Every time there is India-Pakistan match, almost all newspapers start talking about mushrooming peace between two countries. I just fail to understand how sports, especially cricket will bring peace between two countries that are at the two ends of a spectrum virtually on each and every issue. Granted that India and Pakistan were same country before 1947 and share same history. I believe that it’s the same blood that runs through Indians and Pakistanis. But in last 50 years or so one country progressed or at least striving hard to progress on every possible front while its counterpart has whirled down to the path of self-destruction. Let me give two examples.
Out of last 60 years Pakistan had been under dictatorship for more than 30 years. Pakistani army has prevailing say in all the decision related to Pakistani foreign policy. Kargil war was essentially waged by Pakistani army without knowledge or consent of its political class. And when they were battered by Indian army the army overthrew civilian government and established itself as a ruler again. None of such thing ever happened in India. Except, during the brief period of emergency India had unblemished record of flourishing democracy. Even during democracy Army kept itself out of politics.
Pakistan is founded on basis of Islam, which for theoretically and practically does not believe in peaceful co-existence with other religions. Pakistan managed to wipe out almost entire Hindu minority population from Pakistan. The percentage of Pakistani Hindus fell drastically from around 10% to 12% in 1947 to meager 1% in 2000. The report published in The Week magazine about the treatment given to Pakistani Hindus by Muslim zamindars is more than disturbing. Take the example of cricket teams. In last 60 years Pakistani cricket team had only two Hindu players, Danish Kaneria and Anil Dalpat, While Indian cricket team had host of luminaries from minority community.
Such kind of comparisons can go on and on and on. But each comparison will reach same conclusion that Pakistan is diametrically opposite to what India is or what India stands for. Pakistan had been striving hard to dislodge India in every possible way. First was Punjab then was Kashmir and now North-east. They attacked India four times but were dusted down every time. Instead of wasting their energy money and time on India, if Pakistani government or for matter of fact Pakistani populace had used that energy in building their own country then Pakistan would have been in much better position.
The prospect of peace with Pakistan is nothing but mirage. Thinking of cricket as a possible way to achieve peace is sheer foolishness. Last time the visit of Pakistani team was followed by unnecessary but audacious invasion of Kargil by Pakistanis. And the cost was 1000 young Indian lives. I hope Indians still remember the bravery and deaths of those soldiers.
No comments:
Post a Comment