ourselves from Pakistan on all levels. We need to acknowledge first of all that the ‘peace process’ has failed on many levels. It has certainly failed to curb terrorism, towards which it was primarily aimed. We need to, literally, draw a firm line between the two countries. We need to erect a leak-proof geographical border not only with Pakistan but also with Bangladesh. Significant entry points should be monitored very closely and security in general tightened. We need to hunt down the missing terror mongers and deliver fast-track verdicts on cases relating to terrorism in India. Diplomatic involvement should be confined to having embassies in the two countries and leaders occasionally meeting at international summits.

However humanitarian activities, such as treating their sick in our hospitals or garnering aid in the hours of crises, should continue because, after all, we are a humane society. Visa procedures may continue, as with any other country, but allowing easy access such as porous borders, ‘peace’ trains and buses should be stopped straight away. Certainly cross-border piracy of our entertainment products should be dealt with severely and our involvement at a cultural, economic and technological level should cease. All in all, we need to close the gates once and for all and move on towards uplifting our Country to the status of a modern, self-sufficient, developed Nation, by including people from all religions and walks of life. All we want from Pakistan is for them to live in peace and let us live in peace. Nothing else. No other involvement.

It is time for us to show some character. It is time to stop futile dialogues, pointless speeches, handshakes and plastic smiles. It is time to ACT. Do we have the courage to rise above populist politics and act on this issue? Do we have the sensibility, foresight and gumption to let Kashmir go? Do we have the self-respect and fortitude to draw a line and adopt a policy of total non-involvement with Pakistan? Above all, do we have the seriousness and passion to move on and get on with building our great Nation?   

October 8, 2006

Top | Opinion  

The Week of October 8, 2006          
Goodbye America? N-deal Setback may be Tip of Iceberg! by Rajinder Puri  
India's Leadership Crisis : Impact on Defense and Politics by Gaurang Bhatt, MD 
Presidential System of Government for India by Dr. Subhash Kapila
Always Yes to Planned Murder by Terrorists by V. Sundaram
Parliament Attack: The Clemency Chaos by Nagesh Padmanaban 
Indo-Pak relations: It’s time to end the relations by Dr. Deepak Pawar 
Dengue Et Al: A Billion Terrorists Strike by Col. Rahul K. Bhonsle
SPAC: Special Purpose Acquisition Company by Deepak Dahiya
Railway Safety is No Accident! by Arya Bhushan 
Empires and Dust: Travels in Modern India - III by Ashish Nangia
Distressed Habitation by VK Joshi
Dal: A Lake or a Polluted Pond? by Naira Yaqoob
A Matter of Faith by Naira Yaqoob 
In Search of God by Pradeep Joshi
Mahisasura-Mardini: The Sacred Narrative of Durga Ma by Aparna Chatterjee
Is Hero Worship still there? by TA Ramesh    
Pandit Shyamaji Krishna Verma: Salutations to a Great Revolutionary by V. Sundaram
Secret India at war celebrates its re-invented past by Marc-Olivier Parlatano
Creation of a second capital of Karnataka in Belgaum by Niranjan Babu Bangalore
The Future History of Taiwan by William R. Stimson 
Sex Workers Take Charge by Usha Revelli
New Day Dawns for Child Servants by Mini Sharma
From Tashkent to the World by Albina Belevich 
A Circle of Peace by Stephanie Hiller 
Text Books for Change by Deepti Priya Mehrotra 
Happy Dusshera! by Glory Sasikala Franklin 
Where Myths & Superstitions Heal by Anil Gulati
Of Birds, Bees, Beasts and Other Animals by Julia Dutta 
When I was Pin-ned down! by Prakash Pathre
The Witty Side by Melvin Durai
    

 
Analysis | Architecture | Astrology | Ayurveda | Book Reviews | Buddhism | Cartoons | Cinema | Computing | Culture | Dances
Environment | Fables | Family Matters | Festivals | Hinduism | Health | History | Home Remedies | Humor | Individuality | Jagoji
Literary Shelf | Memoirs | Musings | Opinion | Parenting | Perspective | Photo Essays | Places | Ramblings
Random Thoughts | Recipes | Sikhism | Society | Spirituality | Stories | Teens | Travelogues | Vastu | Vithika | Women

Home | Bolography | BoloKids | Columns | Hindi | Kabir | Poetry | Quotes | Workshop | Writers | Contribute | Search | Contact

Boloji.com is owned and managed by Boloji Media Inc
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
No part of this Internet site may be reproduced without prior written permission of the copyright holder.