Bhutto and Gowda

"For the sake of our people and as civilized nations, let us sit across the table for a search for lasting peace," Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto wrote in a letter to her Indian counterpart, H.D. Deve Gowda (The Jakarta Post, June 12, 1996). The very next day I read in The Jakarta Post (June 13, 1996), "Premier Bhutto tells story of world's urban horrors". In her striking speech before the second UN Conference of Human Settlements, she poetically described the urban problems by quoting T.S. Eliot and Margaret Mead.

A policy on peace in the Indian subcontinent is urgent. The reason is not hard to see. Popular fear of religious fundamentalism has grown, especially with the rise of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the largest party in India. If BJP were in power, I am afraid it would be harder even to have an intelligent debate on bilateral relations. Under the circumstances, something, preferably something bold, must be done about it. Reciprocating her views, Deve Gowda is proposing to encourage trade, economic and cultural contacts while taking up other issues of concern. Deve Gowda's policy to give Jammu and Kashmir "the maximum degree of autonomy" is welcome.

It is also refreshing to read Bhutto's quotations of T.S. Eliot at a time when subcontinent politicians are losing respect at a fast pace. There is nothing odd or surprising in her observation of appalling picture, "full of untold horror", of the world's cities. Though it has become common knowledge that breathing, let alone deep breathing, is becoming harmful in cities, her speech covering dirt, slums, pollution, noise, high divorce rates, drugs, violence and criminal activity is laudable.

"I want to know God's thoughts...the rest are details," Albert Einstein said.

If genuinely committed, it will not be difficult to eliminate the obstacles, however daunting they may be, to harmonious relations among the nations or making cities better places to live.

Congratulations to both the leaders.

D. PRABHAKAR

Jakarta