Author: Avijit Ghosh
Publication: The Times of India
Date: October 17, 2005
Earlier this month, when violent tremors convulsed
India and Pakistan, the perennially bickering and warring sub-continental
neighbours seemed o be united in human tragedy. In that moment of grief, some
hoped the two countries would convert to build new bridges.
Over nine days later, experts on Indo-Pakistan
relations as well as former diplomats feel that the two countries have missed
out on a glorious chance of reaching out to a larger, wider audience on a
people-to-people level.
The facts first: India's offer of helicopters
has been refused. Ditto for joint rescue operations. And while Indian relief
material has been accepted, no doctors or NGOs appear to be welcome on the
other side. What could have been a giant step for improving ties seems like
an opportunity wasted.
South Asian affairs specialist, Kalim Bahadur,
explains, "It's a problem of well-entrenched mindsets of the Pakistani
ruling elite. Though relation have improved considerably, even in a situation
of emergency, mindsets are hard to change."
That diplomatic sensitivities and egos haven't
been forgotten even in matters of humanitarian aid became evident after Indian
jawans crossed the LoC last Wednesday and lent a helping hand in reconstructing
a bunker on the other side. The denial came a day later. And, interestingly,
it was from both sides. Pakistan haughtily suggested that its bunkers were
intact "because their construction is very robust." Even the Indian
army denied it.
Experts suggest that any and every action
- even - receiving aid - is loaded with meaning in the context of Indo-Pak
relations. Considering that the two countries have fought four wars since
1947 and are still unable to find a way out of the bitter territorial dispute
over Kashmir, political compulsions weight heave. Taking aid from "the
enemy" even in a humanitarian crisis could have negative political echoes.
As international relations expert Kanti Bajpai says, "When Big Brother
offers aid, it is a different story."