Indian reactions to the killing of Osama bin Laden were unanimous, "We knew he was in Pakistan." It wasn't just people on the street. India's journalists echoed the sentiment for weeks. Headlines repeatedly accused Pakistan's government of knowingly harboring the Great Terrorist.
Putting aside who is right, it's clear that the rift between India and Pakistan is alive and well. Perhaps the best place to witness the tension is Amritsar, an Indian city just one hour's drive from the Pakistani border. There at dusk, patrol guards from each country participate in a border closing ceremony that is half pomp, half aggression. On the Indian side, guards must be a certain height (doesn't tall stature intimidate?) and kick their legs so high in the air that toes come several inches from foreheads. Rockettes on roid rage. Pakistan reciprocates with similar fanfare and grunting. Crowds on both sides cheer and boo and patriotize—Indians for India, Pakistanis for Pakistan.
And when the sun goes down? Arenas on each side of the border clear out, Indians confident in Indian superiority, Pakistanis robust in Pakistani pride. Tomorrow, the same thing. Ten years from now, probably the same. The day when Indians won't say, "I told you so," about Pakistan is a long time away.
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| Indian crowds (right) gather to watch the border closing ceremony. Indian police (left) prep for the event. |
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| Guards stride towards the Pakistan border. Check out those hats! |
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| After the ceremony has ended, spectators walk through India's large gateway. |
These are some really cool photographs of the situation
ReplyDeleteSo surreal, I cannot understand sentiments like this are happening in my world. You know it does, but seeing your pictures makes it so much more real. Great job!
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