ON the occasion of independence days, sometimes joint Pakistani-Indian rallies are held in various US cities. A few years ago,Iattended suchaneventheld atthe University of Maryland.

In the Maryland rally, apart from the usual papers and speeches, one Indian writer read out his story. This was about two families from Pakistan and India, now settled in the US. Quoting from the story, the author read out that `the children feel ... while there appeared to be no difference in regard to language, culture, food, and other values between the two families, then why was there a dividing line between them.` The story was predictably titled Lakeer.

I have come across many Indians who voiced this sentiment, always in a spirit of extreme cordiality. In India, in the company of friends, be it Delhi, Bombay or Bangalore,Ihave alsobeenposed the proposition that with so much in common, why should Pakistan and India be two separate countries. The short answer that this line exists according to common practice between two states is not considered an adequate explanation.

Indians must understand that it is perfectly possible for two independent and contiguous countries to have amicable relations with each other without worrying aboutthe presence ofaline deñningthe international frontier. The USA and Canada have a common culture and language, but they are sovereign states. Or a dozen Latin American states have a common language and religion, but they are separate entities.

JaweedNiaz New Jersey, USA