Daily Lessons from Life 14 October 2009

"India warns China over Kashmir
China has offered financial help to Pakistan to build a multi billion-dollar dam in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. -Wed, Oct 14, 2009 AFP

NEW DELHI, INDIA - India raised the pitch of an increasingly testy row with China over disputed border areas Wednesday, warning Beijing about its involvement in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

"The Chinese side is fully aware of India's position and our concerns about Chinese activities," Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said in response to a Chinese statement that it would remain engaged in Pakistan.

"We hope that the Chinese side will take a long-term view of the India-China relations and cease such activities in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan," Prakash said.

The remarks came a day after India and China traded diplomatic jabs over a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to an Indian border region at the core of a long-standing dispute between the neighbours.


India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir, which each administers in part but both claim in full. The region was split following the partition of the subcontinent at the end of British rule in 1947.

India and China also fought a brief but bitter border war in 1962 in India's far northeast."

Well, looks like someone just does not like to have peace so that they can enjoy prosperity! India and China. Or China and India. Or should it be: Chindia!!??

Lessons for me are:

1. borderless existence is not in fashion yet! Countries are still locked into: your country and my country instead of 'global citizen'! Maybe I am too ambitious. Maybe I am too idealistic!?;

2. China is obviously displeased with India PM visiting one of the disputed territory. So, playing the Pakistan card makes a lot of sense since India and Pakistan are traditional rivals though they were once one!! Courtesy of the old British Empire's doing!!;

3. may the 3 countries keep the matter in perspective and treat them as minor irritants that should not damage seriously the peace that exist between them.

p/s: One of my nieces passed away unexpectedly yesterday. She suffered from spine damaged as a baby and needed a lot of care and help to move around. She is 15 or 16 I believed. In a way the passing is a relief for her and the family who loved and took care of her devotedly. May she be at a better place. Rest in peace.