FROM MAULANA'S DESK

emotionalism, the supporters of this movement declared, ‘What Does Pakistan Mean? [It Means] ‘There is No God But Allah!’ But the fact is that the Pakistan movement was an entirely communal, and not a religious movement. It had nothing whatsoever, directly or indirectly, to do with bearing witness that there is no god but God, the testimony of faith in Islam. Meant to solve the Hindu-Muslim problem, the natural consequence of the Partition was only to further worsen the conflict. Prior to Partition, this conflict was between two communities. Following the Partition, it transformed into a conflict between two established states. And, as a result, the conflict grew much worse than it was ever thought possible in pre-Partition times. The Partition led to the creation of artificial boundaries cutting all links between both sides of the border. Communications dried up. Long-established trade routes were suddenly closed. The partitioned countries diverted their precious resources to put each other down. Their primary concern at international meetings was to attack and condemn each other and to hurt each other’s interests. They went to war on several occasions, and have now launched a mutually-destructive nuclear arms race, which was tantamount to economic suicide for both. Neither India nor Pakistan can afford the cost of this senseless race. They are willing to accept the domination of other powers, with whose help, they could decimate each other. But under no condition, it seems, are they willing to reconcile. Even today, the basic situation remains unchanged. The entire South Asian region is volatile. This has taken a toll on constructive and meaningful progress in the region. I am an incurable optimist, but the situation is so stark that my optimism appears to be no longer based on realities, but, instead, on the aphorism—‘that no matter how long the night may be, the morning is sure to dawn’. I am 90 years old now and have little hope to see any new future for the Indian subcontinent. Yet, there are some thoughts that I wish to share which I think are essential for a new, constructive beginning for our part of the world. Prior to the Partition, the Hindu-Muslim conflict was between two communities. Following the Partition, it transformed into a conflict between two established states.