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| Friday, June 9, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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No alternative to peaceful coexistence Apropos of “The Kashmir cauldron: no alternative to peaceful coexistence” by Mr Hari Jaisingh (The Tribune, June 2), indeed, it is high time both India and Pakistan realised the futility of their unending squabbling. If there is one thing the two neighbours need to understand once and for all, it is that half a century of “tu tu main main” has led us nowhere. We owe it to our present and future generations that we put an end to mutual hostility and suspicion. Most ordinary peoples in both countries are sick and tired of hostilities and wasteful expenditure of life and resources. They are willing to renew, even forge new links, if only politicians will let winds of goodwill and sincerity blow. Why can’t we reconcile to the fact that we may be destined for a life of togetherness? Doesn’t centuries of shared history make a sound case for a shared future. Contemporary times point to a life that just cannot be possible separately or constantly remaining pitted against each other in the fast emerging situation of a global village. I am among those who believe that our country should not have been partitioned in the first place. I strongly feel that reunification should be seriously considered by the parties concerned. I am sure a great number of people will actually be happy to reunify the two countries. After all, we are fundamentally one people. Aren’t we? Look at the example Europe is setting. It began with Germany, and continues with ways of trying to unify the rest of Europe. To keep us apart is to the advantage of Western nations — and we like nincompoops keep playing our hand with the marked cards dealt us by them. How can their areas of concern remain in any doubt? Aren’t we capable of shaping our own destiny without intervention from Washington? Peaceful coexistence is in the greater interest of everyone. The majority population of both countries favours it. If the politician cannot see the need of the future and rise accordingly to fulfil the demand of the occasion, perhaps due to domestic political compulsions (even those are his own creations!), let him now take the back-seat. Let the common man steer for a change. I’m sure he will be in a position to cover greater ground, more smoothly, without breakdowns, or even getting entangled at red-taped barriers. What is more, it might all be possible for it will be done straight from the heart! VIVEK KHANNA |
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AUTONOMY IDEA: From its past misadventures and repeated defeats, Pakistan has not learnt any lesson. Pakistan has to face a lot of humiliation in the Kargil episode (many nations condemned its action) for waging an undeclared war against India. On the economic front, it has become a bankrupt nation. Pakistani leaders cannot be relied upon. When they are out of power, their utterances acquire mild postures. Once they are in power, their statements become fire and brimstone. In the Indian context, they have only one point programme: annexe Kashmir by hook or by crook. Kashmir is our integral territory. What is surprising for a patriotic Indian is as to how anti-India organisations like the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) have come to exist in Kashmir. Such organisations ought to have been eliminated long ago from the Indian soil. Any offer of greater autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir — as to any other state — is a dangerous proposition. This smacks of the policy of appeasement to a particular state to keep it as part and parcel of the country. It is both sad and strange that Pakistan is making demands to initiate the process of mutual dialogue between the two countries time and again, whereas there is no let up in trans-border terrorism let loose by it. IQBAL SINGH POLICY OF TIT FOR TAT: Every sensible person will accept that there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence. But there is not use of one-sided wish. It would be futile to expect that Pakistan has that sense. Who is ruling Pakistan does not make any difference. People of Pakistan are not going to accept anyone as their leader or ruler who does not give to them a heavy doze of anti-India venom. That is a reality, and it would be dangerous for India to shut its eyes. The only method to force Pakistan to behave as a civilised nation is to ensure that India is not only very powerful but also adopts a policy of tit for tat. Pakistan should be made to understand that in future it would not get back any territory captured by Indian forces in any war as was done by the generous Prime Ministers of India in the past. ANAND PRAKASH The parrots In his middle, "The parrots" (June 1), Mr S.P. Singh has mentioned that parrots consume and destroy the fruit of his ber tree. It is the habit of the parrots to eat the pick of the fruits. They crush fruit seeds to extract kernels and eat the same. It is said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh specially ate the bers cut and thrown from the tree by the parrots. Some people keep parrots as pet birds, not just because they are remarkable for their gay plumage and gorgeous feathers, but also because they possess some qualities. They act as good security guards. They make long-drawn screeches on the arrival of an outsider in the house. Some parrots are apt mimics and have the ability to imitate the human speech and cry of any bird or animal, which they hear. When Humayun invaded Gujarat, its ruler, Sultan Bahadur Shah's chief artillery officer, Rumi Khan, deserted to his side. Shah escaped to Diu. The booty taken by the victor included the parrot of the Sultan. One day, it was taken to the royal court. Seeing the perfidious officer there, the bird cried: "Phit paapi Rumi Khan namak-haraam" (you the execrable sinner and treacherous Rumi Khan). Humayun flared up: "Rumi Khan cheh kunam ke jaanvar ast varnah zubaanash mey bureedam (Rumi Khan! What can I do? It is a bird, otherwise I would have cut its tongue). Rumi Khan bent his head in shame. Bhagwan
Singh Tailpiece Since our cricket team continues to lose most of the matches in any case, where is the harm in occasionally resorting to match-fixing? At least you will make a fast buck in the bargain! S.
C. Kapoor
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