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Of nationalism and love in Southasia

Conflict resolution in Southasia is hostage to our inability to see that we are trapped in a nationalist hall of mirrors.

Of nationalism and love in Southasia
Illustration: Paul Aitchison

The predominant emotion with which jingoistic Indians and Pakistanis view each others' misfortunes is schadenfreude. They count each other's conflicts and rebellions to keep score. The Indian will talk about sectarian violence in Pakistan, and the Pakistani will ask about the treatment of Dalits in India. The Pakistani will complain against Indian atrocities in Kashmir  and the Indian will point fingers at Balochistan.

When I see such Indo-Pakistani interactions online, I am reminded of these words:

Dushman mare te khushi na karey 

Sajna vi mar jaana