On 14 Feb 2019, a suicide bomber Adil Ahmed Dar, who is from Kashmir (India based), attacked a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of India and resulted in 40 deaths of the personnel in the vehicle in Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. This attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed and Adil Ahmed Dar was a member of it.
On 26 Feb 2019, India conducted air strike in Balakot, Pakistan, as payback to the Pulwama attack where Indian Media reported variable reports to casualties and damage but no casualties were recorded as per Pakistan and other international news agencies.
On 27 Feb 2019, when Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into the Pakistan air space with fighter jets, Pakistan shot down two Indian aircrafts, and IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was arrested.
Now, to turn the table, Prime Minister Imran Khan released the Wing Commander as a Peace Gesture on 01 Mar 2019 to sort out the conflicts between India and Pakistan which has been going on since their separation in 1947.
After all these events, we can clearly analyse the intent and consequences of the event and conflict.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been continuously slamming Pakistan for terrorism and the disputes. He is clear on his views against Pakistan and threatens for a war. Where on the other hand, since the day PM Imran Khan took office in August 2018, he has been pro-actively involved in spreading the ethics of development and prosperity and has also urged India to strengthen the diplomatic ties and maintain peace and harmony which was proved by releasing the Indian national (no conditions attached) at such difficult times when he could have bargained for Pakistan’s benefit.
Regarding this Pulwama attack, it is certainly unfortunate that India lost the lives of so many citizens and it can be deemed right for India to take such actions. However, Pakistan does not claim the attack and acknowledges that it suffers from terrorist activities and with integrated efforts and help from India, it is ready to take actions that can be fruitful to both the nations. India, it seems, is still carrying the enmity rather than solving the problems with dialogues.
We are living in this age of utmost prospects of development and communication has never been as easy. It is really important to note that war is never a better option. No matter how powerful a nation is, it will still lose lives of hundreds and thousands of people and the cost of war cannot be imagined; with the emotional and mental breakdowns of war torn people and the long term impact it has on the minds keeping aside the loss of resources and infrastructures.
It is also crucial to account that the end of the feud between these two nations can mean an economic boom for both the nations. These are two of the biggest markets in the world and with big markets, they have immeasurable benefits. There is no gain whatsoever with the expense of war.
Gone are the days when nations went on war for domination and supremacy. With education, employment and development, the world has now been moving to harmony and peace after wars like First World War and Second World War, and fueling for the war would be a mistake from any of the sides.
So it is an urge to the leaders and people of India and Pakistan to end this long run enmity and conflict. Hundreds and thousands of lives have already been lost due to dispute between these nations, but have any of these nations achieved anything notable in return? It is time to act responsibly.
Please leave your thoughts…
