Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 29
NDA’s nationalism narrative has failed to strike a chord with Punjab voters. Though most call the Balakot airstrike in Pakistan “a step in the right direction”, they also believe the nationalism narrative has been jacked up with an eye on the poll.
Punjab saw the Dinanagar terror attack in 2015 and the Pathankot airbase attack in 2016, besides a series of Pakistan’s ISI-sponsored target killings. Nonetheless, border residents list jobs and cross-border trade as bigger issues while rooting for peace.
“If any party guarantees peace and development after going to war with Pakistan, we are for it. If not, it is pointless. Nationalism is fine, but what of security on the streets? Farm distress, unemployment, drug addiction and rising crime are the issues that weigh on our minds,” says Pargat Singh of Rania in Amritsar district.
Gurdaspur realtor Manjit Singh Dala cautions that war-mongering can be counter-productive. “In a developing country like India, it is economic prosperity that matters most. Leaders should ensure that none goes hungry. Nationalism can wait.”
Romesh Mahajan, who runs the Red Cross De-addiction Centre in Gurdaspur, disagrees. “Nationalism is imperative, especially as our neighbours have nuclear arms. But war-mongering may do more harm than good.”
Ferozepur residents believe the Pakistan chapter must be closed once and for all. “We will back any party that upholds national pride,” says Teja Singh (76) of Jallo ke, a stone’s throw from the border.
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2Wfr2W6
via Today’s News Headlines
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