India shoots down a Pakistani naval aircraft with 16 personnel on board.
Such developments could hamper normalisation of relations b/w Pakistan and India, leaving no room for constructive dialogue.
Do you agree?

Your Opinion

1. Each and every Pakistani should know that Hindus are a very cunning nation and their leaders are even worse, and they don't have the courage to fight face-to-face and always try to attack from behind. India shot down a Pakistani unarmed plane because they knew that the attack won't be repulsed, so they got the courage to do so and they did. Pakistani leaders really live in the world of dreams where they always look forward to the poor international community for condemning the aggressor's acts of violence while knowing that their voice is nowhere going to be heard. I hope that every Pakistani knows the reason. Pakistani leaders trust more in their masters rather than in God, The CREATOR of all earth, universe and everything in and out of it. I would ask Pakistani leaders and the people of this great country to stand up against India and get with force what you have never got through talks. InshaAllah, we will be the winner if we prostrate before God and not before anybody else.
   
   Muhammad
   Pakistan
   
   
   
2. India did the right thing. Pakistani leaders and Army should be taught a firm lesson. Intrusion of Indian air space by the Pakistanis should not be taken lightly, or tolerated. India is not Afghanistan. Pakistan should remember the previous wars with INDIA.
   
   Khalil
   Iran
   
   
   
3. I read with disbelief that Pakistan is still trying to enter Indian air space and blame India for aggression. Pakistan should spend more time and resources on their poor and hungry people. Stop wasting time and resources on your military and try to improve the everyday life of ordinary people, otherwise Pakistan would be like another Afghanistan.
   
   Praful
   USA
   
   
   
4. The saddest part is that, someone finds it good that they (16 personnel) got killed. Nobody cares what happened to those people who got killed and their families. Just once try to be in their shoes and think what if that had happened to you or your loved ones. I think it was a loss of humanity and I don't think any parents teach their kids to be happy on any other person’s death.
   
   Syed Nishat
   USA
   
   
   
5. It is indeed a bad judgement on the part of India to shoot down a naval surveillance aircraft on a training mission, which is a very easy target for any fighter jet. The present leaderships in both countries are acting very irresponsibly: it seems that with every cause of escalation, Mr.Vajpayee is increasing 10 points in his popularity before the Indian polls. Judging from the last records of both countries I think that Pakistan will now wait for the right moment to strike at India in this tit-for-tat game. I would like to answer some Indian critics’ stand on Indian policy in Kashmir, supposedly claiming Indian sovereignty in Kashmir. If it is so how come there is one Indian soldier for every 3 Kashmiris? Why are you keeping them under guns at all times? Tell me one such example in the world where an identical situation existed and the occupying country was successful in their subjugation of oppressed people. Let both India and Pakistan vacate this beautiful land and free Kashmiri people of their miseries and let them decide their own future. If this single thorn is removed from our relationship between we can foresee a bright and prosperous future in this part of the world. The people of both the countries have to bring about a political change in our leadership that should struggle to bring about prosperity by rethinking these mad policies which are taking us nowhere but downwards.
   
   Zaheer Sufi
   USA
   
   
   
6. Will you please stop selecting these kinds of topics for discussions. These serve no purpose other than fuelling hatred among neighbours. And I hope that is not the intention of your publication.
   
   Krishnan
   India
   
   
   
7. Look at the foundation of Pakistan. The concept of making Pakistan was never realised i.e. Muslims could not live in India, so they wanted their own country based on religion. What happened? There are more Muslims in India than Pakistan. They even couldn't keep Pakistan in order, and Bangladesh was created. Now they want to divide India into pieces? Tried with war, failed. With terrorism? You'll get what you give. Unfortunately every Pakistani child is grown up with the feeling (taught to them) that it is their supreme duty to destroy India. Wake up! Work for economical uplifting of people rather than wasting money on war.
   
   Ravi Laad
   USA
   
   
   
8. This will happen henceforth. India has forgiven the intrusion before but after Kargil no forgiveness. Every intrusion should be dealt with firmly. Where was Pakistani humanity when they tortured Indian PoWs. We felt much worse. The plane was just blown up but our soldiers were brutally tortured. You get what you deserve Pakistan.
   
   Dilip Patel
   India/USA
   
   
   
9. India had its two fighter aircraft shot down earlier so I think she is trying to show her countrymen that she can do the same. The sad thing is that they chose an unarmed Pakistani plane to shoot down just like the cowards the Indians are. If they want to fight at least pick a fight with armed fighter jets of the Pakistan airforce but they wouldn't dare do that because they know they would be taught a severe lesson!
   
   Fawad
   USA
   
   
   
10. On the one hand India is posing as a very peace-loving country while on the other, it wants to crush Pakistan. If India was not as fanatic and as hateful to others as they really are, then there would have been no question of forming Pakistan. Indian Muslims are really struggling and just living in India as if they are on a Jihad. Some of these Indians give examples of the USA and Canada living peacefully. I think India needs a million years to come to that platform of thoughts. Zee Tv and TV Asia in United States are the biased propaganda stations focused on two things: one is to throw stones at Pakistan and the other is to attract people towards their sexy movies. Hundreds of thousands of people were not stupid to leave India in 1948 where they were son of that soil and left the land of their ancestors. It was injustice and humiliation to the extreme that caused these people to leave their motherland. If India really wants peace in that region then it will have to show and proof their trust instead of shooting down a plane and creating wrong propaganda. They killed sixteen people: is this an act of peace or terrorist activity?
    
    Maroof Qurashi
    USA
    
    
    
11. We need a real leader who would recognise this situation and come to the conclusion that we don’t need anyone to back us up. In wars people die and city fall- there is destruction-you lose a round- you win a round but in the end the person who is standing on his feet is the winner.
    
    Yousaf
    USA
    
    
    
12. I think whatever happened was not a joke. 16 of our men died. This is all because of Kashmir. If there were no Kashmir, there would be no war between India and Pakistan. I think Pakistan should act off from Kashmir and try to concentrate on its own development. If Kashmiris want independence and if they believe that God will help them then they don’t need our help. In short, why should our Pakistani brothers die for Kashmir?
    
    Khan
    Canada
    
    
    
13. Kashmir problem? There is only the problem of resettlement of Kashmiri pundits. The only way to solve the problem is to wipe out the border between the two countries and behave like friends. If reunification of Germany could occur then why not of the country which was split by British. We do not have to stretch the enmity since 1947 for which British were responsible. It is frankly stupid! Politicians are the biggest crooks; they sit in their air-conditioned offices and declare war against each other and stupid soldiers give away their valuable lives. Even more insane are the people who declare such people martyrs!
    
    Iqbal
    USA
    
    
    
14. It is contrary to what one of the readers wrote: ‘Hindus can't be our brothers’. Only Muslims can be our brothers and the Quran is very clear about this. I think Mr. Nawaz Sharif is responsible for the death of these young naval officers, for the withdrawal from Kargil Hills and the demoralisation of the nation. Though most us overseas Pakistanis here in Riyadh (without any political affiliation) were in favour of Mr Sharif's Government as he was better of the evils, however his Government has done what even Benazir's Government couldn't do. Therefore I think we cannot trust this Government, even though withdrawal from Kargil may turn out to be an appropriate decision. As far as India is concerned, it can not remain united for long, given its discrimination against minorities. Having said that we have to clean our own house first before we blame the US, IMF or the World Bank.
    
    Jan
    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
15. No negotiations between Pakistan and India at this time. Nawaz Sharif should get a new mandate before talking to Indians. How can Indians be happy on a success gifted by Nawaz Sharif. And how can Pakistanis be sorry for the loss that was gifted by Nawaz.
    
    Nadeem
    USA/Pakistani
    
    
    
16. As per the Indian mentality we may expect the worst from them; we also have to keep an eye as to why the Americans are vacating Islamabad, I am sure Americans have big plans against Pakistan.
    
    Bill
    Canada
    
    
    
17. With Pakistan's credibility at its lowest ever, at least in India, because of the syndrome of Lahore-cum-Kargil episode, it is quite understandable why India reacted proactively to any intrusions of its territory by Pakistan. Before the Kargil misadventure, the violation of the Indian airspace by the Pakistani naval aircraft may not have invited the kind of Indian response that it did this time. It will require a lot of time and efforts on the part of Pakistan to create an atmosphere of trust so that even the innocuous things do not appear to be menacing in the eyes of the Indians. Given the hostility of Pakistan in exporting terrorism in India, especially in Kashmir, the creation of an atmosphere of trust will remain elusive. In such a scenario it is extremely important for both the parties to show restraint if and when an incident like the present one takes place. If the restraint is not shown, the situation may escalate into a wider conflict. It is for Pakistan to decide what kind of a polity it wants to build for its people: whether to take the country to ruin through military expenditure and Talibanization of its society or to invest in development projects for improving the standard of living of its people. Now that Pakistan has the nuclear deterrence, it faces no danger to its territorial integrity from India. So it is high time it gave up its proactive anti-India policy in favour of a pro-Pakistan policy. A Satan-like hatred of India, I am afraid, might eat away Pakistan itself.
    
