Harjinder Singh
Scientists as well as Psychologists do agree on this point that reality is subservient to our thinking. In other words we perceive the reality through our preconceived ideas and thus our beliefs whether right or wrong become the only TRUTH for us. Further our perceptions are borne out of our conditioning and together with the environment we live in, help framing our mind set. Human mentality finds its wellbeing and security in agreeing to or sticking to the accepted norms and also is fragile enough to believe what is repeated again and again which may not be true in its entirety. The mentality working behind Indo- Pak relations can be viewed in the light of the above psychological truth.
Few years ahead of independence, idea was made to float around that Hindus and Muslims can’t live together in independent India. This notion soon got gaining ground to the extent that a Hindu could not imagine independent India ruled by a Muslim head of state. Similarly Muslim minority could not think of a secure future for themselves in united India. Common Hindus and Muslims were completely oblivious of the forces working behind the scene. Except Mahatma Gandhi, those who had the understanding and inkling of such divisive policies could not think of a better future for their countrymen in undivided India just because of their ego, lust for power and may be due to their advancing age. The English had planned well in advance knowing fully well, the innocence of the Indian masses and weaknesses of their leaders. Ignorance of the people and their total dependence on their leaders made easy for the rulers to divide the sub-continent not physically only but mentally as well. Poor Indians and Pakistanis after their hard won freedom were made to depend on their erstwhile rulers for their political, economic and geographical problems. This situation continues till date.
Whatever be the truth, Kashmir issue has held its sway over the minds of the people of the two countries for the last seven decades. For one side Kashmir is their ‘shah-rug’ and for the other it is their ‘atoot ang’. The governments of the two countries also through the above nomenclature of Kashmir problem have confused the minds of the people of their respective countries so much so that they couldn’t make their own opinion or independent views and in case some intellectuals sometime dare to express their individual opinions, every attempt is made to categorize them as traitors. Occasional glimpses of such expressions are seen through social media sites. Though such viewpoints don’t get the desired pitch but at least these out pouring bring out the mindset of the enlightened sections of the societies of the two countries.
The truth in reality: From the very beginning of its existence, democracy and secularism couldn’t flourish in Pakistan despite the fact that founder of the country wanted it to be a democratic and secular state in the real sense of the word. After Jinnah’s death, there was no strong and popular leader ship and whoever got the chance to rule the country had to keep the Pakistanis busy with Kashmir problem to stay in power. In such like conditions as normally happens, army steps in. Pakistan remained under dictator ship for a considerable period since its birth. Army’s hold and meddling in running government in current times too, is an open secret. Thus army ruled Pakistanis were made to believe that Pakistan’s existence is virtually linked to making Kashmir its part.
On the other side, India too is not free from its share of blame in sowing the seed and then growing the tree of Kashmir problem. It was India who placed the issue before United Nation. It was India who consented for plebiscite. It was India that made Kashmir alignment weak with art. 370 It was India who agreed for the cease fire leaving one-third of the state under Pakistan’s control. It was India that failed to create a true federal structure of its different states/constituents.
With this scenario in the back ground both the countries have to undo the wrongs done knowingly or unknowingly by them in the past. Our missiles and nuclear weapons became meaningless in the face of a good portion of our population not able to make both ends meet. The constant threat of a declared or a proxy war may make us to stockpile most sophisticated weapons but it will never allow us to live in peace and harmony. The race for upmanship may console us to some extent but it will never be possible to live free from fear of the other and this other one is also from the same ancestry and lineage. Are we still not in a position to realize this all? How long we can afford this misery and suffering? Moderates and those with liberal leanings must assert and speak openly against the hard core fundamentalists to rid the peace loving majority from further turmoil on this part of the earth. I would like to plead to the common Indian and Pakistanis who always carry a hidden wish to embrace and hug each other and want prosperity for all including those from the other side of the border. Our authors, artists, singers, musicians, players and intellectuals have to come forward to blunt the sword of hate unleashed by politicians and so called religious leaders with their long and loud speeches to distract the masses from the real issues, they are confronted with. Your assertions are very crucial at this juncture.
(The author is retd DFO)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel