Let peace prevails in the subcontinent

Let peace prevails in the subcontinent

Kashmir has now become a central topic and there are the
letters of Mr. Abdula Ghalib, Mr. Prabhakar, Mr. Masli Arman, and
Mr. R. Chitrapu.

As mentioned by Mr. Chitrapu (The Jakarta Post, June 17,
1996), India is a time tested democracy since 1947, where
decisions are made after many deliberations and ratified by a
vote. Thus, any decision made by India on Kashmir is democratic
and reflects the will of the people of India. On the other hand,
a Pakistanian leader who "bashes" up India regularly survives,
while a one who wants to make peace with India does not last
long. Ms. Bhutto's recent overtures require careful study as to
their motives.

A look at Mr. Arman's letter shows that he got all his "facts"
mixed up (The Jakarta Post, June 10, 1996). Maharaja Hari Singh
opted for India -- no one twisted his arm! This is a historical
fact. Hari Singh called the Indian army into Kashmir when
Pakistan invaded and occupied the present POK. Again, Mr. Arman,
there was no Pakistan or Bangladesh before 1947 but only one
India. In fact, India created Bangladesh, earlier known as "East
Pakistan," during the 1971 war.

Hindus in India have never been fanatical in the past.
Hinduism is in fact more of a philosophy than a religion without
any fanatical doctrine. Fanaticism among Hindus today is a
reaction to the attitude of certain groups that put religion
above the welfare of the country.

India, being a true democracy, does not and will not encourage
human rights violations. Although such may take place
temporarily, the culprits are to be punished under the law.
In fact, many Indian soldiers have lost their lives because
unwilling to violate the law. Hence, excesses by the Indian army
in Kashmir are an exception rather than the rule. Rapes,
intimidation and arson are carried out by the mercenaries who
have infiltrated Kashmir, from Pakistan, against the ethnic
Kashmiri population. The Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) themselves
have been driven out of Kashmir and live in refugee camps.

It is time that the people of Pakistan realize that the rabid
anti-Indian sentiment fostered by the government is in reality
only diversionary tactics to cover up the government's own
failings. It is also time that both India and Pakistan realize
that their two peoples are the same -- ethnically and culturally
-- and that it is only the selfish politicians who maintain this
level of hatred. Get rid of this hatred and mistrust, transfer
the money spent on defense into development projects and you will
have two economic superpowers in the subcontinent.

Let us hope that good sense will ultimately prevail.

B.M. MENON

Jakarta