| Just Peace
Peace and justice are two conditions that must coexist in all circumstances. Forsaking one will necessarily mean jeopardizing the other. Unfortunately this seems to be a lesson that is always met with learners' resistance. Again, the arrogance of many self-appointed peacekeepers have also led them to believe the two can be treated separately, and we are with those who believe the breach of peace all over the world is precisely because of this.
There is a need to dig deeper to find out the reason for the violence we are witnessing all around, if at all our interest is to usher in lasting peace. We have also always believed that sealing the breaches in justice will do wonders in resolving conditions of violent conflicts. Be it the September 11 attacks in New York, or insurgency in the northeastern states, there have to be reasons why these have happened or are happening. And unless these reasons are addressed, much as all may crave for peace, it will remain elusive.
The overwhelming military might of America does seem to have silenced critics who do not believe justice flows out of the barrel of the gun, at least for the moment, but it is yet too early to say if this is the final settlement. Physically, America may have flattened its opponents, but with so much of hatred floating around, we really do wonder and worry if ordinary Americans can feel secure even in their homes for a long time to come. And if resourceful America does manage to provide security to its people, we are afraid it may have to be by constant flexing of its military muscle.
We sincerely do hope we are wrong, but the uncanny feeling in the bone marrow is, this may only be the Act-I of an unfolding, sordid drama of terrorism. In Kashmir, the situation is a little more complicated. It is not just a two-way equation between those behind the insurrection in Kashmir and India, but also a fallout of the traditional rivalry between India and Pakistan.
As many are realizing today, the first step in a resolution of the situation, will be for India and Pakistan to sort out their differences, across the table or else as many others advocate, across the battlefield. The spotlight can then return to Kashmir and its genuine problems.
To narrow down the canvas to just our own conflict zone, we again have no doubt that the hunt for peace must go parallel with the hunt for justice. Much has already been said about the insurgency situation, but focus must also be on the friction between the various communities and ethnic groups. How can we instill a sense of justice in everybody must be the Holy Grail that all calling for peace in the land must seek.
The answer, we are certain, will be elusive for this sense of justice can be extremely subjective, and even a manifestation of class if not community interests. The contradiction between traditional idea of ownership of land and that of a modern polity, for instance.
Here, while we agree that the traditional mores have to be respected, the larger tendency must be towards a consensual and democratic modern system of justice, evolved through social discourses and experience. The failure to evolve such a common platform will mean many different conflicting ideas of justice. The value dispensed most in such a scenario will again undoubtedly be peace.
(Courtesy: The Imphal Free Press) |
Welcome! 
International
Features