    Beerendra Pandey
    USA
    
    
    
18. The politicians on both sides benefit from shooting and killings. The general public suffers as a result. The only winner as a result of a war would be the WEST that would continue to sell weaponry and ammunition to both the countries. Did we gain after the freedom or are we still slaves to our masters, as we are incapable of living in peace with each other. Fifty-two years have already passed and 53rd anniversary is coming soon. What will we celebrate when we are still at war with each other? For God’s sake bring our people to peace and prosperity. Open your heart and open your borders and live as brothers and sisters. In fact we are the same family.
    
    Kris C. Khatri
    USA
    
    
    
19. Both countries are playing with human lives; this evil cycle should break now. I think both nations have other real issues to solve first.
    
    Anjum Shaikh
    Canada
    
    
    
20. I think both countries have to realise that it’s economic strength that counts; Pakistan should realise that India is a much stronger country and any misadventure would cause them irreparable harm and they just can't afford that. They should use their energies in doing constructive economic development rather than needling a much stronger India and act responsibly. This type of childish behaviour would end up harming people in both countries as India and Indians are running out of patience. A country that has to rely on IMF loans to survive should not indulge in such misadventures.
    
    Rajeev
    USA
    
    
    
21. Mr. Raj probably doesn’t know the meaning of aggression. Why is India hesitant about offering the Kashmiris their birthright, plebiscite? Why does India have bilateral policy on Kashmir and Hyderabad right from the first day? Who invited India to East Pakistan (Bangladesh) in 1971? Think logically; don’t speak what you have been reading in your textbooks right from your first grade. You are right, India has the right to shoot a plane in their territory, but surprisingly enough, the debris of the shot plane was found in Pakistan.
    It is as sad to me as the incident of Pakistan shooting down the Indian planes. May Allah bless their souls and their deprived families.
    
    Ihsan Majid
    USA
    
    
    
22. Pakistan misjudged India's restrain during the Kargil war as a weakness and thus incited more terrorism in Kashmir valley right after running off from Kargil. Not only in Kashmir valley but also in Assam, separatists were fuelled up to destabilise India. India wanted to give a befitting response to this miscalculation by Pakistani army and thus shot down an intruding fighter plane. Besides, the Indian Air Force was also boiling with fury over having lost two fighter jets and a helicopter with at least five IAF personnel, at Kargil. The recent shooting down of a Pakistani plane was to take revenge of that surprise shooting of Indian jets by Pakistani missiles.
    
    Karam
    New York, USA
    
    
    
23. Pakistan is being run by people who have no courage and no self-respect.They are humiliating themselves, the people of Pakistan and the country in the international arena. They have lost all support inside out.
    
    Safdar Malik
    USA
    
    
    
24. This is a matter of religion, even though some would disagree. Those of you who think India has an upper hand must be living in a fool’s paradise. India could not even ‘remove’ a handful of Mujahideen from Kargil. WHAT KIND OF AN 'ARMY' DOES INDIA HAVE? However, shooting down an unarmed plane is a COWARDLY act in anybody's book. India will get what's coming to them VERY SOON! And it won’t be pretty.
    
    Arshad
    UK
    
    
    
25. The world finally knows of the terrorism India is capable of. It is high time Pakistan put a stop to all this and taught India a big lesson so that India not dare to do anything like this ever again.
    
    Faiza Khan
    Pakistan
    
    
    
26. With the kind of relationships between the two countries, it’s obvious that you would be shot down when you intrude into another’s territory. Pakistan has already done this with two Indian aircraft and a helicopter during the Kargil intrusion. However, PAK was aware of the operation VIJAY and the action was very well within the Indian territory. Both countries have lost their mutual trust, a quick action was mandatory and that’s what India has done. As the LOC had been accepted and signed by both countries in the Shimla agreement, it is mandatory that Pakistan respect the agreement and consider development activities rather than intrude and create disturbances in India. Signing the agreements at international level and violating them, is the root cause of the loss of faith.
    
    D.S.Sandhu
    USA
    
    
    
27. Pakistan has always been playing games. It's excellent that they have been taught a lesson for entering Indian Air Space. Hopefully in future they will know better. As far as dialogue between the two countries is concerned, we all know what kind of commitment Pakistan has. Kargil has shown that Pakistan cannot be trusted. He was not even ready to acknowledge the supreme sacrifice of his country's soldiers. Anyway when there is an agreement between the two countries that no aircraft would come within 10 km of the international boundary, then what was that plane doing on the Indian side? Talks between India and Pakistan can never be fruitful because Pakistan can never come out of it's own inferiority complex.
    
    Ifran
    USA/India
    
    
    
28. How could you shoot down an unarmed plane? If India really wanted to show muscles, well they could not prove it in Kargil (remember they claimed to have taken it all back in the first 3 weeks). Having lost hundreds of soldiers and a number of aircraft, they were so bewildered that they cried out loud for the world opinion; its was only politically that Mujahideen vacated some of the positions. India was trying to boost the morale of their soldiers and those who knew the inside story. So they took on an unarmed (sitting duck) naval aircraft which had trainees on board. Well, so much for their bravery. We in Pakistan are better than that. If Indians really think they are so brave and have a good cause and strength, they should take on our services. They already lost 5 planes in Kargil, they are fixing to lose some more. We need to reciprocate their actions to show WE MEAN BUSINESS TOO...
    
    Asif Chaudhry
    Pakistan
    
    
    
29. Part of the conflict I guess. Unfortunately this is lose-lose game for both sides. Small incidents like this will continue to take place as long as the underlying issues are not resolved. Next time it may be an Indian plane. The Kashmir problem has to be resolved. Why is India afraid to let the Kashmiris vote on what they want? The "biggest" democracy should not be afraid of a vote and not hide behind, letting this issue be internationalised. Because when the truth will come out the world will see what India was doing in Kashmir.
    
    Amjad
    Pakistan/US
    
    
    
30. The downing of an unarmed Navy aircraft is a continuation of the Kargill conflict. During this conflict a handful of Mujahideen in a brilliant tactical move captured Indian posts deep inside Indian territory. According to India's own admission, the number of Mujahids ranged between 600 to 800. In order to dislodge them, India threw in a corps of more than 30,000 troops. They were subjected to constant air raids by more than 60 Indian aircraft. In addition, more than 300 Bofor guns constantly pounded their positions day and night. In spite of all these overwhelming odds, the Indians were unable to dislodge the Mujahids and suffered thousands in casualties. What India could not win militarily, they won on the diplomatic and propaganda front, which is another story. It took American intervention and threat of economic sanctions, which made Pakistan withdraw Mujahideen. India claims it had won most of the area back before the Mujahideen withdrew then I would like to ask the Indians two questions: If they had won the war then why did they allow Mujahideen to withdraw with all their arms and ammunition. They knew well that the same Mujahideen would strike India again as indeed happened a couple of days after their withdrawal. India should have destroyed them. So what Indians are saying is that even though they won the battle they let the Mujahideen withdraw with all their arms and ammunition to fight another day! Now this does not sound very convincing. Secondly Indians claim that the deepest penetration of Mujahideen was 10 km inside India. After a cease-fire it took Mujahideen more than four days to withdraw. Now if India had won most of the area back why did it take Mujahideen so long to withdraw even though there was no hostile fire on them. The answers are simple: A handful of Mujahideen gave the mighty Indian army a bloody nose. What they could not win in the battlefield, they won in the propaganda field. As the same Mujahideen kill more and more Indian soldiers in Kashmir everyday, perhaps the Indians should ask their government about their great victory won in Kargil.
    
    The downing of the aircraft shows the difference between Indians and the Pakistanis. When the Indian fighter pilot asked the pilot of the unarmed and sluggish Atlantique aircraft to surrender and land in India or else face the consequences, the latter decided to sacrifice his life rather than surrender. In comparison to this, Indians surrendered two aircraft to the PAF. One was a fully armed Gnat fighter which surrendered to a PAF F104 during 1965 war and the second was an Oregon fighter which surrendered to PAF after the Runn of Katch conflict. Both these aircraft are now displayed in the PAF museum. I think no better tribute could be paid to the fighting spirit of Pakistanis, when Col. Singh, the Indian military spokesman while talking to foreign journalists towards the end of the Kargil conflict said that the Pakistani soldiers liked to die rather than be taken prisoners.
    
