Calls for lasting reconciliation follow ceasefire between India and Pakistan
While the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad each claim victory after the ceasefire in Kashmir, the ceasefire is bringing some relief to an exhausted population. Meanwhile, extremists continue to fuel hatred on social media. Political tensions remain an obstacle to dialogue. Bishops on both sides of the border have launched appeals for a future of peace and shared development.
New Delhi/Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Both India and Pakistan have declared victory after a ceasefire was announced to restore the status quo to the Kashmir region after four days of fighting.
Indian TV channels carried the message "Pakistan surrenders”, while the Pakistani government praised the country’s air force for carrying out a new feat in its "military history", reiterating once again the superiority.
“In a few hours our jets silenced India’s guns in a way that history will not soon forget,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said.
The reference is to reports, never confirmed by India, that five Indian jets were shot down.
According to CNN, the Indian government asked for US intervention to put an end to the hostilities. It is likely that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like many international observers, did not expect such a decisive response from Pakistan’s air force, backed by China, and therefore found it hard to declare an end to hostilities without a victory of some kind to satisfy his mostly Hindu radical base.
The backlash was swift. After announcing the ceasefire, India's Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Vikram Misri, was forced to lock his profile on X, as far-right accounts began to troll him with accusations of “treason” for not continuing the war. No government official has condemned the trolling nor expressed solidarity towards Misri.
From Kashmir, the news of the end of the fighting was greeted with great consolation. “We were in the heart and mind of Pope Leo XIV at His Holiness' first Regina Caeli, and this brings us encouragement, joy and hope,” said Bishop Ivan Pereira of Jammu-Srinagar, speaking to AsiaNews.
"We welcomed the news of the ceasefire and the borders are silent,” the prelate added. “We pray that the ceasefire is honoured,” he added. “Yesterday (Sunday) we had Masses in all churches, though few people attended. Special prayers were held for Peace and for Pope Leo XIV.”
In a statement, Bishop Pereira urged the population to welcome people displaced from the border area, scene of the recent fighting between the two countries.
“Lots of houses in the border area were damaged due to cross-border shelling, and people were sheltered in our schools and institutions and also homes,” the prelate explained.
The same sentiments are shared on the other side of the border.
“The announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan brings glad tidings of peace and hope and this moment should be used as an opportunity for continuous stability in the region,” said Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
“This ceasefire also serves as a reminder of the power of diplomacy over conflict. It is crucial that both nations continue to engage in meaningful conversations to address long-standing issues and seek lasting solutions that prioritise the well-being and security of their people. A peaceful future for the South Asian region begins with cooperation, dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace.
Civil society groups added their voice to the archbishop's appeal.
Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek, said that, “The international community, including the US and other parties, can play a facilitating role in promoting peace talks and providing support for a peaceful resolution.”
In his view, “the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing pact, should be upheld and discussions held to ensure its effective implementation because India has suspended the treaty.”
Kashif Aslam, a human rights activist, voiced similar concerns for the future of the two countries.
“Both India and Pakistan are facing significant economic challenges, with millions living below the poverty line and many struggling to meet basic living expenses”, he said.
“While one side voices concerns over water, and the other speaks of retaliation, such approaches overlook the broader and more pressing issues like climate change, which affect both nations equally,” he added.
“It is encouraging that, at times, reason and sanity do prevail. Given the shared history, geography, and challenges, peace between India and Pakistan is not just desirable, it is essential.
“As neighbours, both countries must prioritise dialogue and cooperation, as peace is the only sustainable path forward for the well-being of their people and the stability of the entire region.”
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