SYMPHONY: WATERS OF BEAS BRING PEOPLE OF INDIA PAKISTAN TOGETHER . . .
Sandeep Pandey
9 people from Pakistan who were granted special permission yesterday
by Pak Interior Ministry to cross over Wagah border into India to
join the historic people's initiative India Pakistan peace march,
entered India and proceeded towards the peace march which was in
Beas today. It was a coincidence but certainly extremely poignant
that when the peace march was near the river bank of river Beas,
people from Pakistan moved to join this march and there was a
spontaneous decision to step down into the river Beas and hug each
other there∑ symbolic of the belief that the waters will wash away
their hearts and leave pristine love and compassion for each other
all around.
It was definitely an unforgettable moment in the peace march
when people of both nations took a pledge and resolved not to
believe in artificial manmade boundaries to divide water, land or
human beings. It was also symbolic of the union of human beings and
nature - drenched with waters of Beas and love, the marchers stole a
moment away to interact with each other and share held-up stories
and experiences amongst each other -
Peace March is certainly gaining momentum day-by-day since
it began on March 23, 2005. Today it was the 23rd day of the peace
march and a special day indeed with friends from Pakistan joining in
too.
Tomorrow it shall reach Amritsar and then head towards Wagah border
on April 18, 2005. The time for another test is near: will Indian
government allow them to walk over the Wagah border as a reciprocal
and friendship gesture? Will they get visas (so far they haven't
been awarded visas) from Pakistani government? Will the people of
both nations be allowed to take ahead the friendship gesture across
Pakistan?
There are many questions of course. Seeing the response of people of
India and Pakistan, the answer is resounding affirmative Yes.
Response of governments of both nations, is certainly yet-to-be-
seen, and keeps us guessing. With the recent peace gestures at
governmental levels, aspirations are indeed soaring new heights∑
Sandeep Pandey Karamat Ali
NAPM Convener PILER
India Pakistan