    Awais
    USA
    
    
    
31. It is high time we learnt from our stupid mistakes and stop creating troubles for India.
    A Patriotic Pakistani.
    
    Asif Iqbal
    US
    
    
    
32. I fail to comprehend the justifications presented by India. Why send an unarmed plane loaded with 16 people to a hostile country, and to achieve what? If Pakistan's intentions were bellicose there were much better ways of going about the business. I have seen Indian soldiers target small children in border regions. What justification do they give for that? And these are the people who are supposed to follow Gandhi's non-violent example.
    I think it is high time we started taking care of ourselves. Why should we be apologetic about Indian transgression of our legitimate rights whereas India shouts so loud while treading over our toes? Being small is not synonymous with being helpless.
    
    Irfan Khan
    USA
    
    
    
33. India did the right thing by shoot down Pakistani surveillance plane because Pakistan knows that there are Indian Security Forces on the other side; what was the plane doing there in the first place? Pakistan should understand the need to stop violating the Indian territory. If Pakistan wants to settle the Kashmir issue then all the border shelling and cross-border terrorism must be stopped. So many innocent lives are being lost in this decades-long rivalry. It must stop now.
    
    Navdeep
    USA
    
    
    
34. India should not touch any of Pakistan’s properties or else we'll teach it a lesson.
    
    Neil
    Belgium
    
    
    
35. It was an act of aggression to take away the limelight from the internal situation in India. When will the Indian Government wake up to the referendum need of the Kashmiri people? They have a right to choose what they want, not what the British imposed on them with the help of the then Indian Government. The Kashmiris should be able to choose what they want to be Independent or secede to Pakistan or India. The latest aggression is just another way of diverting the need for a dialogue? Why does the Indian Government avoid dialogue? What does it have to fear?
    
    Kamran
    Australia
    
    
    
36. There is no easy solution to the rising tension between Pakistan and India. Lack of willingness on the part of the United States and the United Nations to play their due roles is complicating the situation and giving rise to fundamentalism on both sides. The world community needs to put pressure on both countries to seriously discuss, negotiate and resolve Kashmir issue to ensure lasting peace in the region.
    
    Sajid Kheshgi
    USA
    
    
    
37. India and Pakistan are like two brothers. It is a conspiracy of the West and the feudal class to keep the people of this region poor. The people must realise that fighting is not the way forward; peace and development is the right path. We should sink our differences and work for the economic progress and prosperity of the people.
    
    Anu
    USA
    
    
    
38. It was a mistake by the Indian side. The plane was unarmed and had a maximum speed of 200 nautical miles; it could not have posed any danger to the Indian side. I think this act was unprovoked and another silliness reflecting the BJP government’s designs to capture the polls at all costs. May bhagwan save secular India from the menace of the Hindu fundamentalists BJP. I think India should apologise to Pakistan.
    
    Srikanth
    India
    
    
    
39. Big deal! This happens in wars. Those who were martyred are already in heavens, which these cow worshipers and their friends will never ever smell of. Islam is not just a religion, it is our identity; it is our way of life; it is our nation and creed. With Islam we are a separate nation. Our loyalty is only to one God and none besides Him. Kashmir is ours and we want our land. We will take it sooner or later. This is a promise. What is sixteen? India will pay with 1600.
    
    Sohail
    Pakistan
    
    
    
40. Indians committed a crime by shooting down an unarmed flight. Oh yeah? Now let me tell you a few facts. The aircraft shot down was of military kind. It is a reconnaissance and anti submarine aircraft that can carry 2 Exocet missiles. It has advanced radar and is obviously a spy plane. Indians don't want to fight with their neighbours. They have never. WE didn't have a choice but to shoot down the plane which intruded our territory. According to the Indo-Pak accord, no military flight could intrude within 10 km of the international border. This conflicts even when you consider the Pakistani claim that the aircraft was shot down in Pak airspace. How can a military aircraft come within 10 km? Anyway, but the truth is, the aircraft was shot down in Indian territory.
    
    Venkat
    USA
    
    
    
41. I really feel sorry about what happened. After all, its human lives, and it doesn’t matter whether it is Indian or Pakistani life that is lost. But at the same time isn’t it time Pakistan tried to find a different approach to the problem rather than by force and sneaking operations; do they really care about their soldiers and citizens? The Pakistani foreign minister shows the 1990 airspace accord by which no military flights are supposed to fly within 10kms from the border. True India violated this, but what was the Pakistani naval flight doing there in the first place. Instead of trying to play around, its high time Pakistan seriously considered the options for peace. I like millions of other Indians hope Pakistanis wouldn’t want to fight with each other when we have so many things to take care of.
    
    Roshan
    India
    
    
    
42. Those of you who talk about Kashmir should understand what was Kashmir and what it is now. Is Kashmir a goldmine that Pakistan wants so badly? Or is it a Pride of Pakistan or something that will give identity to Pakistan? OR is it just a war and Pakistan is determined to continue one way or the other?
    OR is it simply a card which Pakistani government plays to divert attention of public from other important issue? OR it is simply foolishness?
    
    Manoj Ganger
    USA
    
    
    
43. I think it was a blunder and India will face a lot of trouble in the future. Now Pakistan has full rights to retaliate. Pakistan has already given India a chance in Kargil and it was a great mistake.
    
    Zafar Iqbal
    Canada
    
    
    
44. The incident should be highly condemned. Pakistan should take this matter immediately to the United Nation, United States, G-8 Countries, OIC, SAARC and all other international forums, so that India not have smooth sailing. Pakistan should never give any chance to India again as it had given it in Kargil, from which it has not learned any lesson.
    
    Syed Naveed ul Haq Shah
    Pakistan
    
    
    
45. After the infamous stab-in-the-back (Lahore bus followed by Kargil invasion), it is clear that Pakistan is only interested in making noise in the region with the hope of "internationalising" everything. So be it. Kargil was lost "internationally". Until Pakistan makes unilateral gestures that show that it really wants peace and not war, any such incident will remain to a cause of celebration in India.
    
    Rajesh
    USA
    
    
    
46. India had been keenly waiting for such an incident so that they could prove themselves superior. They were burning inside to down a Pakistan aircraft and as soon as Pakistan made one small mistake, India got the opportunity and shot the plane down. It is just an act of selfishness and it doesn’t show much except that both the countries are bitter enemies.
    
    Sarah Khan
    Saudi Arabia
    
    
    
47. There is already a growing resentment about BJP's tactics. I am a proud Indian citizen. If Kargil was over, then why shoot down a surveillance plane? Just to keep the fire alive? It is like a cricket match who scored more runs. It just does not matter to them whether it is an Indian life or a Pakistani life.
    
    Shekhar
    India
    
    
    
48. What was the naval combat plane doing in Indian territory. Do you remember shooting down Indian aircraft in May on the border? Tit for tat.
    
    Sunil Pardesi
    USA
    
    
    
49. The Indian economy is strong and it can sustain some hits. The last economic report showed that inflation is less than 1% in India. India is attacking Pakistan in three ways: economy, foreign policy, and support of the public. Pakistan is no match to India in any of these issues. The ISI is seriously involved in covert operation with the help of illiterate Muslims in India and Bangladesh. When the economically and politically weak country like Pakistan can do that, how long will it take India to break Pakistan into pieces like Afghanistan? Jihad will make life of the common Muslims miserable in India. For every fanatic Muslim in India there are two Hindu fanatics. This is not a treat to any religion. This will be a reality because as a nation, India and Pakistan are poor and illiterate. Poor and illiterate people can be easily fooled by the religious faith. Religion is to improve the inner quality of mankind. Politicians and priests in Pakistan are using Religion and Kashmir card only to hide the reality of life, like education, health, and shelter. Do you want Pakistan on the Map or you want hundreds of Afghanistans? The democratically elected officials do not govern Pakistan, but the country is ruled by the military. Is this real democracy? India is a peace-loving nation, it will never invade any nation, but it will defend the border from any violation. Mind your own business and work for peace on earth.
    
    Amudh
    India
    
    
    
50. We, the Indian Muslims, thoroughly support our Pakistani brothers in their quest to challenge the Hindu fundamentalists ruling India. It was these fundamentalists who killed scores of innocent Muslims in Mumbai and destroyed the Babri Mosque. Long live Pakistan. Pakistan gives strength and inspiration to the Indian Muslims.
    
