February 24, 2005
 

Jammu and Kashmir buried under snow. Where is Pakistan?

Avalanches on Sunday night in Jammu & Kashmir have so far resulted in more than 200 dead people and hundreds more missing, feared dead or buried under the snow. A humanitarian crisis is brewing in the areas affected by the avalanche. Major parts of the state were cut off from the rest of India because the highways were completely filled with snow, aircraft could not land and communication links had snapped. It is only in the last couple of days that normalcy has been restored to transportation and communication.

The Indian military has responded to the crisis through distributing supplies, helping with relief work and using its strategic reserves to provide petrol, diesel, kerosene etc. to the affected people so that they could attempt to return to their normal lives.

However, I have not, to date, seen any statement from Pakistan's government or military establishments [are they not the same by the way?] condoling the loss of lives, livelihood and property for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Perhaps they only want to bring up Kashmir when it suits them. They are not really bothered about the people, they just want the land for strategic purposes. While hundreds of Kashmiris lie dead, Pakistan is more concerned about the sluggish progress in resolving the issue. If Pakistan displayed even half the commitment and effort it normally puts in towards alleging India's terrorism in the state in attempting to understand the people of J & K, it might evoke some sympathy from people like me who want India to not concede a needle inch of territory.

Labels: jammu and kashmir