Love thy neighbor

I have been reading with interest recently published articles/letters from different authors related to relations between India and Pakistan. While each author tries to justify his/her views, it is regrettable that any topic/event concerning these two great nations becomes controversial.

I wish to mention here that one can change their friends or alter equations with enemies. However, it is impossible to change neighboring countries which have to coexist, appreciate each other's point of view and provide help in case of need.

There is an old saying: "When the two cats fight over a piece of 'cheese', the monkey becomes the judge and takes away the cheese."

Politicians have so far been successful in "sidetracking" the "main issue" related to the welfare of the "common man". Such issues are conveniently replaced by irrelevant and unproductive issues which only have sentimental value and can be easily exploited to achieve political goals.

It is "people power" which can ultimately force the leadership of both nations to change their attitude from one of confrontation to one of cooperation. Power is only to be recognized and exercised by the people.

R.K. CHOPRA

Jakarta