It is good to talk of democracy and have a true one around. But what is in the first place the very aim, the objective and the purpose of democracy in a country? That, people could govern themselves the way they will. In other words to ensure good governance where all are treated equally and justly.
Now, please place your right hand on your chests and swear by whatever you believe in.
Does democracy suit the genius of our two peoples, where votes are cast/obtained for considerations other than merit and manifestos? And once the so-called elected representatives of ours are in power, do they serve the masses the way they should?
Can we call it a democracy where Lalu Prasad is convicted and overnight his illiterate wife becomes the Chief Minister instead? Where, Jai Lalita with her 2000 pair of shoes with equal number of gold-braided saris and purses can over rule the Supreme Court conviction?
Where the dynasties of your Moti Lal (Nehru) and our Bhuttos take it to be their birth right to rule, whether their present scions are of Italian or Syrian origins. I think, at least, we are better without such 'democrats' than to have them plunder around.
And, as Musharraf said, every one on both sides - the masses and the intelligentsia, the academics and the media, the traders and the industrialists et al are all for the reconciliation and the only hurdle in way is the leadership of both countries who for their political stakes cannot afford to concede an inch! From their long standing hard line stance on certain issues of conflict.
Let's us strengthen their hands resolving such matters without endangering their seats. Help them demolish the damaging barriers to bring the two estranged brothers closer for the weal of the millions.