This isnt a political discussion. Just something to talk about. So has anyone ever visited any border crossing between India and Pakistan? How about line of control?
I must say its an experience in itself. And the atmosphere there is barely reflective of the relations between the two countries, as portrayed in the media. I have been to the international border in Sialkot and Lahore. Well...other that the flag hoisting and taking down, the mood is friendly. Soldiers from both ends can be seen gossiping and exchanging K-2 cigarettes for Babu beeris. Villagers flock along the chain links, often talking to their relatives on the other side, or just mingling with 'foreigners' on the other side of the rope.
The atmosphere on a line of control is relatively different however. I've been to the LOC in Sialkot, Kharian and Qadirabad. You can cut the tension with a knife, and even the slightest unusual sound can elicit gunfire. Flash of a camera will draw gunfire. And the funny part is, every bullet fired from one side HAS to be answered with a bullet from the other side, even if it is aerial shot. Its just a show of force, like telling the other that we're awake. The no-mans land makes things even more precarious, because there is no set definition of land as to where the no mans land starts. So you have to be careful where you step, cause the enemy might be taking that spot as no mans land...and if that happens, get ready for some more gunfire. Most of the firing is done to intimidate the other...not necessarily to kill.
Just something i felt like talking about. I wish there were no borders though. Wish Indo pak could have a no visa policy. We could become the next north america....but alas, that day seems too far off, in neverland.
I must say its an experience in itself. And the atmosphere there is barely reflective of the relations between the two countries, as portrayed in the media. I have been to the international border in Sialkot and Lahore. Well...other that the flag hoisting and taking down, the mood is friendly. Soldiers from both ends can be seen gossiping and exchanging K-2 cigarettes for Babu beeris. Villagers flock along the chain links, often talking to their relatives on the other side, or just mingling with 'foreigners' on the other side of the rope.
The atmosphere on a line of control is relatively different however. I've been to the LOC in Sialkot, Kharian and Qadirabad. You can cut the tension with a knife, and even the slightest unusual sound can elicit gunfire. Flash of a camera will draw gunfire. And the funny part is, every bullet fired from one side HAS to be answered with a bullet from the other side, even if it is aerial shot. Its just a show of force, like telling the other that we're awake. The no-mans land makes things even more precarious, because there is no set definition of land as to where the no mans land starts. So you have to be careful where you step, cause the enemy might be taking that spot as no mans land...and if that happens, get ready for some more gunfire. Most of the firing is done to intimidate the other...not necessarily to kill.
Just something i felt like talking about. I wish there were no borders though. Wish Indo pak could have a no visa policy. We could become the next north america....but alas, that day seems too far off, in neverland.
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