    Muhammad Tahir Shaikh
    India
    
    
    
51. It is sad to see 16 lives getting wasted (even if they are Pakistanis, they must be someone's child/brother/husband/father). The Pakistani government should accept the fact that it can never defeat INDIA with their military might. INDIA is too big a country to be disturbed by them. If they will try to disturb a Lion's peace then naturally they will be killed. I feel pity on Pakistan's defence personnel. They are brave but they are being wasted like dirt just to feed the ego of their superiors and the government. It is foolish and insane to even think that INDIA is going to part with even an inch of Kashmir's land. So why are they killing themselves over it? They have been taught a good lesson four times but still they don't get the message. I hope they leave INDIA alone and concentrate on their own country which is going to disintegrate economically and geographically by their own doings. Or maybe they want INDIA to shake them so badly that they finally leave any thoughts of disturbing it again.
    
    Ruchir Joshi
    India
    
    
    
52. Pakistan wants the US to mediate and at the same time support Osama Bin Laden, and it also threatens to kill Americans in Pakistan. Make up your mind.
    
    Naveen
    Canada
    
    
    
53. If one were to read both Pakistani as well as Indian newspapers, it is confusing as to which country's air space was violated. But a goodwill advice to Pakistan is that it needs to stop aiding and encouraging terrorism before being declared a militant state. Moreover, Pakistan itself runs the risk of being taken over by an extremist regime one day. Democracy would then cease to exist and the country's economy would buckle. As long as Pakistan continues it's cowardice, backdoor policy of guerrilla warfare, India would never agree for a dialogue and such incidents would continue.
    
    Aamir Khan
    USA
    
    
    
54. First of all, let's be clear about the FACTS:
    1.The shot-down Pakistani naval aircraft was well inside the Indian territory for at least 15 minutes, not just flying merrily and 'innocently', but on a reconnaissance mission.
    2.The crew was given ample warnings, even a chance to land, however, the crew chose not to respond.
    3.The aircraft made movements that were interpreted as 'hostile response'. In such situations, where every fraction of a second can be a matter of life or death for a fighter pilot, the Indian pilots did the wise thing: Fire on their target, expecting hostility.
    
    Now, to the question of how this incident affects peace prospects: As long as the Pakistani establishment sticks to the view that Kashmir is the singular problem between India and Pakistan, there can be no peace prospects. The Pakistani Government, the fanatic Muslims and terrorist organisations and politicians MUST understand the fable of the Frog and Bull: that no matter how much the frog jumps up, it can never be as big as the bull; the frog will only destroy itself if it continues to be a bull's equal!
    
    Satish Bhagwat
    USA
    
    
    
55. Let the citizens of both countries face it. It is another aircraft down for Pakistan. They will spend lots of money to replace it and create more business for Western companies. The money, which could be spent on development to increase the standard of living of Pakistani or Indian, is being wasted in arms. This policy of making your neighbour beggarly is bad for both the countries. I don’t know what is the point in fighting for a few hundred miles of inhospitable land and losing lots of people over it.
    Both the countries should strictly separate religion from State. Focus on the bigger picture of trade and business which can improve the quality of people. The politicians of both these nations are first rate rogues and the only way they keep power is by stirring emotions and passions of uneducated people. The problem in both the countries is that Judiciary is not independent. With the rate at which this is going on, Pakistan will never get Kashmir, there will be thousands of Muslims and Hindus dead, Western companies will have delivered billions worth of arms, and the Swiss bank accounts of both Indians and Pakistani politicians will swell. And the number of poor people will increase tenfold. Let us face it guys we are one of the poorest nations in the world and can not afford this costly war. I am a Hindu and my best childhood friend was a Muslim (unfortunately I lost him). Hindus and Muslims live in peace in places where there is no poverty, and fight in places where there is poverty and the pie is small. We have to increase the pie so that people have some higher cause to live for than these Jihads or whatever you want to call them. It very sad that the moderates in both the countries can not sit together to talk and come to a solution
    
    Mahan Krishnan
    USA
    
    
    
56. It is important that the Pakistan Military, ISI and government understand that after the Lahore betrayal and War in Kargil, a period of truce is needed to resume dialogue afresh. It is futile to spy and instigate terrorist attacks in India. The Punjab problem has been solved and so will the problems of terrorism in Kashmir and Assam. By instigating these actions, the government of Pakistan is prolonging the agony of its people. No power on earth, even religious power, can subjugate people for long.
    
    Sarah
    Canada
    
    
    
57. India had no choice. I don’t think they knew that the Pakistanis were unarmed. It’s foolish to think that the Pakistanis were around the Indian territory just practising flying! After Kargil, it’s pretty obvious that we cannot trust Pakistan...they've already violated the LoC. As for India…once bitten, twice shy. We've got our defences and our antennae up and anything least suspicious can get blown out of proportion. It’s not that we're the best of friends. Pakistan needs to respect the LoC as well as the Indian airspace. The plane was warned and action was taken after there was no response to the order for vacating Indian territory. It’s high time the issue was taken seriously by both parties...as it can only escalate from here!
    
    Nidhi
    India
    
    
    
58. Pakistani politicians, who are willing to have good relations with India, had better understand that India can not be our friend as it has already been proven in the history. If it was possible then what was need to have independent state?
    
    Ishtiaq Ahmad
    Canada
    
    
    
59. Mr Iqbal:
    Please clear a few points:
    How is it possible for a plane shot down in India to crash in Pakistan? India has been calling Pakistan a liar; a point of intelligence is that how come with such a strong media India failed to show the pictures of the crashed plane? The funny thing is that the Indians are showing parts of the plane wreckage...how come a plane crashed so beautifully that it did not cause any destruction? Face the facts Indians...that you are the one lying, if not let international media come and make an honest report. Show the people of Pakistan what is true. If the report is in India's favour it would Make Pakistan quite for once and for all. Being a big country does not give India the right to do what ever they want. We are both underdeveloped countries...at least the educated people of both the nations should make an effort for peace. To me an Indian is as important as a Pakistani, because first we are humans, and there is already enough of suffering on both sides. It’s time to stop.
    
    Rafia Khan
    Pakistan
    
    
    
60. It is hard to figure out what Pakistan is up to. What does it want? In the first place, under bilateral treaties the plane should not have been within 15 km of the international border. What in the world is Pakistan trying to do with this unnecessary needling of India's patience?
    
    Shashi
    USA
    
    
    
61. Once again Indians have showed their cowardice. The Indian army having faced heavy casualties in the Kargil sector once again wants to show that it is best if the other is unarmed. Don't worry Indians we’ll crush you soon.
    
    Muhammad Asif
    Pakistan
    
    
    
62. It was a wise step taken by the INDIAN to shoot down a Pakistani plane. Pakistan should learn a lesson from this and stop creating trouble in INDIA. Both the countries should live like brothers and help in each other’s progress lest they may come out losers.
    
    Ganesh
    India
    
    
    
63. YOU lost the opportunity; I bet nothing will happen again, only mere consolations from our dear and courageous PM.
    
    Sara
    Egypt
    
    
    
64. It doesn't matter who shot whom. Why was the plane within the firing range of an Indian aircraft? Didn't any air traffic controller tell the Atlantique that they could be within India's firing range? Shouldn't people be safe rather than sorry? When Pakistan shot down the Indian MiGs I did not hear any apology from them.
    
    Kannan Raj
    USA
    
    
    
65. It was a cowardly act to shoot down an unarmed plane. We shot down several of their armed planes in the war zone like Kashmir. I say this is not the end of the game. Indians should stay tuned for more news about stingers.
    
    Mo. Akhtar
    Pakistan
    
    
    
66. While I deeply regret the downing of the Pakistani Naval aircraft by India, I do wish to state that such incidents will continue to happen if the two countries do not learn to live in peace and trust each other. The wreckage having been found on both sides of the border proves that the plane was either flying on the border or very close to it. My point is that such violation of airspace between two neighbouring countries should not result in the loss of precious human life. In our heightened passions and show of patriotism we forget that about 52 years ago we belonged to the same country and now we hate each other so much that we cannot think of peaceful co-existence. And for what? Kashmir or plain Hindu-Muslim hatred? It's pathetic to see such hatred being churned up in both the countries.
    
    Satish
    USA
    
    
    
67. Well I would say this, if you don’t have a driving license and yet you drive a car without knowing where you are going then, it’s bound to happen. An accident or someone ramming you through. What were these 16 Pakistanis doing there?
    
    Sunil
    USA
    
    
    
68. Pakistan intrudes the Indian territory and expects the Indian defence to sit dormant? You guys want to play with fire and stay unscathed -height of optimism! Pakistan sends soldiers to occupy mountain heights in the Indian territory -that is Islamic Jihad of Mujahideen- and when Indian Air Force pilots shoot down an intruder -its aggression! I think that before embarking on diplomacy, this nation should take courses in common sense!
    
