India and Pakistan are two
neighboring countries located in South East Asia. Ever since the creation of
Pakistan in 1947, the animosity between these two countries shows no sign of
abating. Their hatred for each other has its roots in history, religion, and
more recently, a dangerous arms race. Pakistan is a Muslim country while the
majority of the population in India are Hindus. Both have gone to war three
times since 1947.
Prior to World War Two,
Pakistan did not exist as a nation. The whole area of India was controlled by
Great Britain for over a century. The two most populous groups - Hindus and
Muslims - have been hostile to each other for many centuries. Under the
leadership of Mohandas Gandhi, the Indians fought the British for their
independence. After much fighting and bloodshed, Great Britain agreed to grant
independence.
But there was a big problem.
Since Hindus made up the majority of the population in the country, the
Muslims refused to lived in an independent state dominated by Hindus. They
argued that such a state would destroy Islam and discriminate against Muslims.
Instead, they demanded a separate and independent state of their own to be
called Pakistan. Realizing that it would be impossible for the two groups to
live together peacefully, Britain agreed to partition India. On August 15,
1947, both countries became independent nations. Pakistan was actually made up
of two areas, West Pakistan (to the northwest of India) and East Pakistan (to
the northeast of India). Both areas were separated by over a thousand miles.
East Pakistan later broke away and became Bangladesh. (see map below).
Source: BBC On-line
Gandhi was opposed to the
Muslims separating from India. A Muslim asked him the following question, "If
two brothers were living together in the same house and wanted to separate and
live in two different houses, would you object?" Gandhi replied, " Ah, if only
we could separate as two brothers. But we will not. It will be an orgy of
blood. We shall tear ourselves asunder in the womb of the mother who bears
us."
As it turned out, Gandhi was
right. Since then, India and Pakistan have fought three wars which left
hundreds of thousands dead. And today, with each nation possessing nuclear
weapons, they could destroy each other unless they learn to live together as
peaceful neighbors.
India and Pakistan are two
neighboring countries located in South East Asia. Ever since the creation of
Pakistan in 1947, the animosity between these two countries shows no sign of
abating. Their hatred for each other has its roots in history, religion, and
more recently, a dangerous arms race. Pakistan is a Muslim country while the
majority of the population in India are Hindus. Both have gone to war three
times since 1947. 
