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India Pakistan Relations: the new President's Visit© Dr. Anand Deep
Jun 25, 2001
Pakistan was carved out of India in 1947 when Mahatma Gandhi failed to convince Muhammad Ali Jinnah that both Hindus and Muslims could live together in an independent India. Its an irony that both communities fought for their freedom together. However, they could not share the fruits of their success unitedly. Muslim League was adamant to reserve its share of power for itself. After partition, we wished Pakistan all the best and thought they would wish the same to us. However, its very unfortunate that Pakistani ruling elite bears a very strong hatred for Indians as well as India. They wish to see us ruined. Whether it be our modest success in sustaining democracy and maintaining our secularism or bet it our success on the economic and social fronts, Pakistani ruling elite is jealous of us. As a proof, they launched the Kashmir offensive within three months of independence. To buy peace Nehru gave them 55 percent of Kashmir and thought may be its over now. This was followed by the 1965 war and 1971 war. Then they funded aided and abetted the Punjab terrorists. For 13 years, they have been creating havoc in not only Kashmir but also all across India. Men trained by Pakistani ISI bring RDX, plant bombs in public places, spread communal feelings and send counterfeit Rupees across India. Anti-India forces are given refuge in Pakistan. They hijack our planes launch anti-India propaganda. When our forces catch them, they play the human rights card and seek to disgrace us in international for a. when Indian forces increase their vigilance on the border, they use Nepal as a launching pad for sending men and subversive material through. Over the past fifty years of our independence, Pakistan has emerged as the single most notorious source of menace, enmity and mischief for India. In fact, General Musharraf, our guest-in-waiting, planned, launched and supervised the Kargil offensive as Pakistani joint chief of army staff in 1999. One might ask, why have we invited him when he is so notorious? The answer is that we have always sought to buy peace with Pakistan. What else can you do with a quarrelsome neighbour? While visiting India, President bill Clinton had said that engagement is the best policy with belligerent forces. Therefore, we must engage them in some sort of dialogue. That's what we have been doing for fifty years.
Why do Pakistani's hate Indians? The frank and plain answer is that Pakistani ruling elite has a vested interest in India bashing. They survive on cultivating and firing hatred for India. This elite has actively prevented democratic institutions from gaining strength in Pakistan. Pakistani feudal lords have kept the masses suppressed as their fief. Consequently, an educated, conscious and articulate middle class has failed to emerge in that country. Either we find feuds or we find the poor. This ruling elite comprises of the Pakistani army, Punjabi bureaucracy and the feudal landlord. They are above law. Their command is the law and their wish is their command. Democratisation, social and economic reform will invariably result in a slip of power from their hands. While we proceeded to strengthen our democratic institutions and push our democratic process forward, this elite sought to thwart democracy altogether. Greater interaction with India will initiate winds of change in Pakistan. People will see the truth with their own eyes. That is why India bashing is a major occupation for every member of this ruling elite. In a bid to concentrate power in its hands, this ruling elite not only thwarts democracy but also prevents friendly relation with India from materialising and maturing.
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