Alpesh Patel’s “Political Sketchbook” asking “Why couldn’t Kashmir have been like The Falklands” is thought provoking. The British had experience of 5 centuries of ruling an Empire, high handedness and trampling enemy underfoot. Britain was and is one nation united under one flag, religion and majority. Can you say same about India which had 550 states and at present have vestiges of parochial loyalty?
India was waking up from “ahinsa”/ “passive resistance”. India had no experience of fighting when under Mogul, later British. It watched aggression by Muslims and by Pakistan. Rift between Nehru and Sardar Patel showed absence of unity of thought and spirit of collective strength which is persisting even today. Powerful pro Muslim/ pro Pakistan lobby, increasing Muslim population, Pakistan acquiring Nukes and blatant backing of China are current handicaps. Kashmir is on slippery slope of ceding. Policy makers are conniving with separatists to oppose any altruistic moves by India.
Kashmir problem will never be solved till India matures to the level of Britain. It must defeat home grown liberals, leftists and bigots. Sardar Patel brought 550 states under one Centre. Now we must bring all Indians under one national banner. Deadwood philosophies must be replaced with action.
Ramesh Jhalla
By email
