The Hindu : Search for brethren amid bonhomie

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 25, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Search for brethren amid bonhomie

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JAN. 24. He crossed the border and came back to India in the hope of tracing the family with which he had lost touch more than 50 years ago. But unfortunately, when Sayeed Rehman, a Pakistani, knocked on the door of the last confirmed address he had, it was not his cousins who opened the door.

"My uncle's family had been left behind during Partition. It had been decided that either he would come back later or his family would join him after some time. Unfortunately, because of the political situation, neither could cross the border,'' related Sayeed, a resident of North West Frontier Province in Pakistan. Even worse, because of lack of systems of communication, the family could not keep in touch.

"We have no idea where they are now. The last address we had is not correct and I have never even met my cousins,'' said Sayeed who came to India as part of the Pakistani delegation to attend the World Social Forum.

Happy with the current peace initiatives between the two countries, Sayeed added, "It is sad that I could not find my cousins but I am glad I came here. It has been a beautiful discovery that there is so much similarity between the two countries. After all, we are from the same soil.

When I crossed the border I felt that I was in my motherland. Now I want to make sure that I can bring my wife and family to visit India''.

Like Sayeed, many Pakistani delegates who gathered here at the Anhad headquarters today, took the opportunity to meet their family and friends in India. And like Sayeed, they were all happy with the peace initiatives that had been put in motion.

"Earlier, it used to be so difficult to get a visa. But this time round, the whole process has been much simpler. Of course, it is still very complicated but at least a 600 strong delegation could come from Pakistan to India. These steps towards peace are definitely in the right direction,'' said Sabina Ahmad, another delegate.

Though many expressed concern on the seriousness of the political leadership to stick to their stand, on the whole there was optimism within the group about the success of the ongoing process. ``

This seems like an initiative that is going to be more long term. There are many positives this time. First, Pakistan has let go of its stand not to discuss anything except the Kashmir issue.

Also, with the success of SAARC and SAFTA regional co-operation on economic and other issues will ensure than neither country would like to harm the other,'' said the Programme Officer (Peace), Action Aid Pakistan, Nusrat Sheikh.

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