Indo-Pak thaw a money-spinner for both sides, says report

We've known it all along - the conflict with Pakistan is a lose-lose situation for both sides. But now the report of the Strategic Foresight Group titled 'Cost of Conflict between India and Pakistan ' has put a figure to it - the stand-off between the nuclear neighbours will cost India Rs 7,200 crore over the next five years; Pakistan 's bill will be Rs 1,800 crore.

And this in a region where millions live below the poverty line, ravaged by hunger and disease. Just look at the peace dividend - in one year alone, both countries could build 14 big schools, 14 big hospitals and generate trade worth $13 billion. In contrast, a year of hostility will take 1,000 civilian lives, swallow up Rs 14.5 crore on Siachen alone, destroy miles of forest and fauna and trigger off severe psychological and cardiac problems. Surely, if guns were the answer, we would have had peace after more than 50 years of hostility.

The benefits of cooperation are enormous - a pipeline could bring us much needed gas and earn Pakistan $500 million a year in royalties. Pakistan has surplus electricity, India a dearth. Pakistan buys goods and services dear from the West while the same is available for a fraction of the cost in India . In the face of this evidence, can the two governments in fact claim that people on both sides want to perpetuate this conflict at the cost of a better life for themselves?

Every time people have raised demands for more schools, safe drinking water, public health clinics, better roads, more equitable food distribution, immunisation and employment generation, both governments' response has been identical - we don't have the necessary resources. Yet, when it comes to multi-billion dollar defence purchases, the resources mysteriously materialise. As we pour more and more money into the defence kitty, we are no safer than before. Real security will come when there is human security. The writing is on the wall - investment in people is an investment in peace.