    Ravi Saxena
    India
    
    
    
69. I don't think India would cause an incident of this magnitude unless that airplane was in violation of its airspace. I agree with other readers that Pakistan has to stop these silly and dangerous forays. I think the armed forces in Pakistan get away with this kind of stuff because the political leadership is real weak in that country. Also, why is Pakistan making a big deal about this plane being shot down, when it shot down 2 Indian planes and an Indian helicopter in Kashmir back in May? But as always, you have to regret the loss of life that took place.
    
    Jay
    USA
    
    
    
70. Pakistan has violated the Indian air space many times in the past; India did the right thing by shooting down a Pakistani plane while it was in the Indian territory. Pakistan is trying to spread terrorism in India and want to destabilise it but it doesn’t understand that it will be wiped out from world map in a short time without any chance of retaliation. Pakistani people want peace with Indian people but some elements are trying to keep burning the enmity with India. Hope people of Pakistan will understand this common sense to live in peace and
    elect someone who can control the military dictatorship.
    
    Bharat Putra
    India
    
    
    
71. Any kind of war is bad...this is my only opinion. There are so many people in our subcontinent that do not have sufficient food, education and medication. But both the countries have modern weapons. There are some people who have some kind of vested interest (that may be political, religious, or economical) and fool the uneducated innocent down-to-earth people. They try to find some kind of provocation. The developed countries will not solve this kind of problem. They also have some kind of interest. Please think, who has divided India, Korea, Germany? Vietnam was divided by French and the USA. We, the subcontinent people have to solve our problem. We have to be free from neo-colonialism (in the name of globalisation).
    
    Dr. Tapan Kumar Khan
    USA
    
    
    
72. We do not expect them to go easy knowing we shot down their MIGs with in 10km range of LoC, didn’t we? Whom are we cheating? Our brave armed soldiers’ lives are being put at stake without having clear objective. Can we really grab Kashmir? Force is not going to work, international order can not make India give up Kashmir. Isn’t it time to get practical?
    
    Hussain
    Pakistan/USA
    
    
    
73. I have a plea to all sane Pakistanis and Indians. Where are your heads? Does the poverty and illiteracy of your countrymen not move you? If it does, then how can you spend millions upon millions on killing each other? Stop it, for God's sake, stop it.
    
    Vinay
    India
    
    
    
74. I cannot bring myself to imagine the reasons behind the escalation of the current conflict. I really do feel for all those who died on board the aircraft. But it’s difficult to fathom as to why the aircraft was there, given the current situation. I am a regular reader of the Pakistani newspapers and it is ridiculous to see so many ministers giving their own versions of things, starting from the infiltration in May to this day. Everyone wants to portray Kargil as a victory when, in fact, it is a defeat to humanity.
    
    Mr Nawaz Sharif spends time shopping in New York and Hong Kong while people starve in Pakistan and soldiers are being martyred across the LOC. Pakistan could not even accept its own dead men, let alone burying them. I think the people should stand back and think as to how much they have lost due to this recent tension along the border. Thumping your chest with pride over being "victorious" may be reserved for the politicians who have proved themselves to be a bunch of liars and still continue to do so. I really hope the people stop falling prey to misleading statements.
    And a final note for the Politicians: None of your civilians want war, why are you forcing it down their throats and making them believe that it is a good thing for them? After all, none of you are losing a son or brother or father! It is your poor people who bear the brunt of your insane decisions that make you richer and devastate your population. STOP this war and learn to live in peace. It may be easy to make war. Try aiming for something more difficult like making peace. After all, 1/5th of humanity depends on you people.
    
    Naeem Jaffrey
    USA
    
    
    
75. This act was premeditated, as there is ample evidence that it was in fact the Indian fighter planes that violated Pakistani airspace. India will keep bullying until Pakistan is strong enough to effectively counter India's aggression. She has used the talks and lies to fool the international community in order to avoid implementing UN resolutions with respect to plebiscite on Kashmir. She has also been unable to suppress the popular uprising in occupied Kashmir in spite of massive human rights violations including executions, torture and rape and now wants to widen the conflict. Hindu fundamentalist BJP are well known for their hatred for non-Hindus and are behind the destruction of mosques and churches as well as the killing of innocent Christians and Muslims in India. Pakistan should be very careful and should expose Indian lies and her hand in various bombing incidents in Pakistan. My prayers and thoughts with the innocent victims and their families.
    
    Muhammed Zahid
    UK
    
    
    
76. I could not agree more with Mr. Amin. I second him on all his points. Also, we must have some sort of agreement on the part of Kashmir that is now with China. I don’t know what the situation there is at present. I am not at all averse to having Kashmir (Pakistani, Indian and Chinese) as a demilitarised, sovereign state on the model of Switzerland. This might even help develop better understanding between India and Pakistan.
    I hope that India and Pakistan rise to their true potentials. Help me, all my Pakistani friends.
    
    Vinay
    Indian/USA
    
    
    
77. I really feel that both our countries should be trying very hard to solve our common basic problems, which are:
    
    1) Population growth
    2) Illiteracy
    3) Low status of women
    4) Primary health care
    5) Inadequate economic growth
    
    Instead of concentrating on these, we are wasting our time and money on silly things. Are we trying to prove to the world how stupid we are? The west is laughing its way to the bank.
    
    Vinay Kumar
    USA
    
    
    
78. Pakistan should desist from such misadventures or it will lose whatever it has. Pakistan is spending huge amount of money in trying to sustain these terrorists and insane activities. This money could be well spent on the betterment of their people. The so-called champions of Muslim, Pakistan's Muslims are in the worst shape in this world. Desist from such activities or you will cease to exist.
    
    Iqbal
    USA
    
    
    
79. Don't forget, Pakistan started the Kargil war and ('65 war and '72 war by butchering Bengali Muslims) by sending the army. You Pakistanis should be ashamed of yourselves. Your lie (your soldiers were not involved in Kargil) will haunt you. You do not have the guts to pay respect to your dead soldiers in Kargil war. If your aircraft violates our airspace it should be shot down. After Kargil, we do not trust you. Our generation will never trust you.
    
    Saibal
    Indian/USA
    
    
    
80. It is important to realise from the messages already posted on this site that Indians are either oblivious of the history of Indo-Pak subcontinent, plight of Muslims in their country and the UN resolutions in terms of the Kashmir situation, or they simply do not want to understand these issues. Quite simply, the way India treats Muslims and other minorities is what determines the fairness of Indian people and not just having more Muslims living there than in Pakistan. International Human Rights organisations have blamed India across the board for violating the rights of Kashmiri people as well as other minorities in the country. The ONLY reason that Muslims and other minorities are being oppressed and killed across India is their religion because otherwise they are all human beings. It has become a rule these days, based on the propaganda strategies by the West, to brand Muslims as fundamentalists/terrorists if they fight for basic human rights. Karadic tried that in Bosnia, Milosevic in Kosovo , Russia in Chechnya and now India in Kashmir. Let nobody be fooled but Indians is synonymous with Hindus, who are trying to bring a totalitarian rule in their country. Muslim blood is quite cheap and inconsequential because most of the Islamic countries are ruled by leaders who always put their own and the West's interests ahead of their duties to Allah Almighty and their people. Unlike any other people in the world, true Muslims are guided in their actions by the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We are told at many places by Allah not to trust Christians and Jews let alone pagans like Hindus, etc. In the eyes of Allah, non-believers are like bad eggs and should be discarded as such unless of course they correct themselves. There is absolutely no importance of one’s good actions and deeds unless they stem from belief in Allah, His final testament of Quran and His final prophet, Prophet Muhammad (SAW). I think, regardless of the motives of Prime Minister Sharif in signing a deal with President Clinton, the war over Kashmir at this juncture would have been an economic disaster for Pakistan.
    
    The only way out for Muslims against atrocities around the world lies in becoming united. Pakistan should set up a deadline for throwing Indians out of Kashmir, just as the US set up one for Iraqis in Kuwait. India is more populous and powerful militarily; hence Pakistan should prepare itself and its people for about 3-5 years before launching an effort to free Kashmir. Our goal must be well defined: build economically and militarily (by setting up defence funds for example) for the sole purpose of ousting India from Kashmir and if need be capturing India as well. This is very much doable if we prepare our minds, money and people toward this goal! Let’s go, brothers and sisters, free Muslims from oppression around the world, through public awareness, media education, political information and if need be, through military actions!
    
