The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 innocent Hindu tourists, has sent shock waves around the world. India has accused Pakistan of sending trained terrorists to carry out the attack—an accusation Pakistan has denied. However, given Pakistan’s historical record of harboring terrorists, a fact even acknowledged by some of its own ministers in recent times, global opinion largely leans toward the belief that Pakistan may have supported or sponsored the attack. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting several terrorist bases in Pakistan—an action that now raises fears of an imminent war between the two countries.
Many people around the world mistakenly believe that the conflict between India and Pakistan stems solely from the territorial dispute over Kashmir.
However, observers with a deeper understanding of historical and ground realities suggest that the core issue is not just territorial or ideological—it is also religious in nature. They argue that even if the Kashmir dispute were to be resolved, peace between the two nations would not automatically follow. While Kashmir is the immediate flashpoint, the deeper, more entrenched reasons lie elsewhere.
The conflict dates back to 1947, when Pakistan was formed following the partition of British India. The creation of Pakistan was based on the idea of a separate nation for Muslims, as championed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This inherently implied that Muslims could not coexist with Hindus in a united India.
The partition led to widespread violence and the migration of millions. While many Muslims relocated to Pakistan, a significant number chose to remain in India, where they now constitute around 15% of the population—making India one of the countries with the largest Muslim populations in the world. Perhaps many of them stayed, expecting to be treated without discrimination. In contrast, most Hindus who lived in what became Pakistan moved to India, resulting in Hindus becoming a minuscule minority in Pakistan today.
Pakistan was established as an Islamic nation, whereas India chose to remain a secular, multi-religious country, despite Hindus forming about 75% of its population. This contrast highlights that the very foundation of Pakistan was built on a sense of religious separation and, perhaps, an underlying disdain for Hinduism. While Muslims are entitled to take pride in their faith, over the decades, sections of the Pakistani population have been influenced—if not indoctrinated—by dominant religious narratives that propagate a sense of superiority of Islam and perpetuate animosity toward Hindus.
Pakistan possesses a strong agricultural base and considerable mineral and natural resources. It also has an educated and capable population that could drive national progress. However, decades of unstable civilian governments, alternating with military rule, have impeded the country's economic and industrial development. Today, Pakistan faces severe financial strain, high debt levels, and internal unrest, especially in regions like Balochistan and in its dealings with the Taliban.
Some analysts believe that, in light of these internal challenges, Pakistan maintains a sustained focus on the Kashmir issue and fosters anti-India sentiment to divert public attention and prevent domestic unrest. While this may be a harsh view, it is one that persists.
There is also anti-Pakistan sentiment among sections of the Indian population, though arguably not as widespread or intense, given India’s multi-religious fabric. In both countries, voices are occasionally heard advocating for peace and mutual coexistence.
C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), India’s first Governor-General and a visionary intellectual, strongly supported people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of keeping communication channels open through cultural, literary, and sporting exchanges.
While Rajaji’s vision may seem idealistic in today’s context, there is still hope. With strong public opinion and the sustained efforts of peace-loving individuals in both countries, lasting peace could become a reality. After all, who would have imagined during World War II that Britain and Germany—once bitter enemies—would one day become allies?
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*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai
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