Harjinder Singh
Lamhon ne khata ki sadion ne saza payee. Who could think that one sad decision of partition of the country would lead to perpetual torment for generation to come? The division of the nation has caused untold sufferings to the humanity in the sub continent. That division in the name of religion also had in it the role of apparently secular forces of that time. Behind the motivation of Mr. Jinnah, basically a luxury-loving aristocrat with a modern outlook was not the role of fanatic priest class only but also the burning desire of Hindu leaders for ruling the country at the earliest possible opportunity. Otherwise how it came about that those fighting and sacrificing their lives in unity for the freedom of the country, started having a feeling of insecurity in the united India in such a short period. The British policy of dividing the country might not have succeeded, had the truly secular leaders of that time, asserted and strived for keeping the country intact and supported Mahatma Gandhi from the core of their hearts even if it would have entailed a few years delay in getting much sought after freedom.
Anyhow partition a reality now, may not be that agonizing in itself as its offshoots have been for the mankind on either side of the border. Living in harmony for centuries, suddenly people become afraid of each other. This fear of other, results in a subtle desire to gain superiority over that other, in every walk of life. This in turn causes subjugation of the common man and he becomes a tool in the hands of priests, politicians and arm dealers. The instrument of religion is then effectively used to keep the poor, terrorized and badly divided. The vexed Kashmir problem is also one such offshoot of division of the country.
May blame the then ruler’s indecisiveness, Nehru’s mishandling, but the real intent was to keep the humanity divided in the name of religion. All except the teeming poor had their own axe to grind. Rulers could rule with obduracy, fanatics could keep themselves in limelight and arms dealers could justify mad race for defense preparedness. Pakistan which remained under despotic rule for most of the period pursued this policy and to some extent India too found its interests watched in keeping the pot boiling. Four wars in six decades and continuous proxy war during this period have caused untold miseries to the vast majority of poverty stricken populace, dying for want of basic needs for survival.
But there is always a climatic climax in nature’s scheme of things. Perhaps the situation has reached that stage. This is not a new phenomenon happening on this part of the earth. Europe too, has experienced this trajectory. European nations have fought most bitter wars among themselves. Millions of people have been killed. But today they have come under the fold of European Union. They have a common currency and no trade barriers. Then why the countries of sub continent which have existed as a single nation for millennia and have common culture, common languages, common history and common ancestors cannot live in complete peace and harmony? Are our tribulations a fait accompli? No, this cannot be. This is against nature’s design.
Already there is a realization. People have seen through the machinations of malefactors be they leaders or preachers. That is why there is clamoring for talks, for trade, for visa relaxation and above all for peace. Many organizations are already active and contributing towards peace initiatives. As a result there are cultural exchanges, intellectuals’ meetings and more people to people interaction. Outwardly it may be projected as governments’ initiative but it has more to do with peoples’ cravings for peace and harmony. Aman Ki Asha -A Times of India initiative, India Pakistan soldiers initiative (IPSI) conceived by Nirmala Deshpande have contributed a lot in overcoming the acrimony and bringing people together. It was actually the longing of the masses of the two countries to know, to interact, to understand and to visit each other that made respective governments take confidence building measures like 2003 cease fire agreement, Delhi Lahore bus service, Samjhauta Express, Srinagar- Muzaffrabad bus service, trade between POK and J&K, Pakistan according MFN status to India and India announcing removal of restriction on FDI from Pakistan and liberalized visa regime. Left to people, the day is not far, when they will totally forget the bitter past and start a new chapter in the history of the two nations.
But all this, is not going to happen without hurdles. The forces internal as well as external will definitely try to sabotage this bonhomie. Rogue elements on either side are always looking out for an opportunity to put to a naught to, what has already been achieved. Indian parliament attack of 2001, Samjhauta Express bombing of 2007 and Mumbai tragedy of 2008 are to name a few. But should the well wisher of this peace process allow this to happen? Never. It will be like pulling out a drowning person from a whirlpool and leaving him just near the bank. Prudence behoves all those well wisher of the humanity to rise to the occasion and resist any reversing of peace initiatives with all their might. The subcontinent can no more afford to be a theater of war. The relations between two neighbours are in an exciting phase and we have to tread very cautiously.
Pak Govt. has its own limitations. It may be a democratic govt. but still in the clutches of Pak army. It will not be easy for the army to suddenly become subservient to political class. So it will be unrealistic on the part of Indians to expect sweet words from those at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. Rehman Malik’s recent uttering in New Delhi is a point in case. They need to be given a space. They themselves are well aware of happenings in the world. Peace loving commoners deserve our full backing. Already ravaged by extremists, masses would certainly like to get rid of the scourge of terrorism. Ideologues of terrorism have been isolated. A new era is about to dawn. There may be some clouds. Some dark some light. But how long they can stay? Optimism is the need of the time.
(The author is DFO (Retd)
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