    Raheel Shafi
    USA
    
    
    
81. If an alien aircraft intrudes 10 km inside Indian air space, India has the right to shoot it down. The major question is that what was it doing in the Indian airspace? After what happened to the India pilot (shot after being captured) in Kargil, I believe in eye for an eye. Isn’t that what you Pakistanis believe in? If Pakistan continues with its provocation the country will be further divided.
    
    Vinay
    USA/Indian
    
    
    
82. Both India and Pakistan are poor countries who should be waging war on poverty, disease, and illiteracy instead of fighting each other. Unfortunately, the leaders of Pakistan do not seem to understand this. Since Independence in 1947, Pakistan has forced war on India on four occasions. It continues to support cross-border terrorism in India. Only in February, the Indian Prime Minister came to Lahore to start a new and peaceful chapter in Indo-Pak relations. At the same time, Pakistan was preparing for an attack on India at Kargil. India feels betrayed. How long can India put up with this sort of thing? India did the right thing by shooting down the Pakistani military plane. There are agreed guidelines between the two countries as to how close military planes can fly near the common border. Why was it necessary for Pakistan to send a military aircraft across the border in clear violation of the agreement? If the plane was on a training mission as Pakistan claims, why was it necessary to have a training flight across Indian territory? Finally, I would request Pakistan's leaders not to twist religion to justify their actions. No religion preaches hatred or violence.
    
    Krishna Subramanian
    USA
    
    
    
83. India shoots down our planes and we kill their people. If this is not WAR then I seriously wonder what it is! I feel that both countries should stop this ridiculous fighting and sit down and talk like responsible states. India should also be able to provide us with the actual written documented proof that the Raj of Kashmir did indeed sign to them. Kashmir was meant to be ours, but having wars over it is not the only solution. India is much larger than us and has the unfair advantage of a bigger army and navy and more money. We need to be aware of that... today they shot down a plane, tomorrow they might drop an atomic bomb. What they did was terrible and left me feeling angry and upset but we are also to blame. However this could affect things terribly and both countries should try their best to put an end to this as soon as possible. Getting India to agree on a referendum in Kashmir might be a possibility but I don't think the Kashmiris are able to decide right now. International Mediation (NOT Intervention) might be a possibility but what has the West ever done but exploit us?
    
    Nabiha-Meher Shaikh
    Pakistan/UK
    
    
    
84. Replying to Raj's comment, I agree that we should not be fighting and the borders should be opened for trade between the two countries but that Kashmiris want independence from you. Leave them alone for God's sake and I don't know if you can understand but as Muslims we live and die for religion. War is not a good thing and I think shooting down an unarmed plane will escalate the conflict.
    
    Imran
    USA
    
    
    
85. The little Hitlers of India are on a collision course with Pakistan. We want good relations with India, but on the basis of mutual respect and honour, and a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir crisis.
    Let the world know that since 1947, there have been six resolutions of the United Nations demanding the so-called largest democracy of the world, India, to give the people of Kashmir their right of self-determination. India has not only stubbornly refused these human rights in Kashmir, but has also systematically and secretly tortured and killed thousands of unarmed Kashmiri civilians. The world knows little about the Kashmir horror unlike Bosnia and Kosovo, because it was done covertly.
    Good relations with India or peace with India is not possible at this time, because Hindu militancy is on the rise in India. Pakistani Cricket teams, musicians and singers are intimidated by the Hindu militant gangs like the Jan Sangh and BJP party. Hindu belligerence and arrogance have been damaging several denominations trying to live peacefully with India, which includes the Christians of India, the Muslims of India, the Sikhs of India, the Untouchables of India, the Mizo tribe of Assam, the Tamils who want a separate state of their own. Time has come to carve and create more safe havens, more Pakistans out of India.
    India has a record of not having any friendly relations with any of its neighbours, which includes China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sikkim, Sri Lanka or even Bangladesh which India dismembered from Pakistan. India must reassess its failure of Regional policies. The Soviets are history, and so they have jumped on to the American laps. The non-aligned, two faced country is now in love with the American glamour and working very hard to win her political sympathy. Pakistan believes that wars don’t solve any problem. Pakistan wants to live peacefully with India but after a peaceful resolution of Kashmir problem and on the basis of mutual respect and honour. Indian leaders must sincerely create an atmosphere of friendliness with Pakistan and develop a positive public opinion of Pakistan in India, instead of using the situation to show hatred against Pakistan and use it as political stance to get more votes from its illiterate masses.
    
    Both India and Pakistan have large populations living below the poverty line. India especially has denied any economic prosperity to its poor. India has placed an army of 700,000 men to displace a handful 700 Kashmiri freedom fighters. Imagine how expensive this has been to India. America's influence was needed to bring these freedom fighters down. They will not give up the struggle till Kashmir is free. Pakistan is a nation of brave people and cannot be easily intimidated. We don’t want war, but if forced into it, we will defend ourselves to the best of our ability. The deployment of Nuclear weapons can impose a great risk and threat to our people. In the interest of Peace, therefore, I request all the intelligent and sensible people of the sub-continent to seek the moment and convince their leaders not to indulge in war, which can be very destructive. Please stop the violence and destruction, and give to the people of Kashmir their rightly deserving freedom and human rights. Both India and Pakistan can simultaneously declare a date to free their parts of Kashmir so that they can unite into a free and sovereign statehood. Let the people of Kashmir win, and consider this as the victory of India and Pakistan. Let us show the world that the people of the sub-continent are compassionate and peace loving. Let’s pay attention to hunger and poverty in our nation and save the resources to improve the lifestyle of our poor and desolates.
    
    Shahid Parvez
    USA
    
    
    
86. Pakistan should stop looking for USA or any other major power to come to its rescue. The USA with its Jewish dominated foreign policy is specially hopeless to lead in this issue objectively, considering the new friendship between Israel and India. Pakistan should decide on its own where it needs to go from here. The best and most direct approach is to give India two options: Either come to the peace table or have an all out war. As a great Mughal leader once said "It’s better to live for a day like a lion than to live hundred days like a jackal". Pakistan leadership cannot afford to leave India off specially after this open and deliberate aggression and butchery.
    
    K. Khan
    USA
    
    
    
87. It is not only the fault of Indians. I think our Prime Minister is the only person who is responsible for these types of incidents. Why did he come to the US and asked for help? Only to get pictures taken? Why is he keeping business with Indian politicians?
    (For Indians) they should better know what happened with them in Kargil. Their army knows, where a single Pakistani soldier died, dozens of Indian coward soldiers’ dead bodies were there. "A big Coward nation India" has no right to even sit with us. We will teach them a lesson so their generations will be born with fear of Pakistanis.
    
    Ali
    USA
    
    
    
88. Pakistan is a country of every Pakistani. War is obviously destructive. But we are Muslims, and believe in God in every aspect. This is a Muslim country, and our elders sacrificed their lives and homes to get it. Our responsibility is to save and respect it. Mr. Nawaz depends on America, which is under the influence of Jews. A decisive leader like Imran Khan, or any other loyal leader is needed.
    
    Khan
    USA
    
    
    
89. The biggest beneficiary in the Indo-Pak fighting is China. By keeping us fighting amongst ourselves, it sees to it that its power in Asia is unrivalled. Together India-Pakistan would be a match for Chinese designs everywhere. And China very much thinks of all of Asia as its own domain. Hell, while we fight over Kashmir, they have about a third of it to themselves!
    
    Vinay
    USA/Indian
    
    
    
90. Excellent work done by Indians. Anyway proxy war is going on in India by Pakistani trained terrorists. It is high time Pakistan was taught a lesson for its terrorist activity in India.
    
    Manoj Daftary
    India
    
    
    
91. This happens to be a clear case of Pakistani navy’s aggressive patrolling inside Indian territory and whatsoever was done was rightfully done. Pakistan is abetting terrorism in India and also pushing arms, ammunition and militants into India. What was the need of this type of aircraft even coming near the LOC? It is definitely inviting an apt response from India. Pakistani leaders should now at least realise that India WILL NOT ALLOW KASHMIR to go away at any cost. If you are really thinking of Muslims, do something good for the "Mojahirs" and Muslims in Kashmir and India. Better late than never, start loving neighbours. Leave hatred and give peace a chance. An extra piece of land with India or Pak should not matter. Think broad.
    
    S. Bhargava
    India
    
    
    
92. As you sow, so shall you reap. You tried to increase terrorism and faced a shot down plane. I don't think any of the Indians will be interested in friendly relations with Pakistan after the Kargil crisis. There was some hope of normalisation earlier, but now you won't face the mum military of India.
    
