The cold war of yesteryears between India and Pakistan ultimately plunged the country into a near full scale war between the two neighbouring countries.
The Pulwama tragedy, which witnessed enormous bloodbath of fifty CRPF personnel, provided the necessary ammunition for igniting a countrywide war hysteria. `Hit the enemy below the belt,’ ranted allover the country. The present dispensation at the centre and political leadership was itching for an excuse to commit itself to the nation for a befitting response to Pulwama tragedy.
Most of the private TV channels and their anchors whipped up the popular passions pushing the government for an overkill. Some retired military generals and former diplomats came handy to these TV anchors in joining the bandwagon. Although many of them have personally participated in some of the previous war theatres and know for sure what doom, death and destruction war brings to warring countries globally.
Even the social media chose to go with the tide.
The country abounds in having saner segments who think rationally and logically to weigh the pros and cons of a war.
How painful it is to see the blood and bodies of our forces scattered on the borders and in the fields only to satiate the war mongers sadistic wishes.
The magnitude of pathos it gives to kith and kin of the martyred soldieries cannot be adequately compensated with money and medals, posthumously. Astonishingly, the political class of all hues displayed an exemplary solidarity in coming on the same page as the ruling dispensation.
One would have wished them to show the same camaraderie in positive matters. The demons of doom swayed over the peace pigeons.
IN WAR NOBODY WINS, NOT EVEN THE VICTOR. The so called victory comes with a huge destruction and devastation. Country has already gone through four wars with its next-door neighbour. Both have lost a lot and hardly gained an iota. Precious and scarce human and material resources have been eaten up for either fighting a war or maintaining war preparedness in peace times.
The two super powers vis USA and Russia ( then USSR ) have learnt the lessons of war the hard way. Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria brought them to knees after a colossal loss of their men, material and worst of all their face. It would be far more bolder and prudent to give a chance. Do kill your enemy but with love and not the bullet. Let us not rubbish Gandhi Ji’s globally acknowledged and respected philosophy of nonviolence while we are in the midst of celebrating his 150th birth anniversary.
Provocative content was dished out dawn to dusk by TV channels. The aftermath of Pulwama tragedy witnessed quite a bit of chest-beating on many fora but it occurred to none to discuss its basic cause. It was not the first attack and may not be the last. We have lived with even worst ones including Mumbai, Uri, Pathankot terror attacks to name just a few. Undoubtedly, the cumulative effect of such attacks has been disgusting and disastrous, to say the least.
Thus it should engage our mind with all the sincerity and seriousness to discuss the root cause. Whole world including the UNSC knows that “K – Issue” is at the root of all previous wars and terrorist attacks so far.
The entire country in general has been impacted hugely in every sphere but particularly J&K state has taken the worst brunt of this dispute. As long as we keep this pot boiling, peace and prosperity will certainly elude us and we will keep bleeding endlessly.
A sincere and strong political will can bring all stakeholders together to resolve the issue amicably through dialogue across the table. If solution of a problem is possible easy way, why go the hard way!
Let the Pulwama tragedy be an eye opener to all who arebrushing that Kashmir issue under thecarpet since decades.
The communal venom seems to have seeped deep in some parts of the country. It has become fashionable to think and act anti-minority so as to be seen and known as ultra patriot and ultra nationalist. To our utter dismay, instead of nabbing and dealing firmly with these ultras they receive disguised patronage which emboldens them to inflict heinous and inhuman acts.
The bizarre display of hate on two Kashmiri businessmen in broad day light in Lucknow market is reprehensible and condemnable. A state governor disgraced his constitutional position by calling his people to boycott Kashmiri merchandise and stop visiting Kashmir as a reprisal to Pulwama attack.
The state governments were less than prompt and decisive to curb the communal disturbances. It was left to the PM to issue a stern order for ensuring safety and security of Kashmiris all over the country. Hate begets hate and anger will only breed anger!
It gave a huge sigh of relief to every patriot that a well thought and well executed counterterrorist aerial attack launched on the hub of terrorists across the border achieved its mission as wished by the planners. Happily, the war did not go out of control.
It was to everybody’s amusement that the de-escalation came much sooner than expected. Most heartwarming was the safe return of IAF Wing Commander within forty-eight hours. A sizeable chunk of people within and outside PAK parliament not only backed PAK PM’s bold decision but also hailed it wholeheartedly.
In utter disregard of Geneva Convention POW’s have been subjected to inhuman treatment and torture allover but this one was a pleasant exception. Catalyst role played by USA, KSA and UAE reached fruition to everybody’s delight.
A paradigm shift in K – Policy is need of the hour. “Talks and Terrorism can’t go together” is a hackneyed and worn out cliché. It is time to walk the talk and bury the hatch.
Cease the very first opportunity to respond to peace talks. May be the Nobel Peace Prize is knocking at your door, Mr Prime Minister.
(Siraj Quraishi (IBS) is Ex Deputy Director General Doordarshan)