India, Pakistan must choose peace, not war: The message of Buddha Purnima

By Sandeep Pandey*

Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, the Indian government launched retaliatory strikes on nine terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). These actions triggered a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, fueling hysteria and fear on both sides of the border.

However, just as the conflict threatened to spiral further, the United States — which had initially distanced itself from the situation — suddenly intervened and brokered a ceasefire. This unexpected shift brought immense relief to citizens across both nations, highlighting a simple truth: no one truly wanted war.

US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir has added another dimension to the unfolding situation. His credibility, however, is questionable — only recently he proposed relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan while taking over Gaza. His latest intervention raises concerns about America’s intentions and impartiality.

The root cause of the Pahalgam attack lies in the unresolved status of Kashmir, which Pakistan continues to view as a disputed territory. Though the immediate war has ended, the situation in Kashmir remains fragile. Residents continue to live under the shadow of fear, with no assurance that another attack won’t happen. They remain trapped in a geopolitical tug-of-war, feeling betrayed and ignored by both nations.

It is evident that India cannot find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue without initiating dialogue with Pakistan and, crucially, seeking the consent of the Kashmiri people. Any imposed resolution is bound to fail. The persistence of terrorism is tied to this unresolved conflict, and it is only through a democratic and peaceful process — guided by the voices of Kashmiris — that enduring peace can be achieved.

The war may have ended, but the lessons must be clear. Rather than seeking to punish Pakistan, India’s leadership must pivot toward resolving the Kashmir conflict with sincerity and empathy. America, despite its mediation, has never truly seen Pakistan the way we do — even after the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, it did not hold Islamabad accountable. Moreover, Pakistan too has suffered greatly, with over 22,000 of its own citizens falling victim to terrorism.

Now is the time for the governments of both India and Pakistan to abandon hostility and instead choose the path of friendship and peace. Only together can we hope to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the subcontinent.

On the solemn day of Buddha Purnima, May 12 — a day symbolizing peace, compassion, and non-violence — we pay tribute to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam attack and all innocent lives lost during the recent war.

Let us choose Buddha. Not war.

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*General Secretary, Socialist Party (India)

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