    Harmeet Singh
    Australia/ India
    
    
    
93. The downing of Pakistani naval aircraft is a mean, cowardly and stupid act of India. We must get ready for a very short and conclusive war. That’s the only way to solve India’s population problem, perhaps that’s why India is looking for another war. Sooner or later you have to do it. Let me remind the Pakistani government that India has plans to attack Pakistan very soon. Did the US condemn the Indian act of aggression? Nobody heard any thing. No matter which way you look at this Muslims are at fault. You have to destroy India once and for all. PLAN IT GOOD AND DO IT RIGHT. Let the world know that if this world is not for Muslims, than no other person is going to live on this planet. Muslims have suffered enough, now let this time be for others. Muslims have no rights anywhere in the world. THAT’S THE WAY I SEE THIS WORLD. WE can do it. Let’s do it now.
    
    Maqbool Ahmed
    Pakistani/USA
    
    
    
94. Pakistan aircraft might have violated Indian airspace. I have seen the interviews of a few Pakistani journalists and even Sartaj Aziz. Literally you people are arrogant in replying to the questions in media. You have enough problems in Pakistan, first try to solve those problems and make your people educated. Let them think what is right and what is wrong. The bottom-line is that you people are real problem-creators in the world.
    
    Shashi
    India
    
    
    
95. More than 50 years have elapsed, 50,000 people have lost their lives, thousands more have been condemned to death by the recent developments. India, no doubt, is a big country, this has been amply proved by this incident: killing teenagers on a training flight is not the way to resolve issues. The two countries can not resolve their issues peacefully; this has been proven time and again. There is a need for a third party mediation on Kashmir, after all what the Kashmiris are asking has been guaranteed to them by the UN, if the world hasn't forgotten...and by all norms of Human Rights. The Indian style of policy that is domesticating the issue will not hold true...how can something that affects the lives of more than a billion people be a domestic issue? The people of this area certainly deserve better from their leaders than just a lust for power, misery and apathy.
    
    Mubashir Amin
    Pakistan
    
    
    
96. I was shocked to hear the news but what worse could you expect from a country like India. The Indian officials should be ashamed of this brutal and cowardly act of their air force. In order to make up for their humiliation in Kargil, they are now bent on killing innocent naval officers. This really shows the strength of the Indian army. I think this is true embarrassment for the whole of the Indian nation. I, on behalf of all Pakistanis, condemn this vicious act of India.
    
    Sohail
    Pakistan
    
    
    
97. From the reports available it is evident that Pakistan's Navy aircraft had entered into Indian Airspace. And eventually it was shot down. The whole world is shocked, because India is known for its maturity and restraints. They why did India attack this time? I thing this shows pointer toward Pakistani top ministers and officials that they will create more and more Kargils. India cannot afford any more security lapses, as was the case in Kargil.
    So, India with its mighty force very vigilant now, is not willing to take any chances.
    Moreover, after attacking two Migs and one helicopter during the Kargil operation, Pakistan should have expected a similar event in the future. Pakistan should stop supporting terrorists in India. Otherwise this will continue to happen. Let both countries put their efforts in the development of their economies.
    
    Vadivel
    Switzerland
    
    
    
98. Pakistan should try to understand these realities:
    1. The LOC as it exists now is most likely not going to change. Better not fight to alter the LOC. It is not acceptable to anybody.
    2. By sponsoring terrorism, Pakistan is not only losing money; it is also losing India's trust.
    3. We did handle the Kargil situation really badly.
    4. We cannot afford to spend money on these ammunitions, better improve our economic situation.
    These are but just a few of the list of hundreds... I hope Indians reciprocate to this move by Pakistan.
    
    Syed Obedullah
    USA
    
    
    
99. Over 60,000 Kashmiris have died and the US has not sent any fleet like it did to grab Osama Bin Laden. Pakistan is not in a position to do anything about it. Nawaz Sharif is too busy claiming victory out of defeat and humiliation in Kashmir. This incident has added another sixteen sisters to the list of widows. I wonder when Allah's wrath will come down on India. They have enjoyed free hand for too long. Qura'n says 'wa lil kafireen-a-azabumMoheen'. It will be very interesting to read what our Indian counterparts on this forum have to say now. I am sure they will follow the saying 'ulta chore kutwal ko dante'
    
    Jamil Ahmad
    Canada
    
    
    
100. Shooting down of a Pakistani naval aircraft, which was on a routine training flight, by an Indian MiG is totally unacceptable. I call it an act of naked aggression against Pakistan. According to the Indian ambassador in the USA, that this naval aircraft was on a spying mission, is an invented story, which he has concocted to elude the world. Pakistan has done enough to reduce the tension between the two nuclear neighbours, but no use. India can not justify this inhuman action, which resulted in the death of all 16 crew on board. This extreme action can’t help lessen the already tense situation in the sub-continent, it will just create more instability in the region. This kind of episode can bring some more votes for BJP’s interim government to win the forthcoming elections, but not peace for generations to come. Pakistan will have to raise this issue on all international forums like the UNO General Assembly and the Security Council etc. Pakistan has the right to sue India in international court of justice to demand compensations for the victim families for this barbaric act. Otherwise Pakistan deserves the right to take proper action in response.
     
     Khalid Mahmood Bhatti
     Denmark
     
     
     
101. India has done the correct thing by shooting down the plane, which was obviously on a reconnaissance mission and entered the Indian airspace illegally. Any country would have done the same thing in the face of such a blatant provocation culminating after the usual deceit of not honouring the sanctity of LOC in the recent Kargil dispute while admitting at the same time to withdraw troops from the Indian territory. It is common knowledge that the firing across the border is still continuing in Kashmir. Now the only solution appears to be for the World community to cut down all aid to Pakistan and declare it a terrorist state.
     
     A.Choudhari
     India
     
     
     
102. Yes, there is no room for constructive dialogues.
     
     Munaf Janoo
     USA
     
     
     
103. This is directed to Mr.Rahul from Australia. You sure do seem to have an attitude problem. What do you have to say about your leaders? Talk about them first. They just seem like a bunch of hooligans who don’t seem to know a single thing about politics. I wonder how you people can even think of electing such people to run your nation. Just look at Lalloo Prasad (he seems more like a shepherd, who should be looking after his cows and buffaloes and not dealing with the country's affairs). All your politicians just seem like a bunch of ignoramuses sitting on the floor and planning their cunning schemes on how to ingratiate themselves with the USA officials. Just look at the current bombing of the naval aircraft, which is a clear proof of the hostility and hatred displayed by the Indian higher-ups from time to time in order to shatter Pakistan's image as a sovereign nation. You people never truly accepted Pakistan's status as an independent nation and since then you have been trying to bug us by creating new problems like the Kashmir and Siachen issues which have led to three wars between the two countries. It’s about time that the Indians changed their attitude towards Pakistan, for not only do the people of our country, but also the Kashmiri people are desirous of this. I hope u get my point Mr. Rahul!
     
     Sadia
     Pakistan
     
     
     
104. According to the understanding, no military aircraft shall fly within 10km of the LOC. Even the Pak government claims that the debris is within 2km from the LOC. The 'unarmed' naval aircraft is capable of firing weapons. The question is whether Indian airforce can shoot it down. What made the 'trainer aircraft' fly so near the LOC? Noting that the so-called Mujahideen are shooting down innocent civilians in J&K, one can not find fault with the Indian action. I do not believe that there can be any magical improvement in the relationship between the two governments unless the terrorism in J&K stops. There are millions like me who would like to extend the hand of friendship to the people of Pakistan. But the trust is not there now. But I also believe there will be trust with the changes that are going to happen within Pakistan.
     
     S.Kumar
     India
     
     
     
105. It is very unfortunate that 16 people lost their life. Both countries should be alert and there should be no act of border violation. But then in Kargil, when our Migs were shot down by Pakistan, the same allegations were levelled by the Pakistani government. It is time both parties acted seriously and honestly to make relations friendly otherwise the coming generations will never forgive us.
     
     Harvider Singh
     Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi
     
     
     
106. I do agree that this incident will hamper improvement of the already strained Indo-Pak relations. What do Pakistanis think of themselves? How long can they be fooling the world? They claim that the debris of the plane was well within Pak territory. Are the Pakistanis disputing even this demarcation of the LOC?
     
     Chezhiyan Anandraj
     India
     
     
     
107. This is naked aggression; it is barbaric, inhuman and needs to be considered a terrorist attack. The world community should take an immediate notice of India's cowardly act and intention to escalate the fear of war in the region. India should appropriately be punished for this act of barbarism where 16 innocent people were killed.
     
