was a significant amount. Pre-1965 interactions have been brought to the fore by a number of historians and scholars. It was during the course of writing a book, ‘Humanity Amidst Insanity’ of which these two writers were co-editors (along with another Pakistani journalist Ali Farooq), that we got an actual idea of how in the immediate aftermath of the Partition a number of individuals at least from the two Punjabs crossed over for religious pilgrimages (especially Sikhs to Pakistan), sporting events (such as cricket and hockey matches) and most importantly their erstwhile homes. They were warmly received, and in certain instances individuals even received the belongings they had left behind during Partition.
Out of the interviewees on both sides, a large number spoke about how they had emotional reunions with their friends and neighbours during such interactions. Such instances were narrated by interviewees from both sides.
The fact that there was a permit system (which was introduced in 1948 by India), and no visa regime till 1952 was one of the key factors that made such interactions much easier – but not the only one.
Army: What was especially interesting was that during the course of another book, ‘Warriors after War’, which was a collection of interviews with retired defence officials from India and Pakistan, a number of officers stated that during the 1965 war they actually inquired about whether any of their erstwhile friends, course mates were fighting on the other side!
The fascinating point is that after a traumatic partition which included not just the division of Punjab, a land which had been one geographical cultural unit, wanton killing and the migration of millions who had to part with their homes and properties both countries could maintain a civil relationship. What happened post-1965? A war had been fought even in 1948, and Partition was extremely violent yet citizens on both sides managed to remain not just civil but exhibited great bonhomie.
Nationalism has grown due to a number of factors, but there is no reason for both countries not to strive for a civil/normal relationship. And they do not need to look far beyond the pre-1965 arrangement. Perhaps both governments need to explore the possibility of first breaking down the walls that prevent interaction and trade between citizens of both countries. After that mental barriers can be addressed more purposefully.
Over the past decade, some success has been achieved in rekindling transportation links between the two Punjabs and Rajasthan-Sindh. There is a long way to go, however, before both countries can reach the pre-1965 levels of connectivity.
Maini is a senior research associate with the Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonepat, India. Malik is a senior Pakistani journalist.
Email: tsinghmaini2012@gmail.com
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