Posted on 03/12/2005 11:47:16 PM PST by nickcarraway
Despite on-field rivalry, the game of cricket is proving to be a great unifier. Almost a religion in both India and Pakistan, the fans of the game have had the opportunity to cross the border and mingle with each other in recent times. That has resulted in a certain bonhomie and fellow feeling among the people of the two nations, who have traditionally seen each other as enemies. In Mohali for the first of the three Tests between India and Pakistan, the visitors from across the border are not only talking about peace and amity, but are also expressing wishes about a possible unification of the two countries. And for most of them, India is looking like a haven in all spheres of life — political, social and economic.
A resident of Lahore, Mr Khaakzadah M Anwar Kamal came to India just out of curiosity. “The match is just an excuse to get the visa. I have dreamt of visiting India since 1996,” he said. And he has been astounded by the freedom of movement that women enjoy and he freedom of expression and worship that he has witnessed here. He claimed that in Pakistan Christians are the most unappreciated minority.
“Only after General Pervez Musharraf condemned violence against them that they are holding their heads high.” “I wish the border between the two countries disappears and we can all be one family. I want to go back and tell my people that India is not the land of kafirs but a land of grace and courtesy.”
Mohammed Asif said though he initially came only for the cricket matches, after reaching India he has realised that a lot can happen between the two countries. “The Berlin Wall can come down. South and North Korea can get together. Then why can’t Pakistan and India unite?” The slogan “Cricket to ek bahana hai, hamein dillon ko milana hai” (Cricket is only an excuse. We are here to unite hearts) has captured the minds of people of both the countries here.
For some Pakistanis, India’s economic condition is a great attraction. Mr Adul Karim and his wife Salma, wants to own a house in Chandigarh. ”You know, the domestic rate of electricity in Pakistan is Rs 7 per unit, whereas in India it is mush less. You have to shell out around Rs 4 lakh to own a Maruti car in Pakistan, but here you can get it for around Rs 2.2 lakh.” Even magazines and newspapers are much more expensive. Fond as they are of Bollywood, people of Pakistan have to shell out nearly Rs 100 for a film magazine that costs around Rs 30 in India.
One of the Hindus ought to ask one of the Paki's sister out and see how deep the good feelings go. :^)
Umm,India has around 138 million muslims,pretty much the same amount as in Pakistan.While they are not exactly the most peaceful community in India,they are far better off than their co-religionists in Pakistan or Bangladesh.
A Pakistani actress recently got fined by her government & recieved death threats for having the gall to smooch an Indian actor(who was Hindu) in an Indian movie.The Pakistani govt reportedly plans to ban their artistes from acting in future Indian movies.Ironic thing is that the biggest stars in Hindi movies happen to be Indian muslims!!
Because they aren't in the same position of power as the Muslims in Pakistan.
Cricket breeds Idealists?
Realism from a relavant article Hopes rest on cricket's ability to unite foes :
"For all the optimism, some remain sceptical about the impact of the cricket tour on diplomatic relations. Ramachandra Guha, a historian, said that at the heart of the distrust is Kashmir, over which three wars have been fought.
“What really divides Indian and Pakistan is Kashmir,” he said. “Both think they are incomplete without it. We can’t expect cricket to solve the problem. It’s just a game.”
There are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan.
& The fact that they have been living in a pluralist democracy for over 50 years.Take a look at the Muslims in Indonesia,Malaysia & Bangladesh & compare their attitudes with those in the Middle East.
The Moghuls were Muslims who once ruled India. They enslaved the Hindis but did not wipe them out. But I suppose the Moghuls were "moderate" Muslims.
Not all the Mughals were moderate.Some like Auranzeb,Humayun & Babar were hardliners who imposed harsh taxes on Hindus & also curbed their religious rights.OTOH,there were moderates like Akbar & Jehangir & Bahadue Shah Zafar.Akbar was an enlightened ruler who gave Hindus considerable rights,with some of his most important advisors being Hindus.
That is the dumbest comment I have ever heard. It is like saying we need to kill of all Catholics to rid the world of child molesters.
The problem is not with Muslims but with Arab fundamentalists.
The Mughals were essentially plunderers. Indians only talk about British rule as colonialism without mentioning close to 600 years of Muslim rule in India.
And Akbar was no Moslem.
He invented his own religion
Deen Ilahi
which combined elements of many faiths.
If he were around today
he certainly would be considered a heretic
and would be killed
by his 'co-religionists'
Welcome to FR, Yardbird.
Come on, I've never seen Salman do anything but try to contribute what he knows to an ongoing discussion. You can check his posts and check the facts. They are mutually supportive. We don't have to like everyone someone posts, but as long as it's promoting further debate or shedding relevant light on an issue, it's of value in this forum.
And, no. I'm not an apologist either. I'd just like to see honest debate and discussion before people start calling one another out.
I'd suggest that you wait a few more days before you start trying to incite something with respected Freepers. Someone might think you're a troll or something.
No, Salman knows his history.
They wiped out Buddahism in India though.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.