Open People at the closed Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah

It is one thing to read and hear about what happens at the Indo-pakistan border at Wagah each evening at the time of lowering of the national flags of Pakistan and India. It is yet another thing to be present there to witness the ceremony, which takes place before a large gathering of thousands of nationals of both countries and foreigners, watching it with fervor and jubilation from both sides of the border. The Border Security Forces of both the countries go through a ceremonial exercise of exchanging with each other the events and happenings  of the last 24 hours at the border before the flags are lowered. The thousands gathered stand in attention when the flags are lowered. The climax of the jubilation is when the security gates, which are closed normally, open allowing the passage of the Security Forces to each other's side for giving and receiving informations. Anna and I watched this along with Amy and Arpit yesterday. 

The thousands on either side of the border watch this day after day with mixed feelings. There were people standing close to us talking about their relatives in Pakistan whom they have not met since the partition. There were some standing beside us recollecting their parent's travail when they had to leave Pakistan at the time of partition. I suppose people in the Pakistan side would have similar stories to recollect. I sensed sadness in many that we are still bound by our boundaries with little contact between people of both the countries.

While visiting Berlin for the first time in 1983, I walked beside the 20 feet high wall that separated the East Berlin and West Berlin. The wall no more existed when I visited Berlin five years later. The people of both the countries chose to live with open hearts and open mind. They felt drawn by common bond of friendship and partnership. What separate us are memories of pain, mistrust, and prejudices. I wish, this will be replaced by warmth, affection and togetherness!   

With the announcement today of  the revival of the Indo-Pakistan Cricket series, I see one more evidence towards that journey of  open border for open people.

M.C.Mathew