     Mohammad Yousuf Majeed
     Saudi Arabia
     
     
     
108. It is a heinous act of aggression. This just shows that India is an aggressive nation trying to show muscles to the world. Why would a peaceful nation like India, want to build an aircraft carrier? Why would a love-preaching nation like India test nuclear weapons or try to develop one after the other long-range missiles? And for that same reason build nuclear power submarine. Pakistan is just next door and so small that they can even destroy Pakistan with the 18th century steam or riverboats. The situation has worsened in the area since this Hindu extremists came into power in India and got even worse when they had cast vote of no-confidence. They want to damage and destroy as much as possible before they leave the government in India. This Vajpayee specifically asked for votes saying that they will propagate the India’s nuclear program. The world, I don’t think, cares much and those people are really fools who think United Nation has any interest or say. The United Nation is just a body being fooled again and again by two nations for its own interests and all the countries are dumb. India is just another nation, who thinks that because of their size they should be given more respect in the world than what they have at this time. And in this day and age, the might is right. It has always been like this and it will always be like this. Now England does not have to go all over the world to steal the treasures and bring it to queen, or for that matter France, Italy, and Holland. I feel it doesn’t matter if Kashmir becomes a part of Pakistan, which is impossible anyway, or even India won’t be able to come into Kashmir either. You have seen in the last ten years that the boundaries of the countries are essentially permanent in this age. The only way some body can rule the world is by making others economically dependent. Pakistan is already being ruled by World Bank and IMF and indirectly by America and England. And India which is slightly independent, will eventually become dependent if it continues with it’s foolish Hindu Extremist Policies. In any case, I would say, rest assured, neither India is going to come into Pakistan, no matter what, nor is Pakistan strong enough to control the whole of India. This will continue like it is. Both nations will keep buying weapons from weapon-making countries (likes Russia, China, England, France, USA). If these countries are going to solve the regional problems, who is going to buy their weapons? So dear brothers if you will keep fighting, you will let the developed nations develop further and as a consequence of this you will eventually lose all what you have attained in the last 28 years of peace between India and Pakistan. This is what the Hindu extremist of India and emotional masses of Pakistan will never understand.
     
     G. Ahmed
     USA
     
     
     
109. It is heart wrenching to see people die on both sides of the border in the name of religion. I believe this is the fundamental issue in both the countries. In Pakistan, some so-called Muslim scholars and leaders have successfully populated this wrong and destructive belief in a vast majority of very sincere but unfortunately mostly ill-informed portion of the Muslims that anybody who is not a Muslim is an enemy of Islam, and therefore, must be killed. In the name of Jihad, they have been using Muslims to serve their own personal agenda. They have nothing to do with protection of Islam or Muslims of the country; they are serving only their self interests. Islam, on the other hand, is a religion of peace and unity. The life of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is a living example of tolerance and social acceptance of non-Muslims in a society. People of Pakistan have to see through this hypocritical propaganda of a few so-called Muslim leaders and understand the true spirit of Islam and live accordingly.
     
     On the other hand, India has also been quite irresponsible about the whole issue. Even though, India has well maintained her secular status in most cases, Kashmir issue has always been one of her questionable spots. Even if Pakistan has been helping the people of Kashmir against India, India must stop for a moment to think why in the world Kashmiri people would be against India in the first place if they were truly happy about being part of India. Kashmir has been a disputed matter since 1947 and India's denial can't just make it go away. India's been following Ostrich policy for a long time but it can't go forever. I am a proud Pakistani but when I say this, it's not just an emotional statement made by a Pakistani. This is a fact that nobody can deny. It is a matter of Human Rights to choose. Kashmiri people must be given an opportunity to exercise this right that they have been denied for more than half a century.
     
     I believe, this is the high time that both the nations' leaders wise up and sit down to talk the matters over. During wars, many tend to forget that the casualties are not mere numbers; they are human beings dying and every human life is more valuable than all the pride and ego of any nation.
     
     Amin
     USA/Pakistani
     
     
     
110. So there we are, another incident to get us hooked to TV; another reason for all of us to waste our time and energy on trying to understand a problem. We have spent 50 years to do so, and I am sure we will take another 50 years.
     The solution to the India-Pakistan situation is as follows:
     1. Throw out all our politicians and bureaucrats.
     2. Improve the lot of our poor people; provide them education and health, and control population growth.
     3. Work together on sharing science and technology and advances made in agriculture.
     4. Open the borders in Kashmir to let people meet each other. Encourage economic development of all states/provinces in India and Pakistan.
     For all this to happen, you will have to dream...So the best thing to do is to dream and enjoy. The REALITY has no hope for people of India and Pakistan.
     
     Subhash
     India
     
     
     
111. It is a very sad incident in an already tense situation. India should avoid these types of actions, which threatens the peace and security of the region. It is the Indian retaliation against the loss of its fighter planes during Kargil operation, which can only worsen the overall situation. Indian armed forces are making such senseless moves just to overcome the feeling of disgrace and humiliation they have faced in Kargil by the hands of Mujahideen. If India is really interested in solving the Kashmir issue it should react in a serious manner. The Indian leadership is continuously giving fiery statements and creating war obsession among Indian people, which is just an election-winning stunt. This type of irresponsible behaviour is very harmful for the billions of people of the sub-continent and cannot be useful in any manner for the normalisation of ties between the two arch rivals.
     
     Maqsood.A Qureshi
     Kuwait
     
     
     
112. Very sad news! Indeed India is in no mood for negotiations. It has already been proven that India and Pakistan are both nuclear powers and there is no way in which one can beat the other without being harmed itself. This means that there is no way for any more wars. Then why this killing of each other’s men? After all, they were once united about 50 years ago. Both India and Pakistan are third world countries where each and every day young children sleep without supper, every day hundreds of innocent people die just because they do not have enough money to purchase medicines. Why? The reason is clear, both the countries are in a big weapon race with each other. Every year thousands of young men are killed on both sides, in the never-ending border fight. Many millions of rupees are wasted in making and testing weapons, which, by the time they are half way under production, are pronounced 'outdated'. All because the opponent has already made something better and more destructive than the previous one. I say why do they have to make weapons against each other, why don’t they both sit down and solve all their differences and start living in peace and harmony.
     
     Nabeel Mohammad Ghyas
     Vancouver, Canada
     
     
     
113. Today they shot down one plane: do they think it’s going to end here?
     It’s part of that Great Design laid down by the enemies of the TWO-NATION THEORY. Pakistan has to be mentally independent to resist her enemies. Here one of my fellows said Kashmir isn’t even an issue and we should leave them alone to live in peace. I would say its IGNORANCE of the value of FREEDOM. Just ask those who are living under other’s rule and can't claim their land to be theirs. Ask those whose mothers and sisters and wives are being raped in front of their own eyes and they are still alive to go through the hell of helplessness. You definitely don’t know the true value of INDEPENDENCE. Freedom entails sacrifices and blood, which KASHMIRIS are offering generously for their conscience is alive. You can’t gain it on the table but in the battlefield.
     
     We shouldn’t stand back and leave everything to our incapacitate so-called politicians. We have to jump in and play an active role. There are different fronts where we can fight this war inside and outside our borders. Educate yourselves and others about the history of Pakistan and Kashmir. I know some of us don’t even know the actual facts of this problem. If our own people are ignorant of it then how come we can make other nations understand? Sooner or later Kashmir is going to be liberated because KHOON-E-SHUHDAA KABHI ZAYAA NAHEEN JAATA. This is the LAW OF REQUITAL OF ALLAH.
     
     Taseer Ahmad cheema
     USA
     
     
     
114. Its enough...THEY NEED PROPER TREATMENT.
     
     Ali
     UAE
     
     
     
115. I AGREE.
     
     Arif M. Ibrahim
     USA
     
     
     
116. I have read about this incident in 'Jang' and in the ‘Times of India'. To my surprise both have painted a completely different picture of the same incident, and I used to think that we have better press in democracies. Anyway, I want to know the truth. This is my humble request to all of you to mail me any of the versions which you find true, of course, with some supportive evidence. My address: 'pgp15102@dilbert.iiml.ac.in'
     
     Sanjay
     India
     
     
     
117. While Pakistan is adopting a friendly attitude towards India in order to defuse the tension between the two countries, the shooting down of Pakistan plane shows bad intentions of the Indian government. It is the fault of Pakistan government that it failed to handle the Kargil issue promptly. As a result, we can see that now India knows that where we stand in the world and it is flexing its muscles before us. I also support the views by Aitzaz Ahsan and Farooq Leghari in this regard.
     
     Omar Diraz Sirdar
     Zimbabwe
     
     
     

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