‘We Are One’: Oxford Uni’s India, Pak Students Protest Against War

In a jointly held demonstration, the students voiced their concerns against war.

Indian and Pakistani students join hands in protesting against war mongering.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

Video Producer: Srishti Tyagi
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Amidst the simmering tension between India and Pakistan, with both countries engaging in dogfight last week, the Indian and Pakistani students of Oxford University voiced their concerns against war mongering in a jointly held demonstration at Radcliffe Square, Oxford, on Monday, 4 March.

The demonstration, called ‘No To War: India-Pakistan Solidarity’, aimed at rejecting all calls for war and urge political leaders in both countries to de-escalate the current situation and organise constructive peace talks.

A statement released by the students states:

“We strongly condemn the suicide bombing in Pulwama, Kashmir, on 14 February 2019, which claimed the lives of around 44 Indian soldiers. We denounce terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The costs of war, we reiterate, are always paid by those who had no part in choosing it.”

The Quint spoke to a few students present at the demonstration to understand their stance on war and media narratives, and here’s what they said:

“I am from Delhi and we are here to show that we are one, whether from India or Pakistan. We have the same history and culture. Whatever politics takes place there, we want peace here.”

Sparsh Ahuja, Indian student, Oxford University

“We, the students of South Asia, want to show solidarity with each other. We want to say that we are opposed to this war. They are trying to be reticent and careful in expressing their feelings. Because they want to support their nations and also say no to the war. It is very difficult in social interactions.”

Ali Arsalan Pasha, Pakistani student, Oxford University

Have Interpersonal Relations Between Students of India & Pakistan Been Affected?

“On personal interaction, there is not much difference between Pakistani, Indian and other nationalities. We are friendly and enjoy our festivals. But if you think of your nation, your nationality, it counters personal friendship.”

Rahul Tripathi, Indian Researcher, Oxford University

'People Have More Extremist Views Because of Media'

“Media has to support the government because it is the arm of the government and representation of the nation state. I completely understand why media agencies have to support their own countries in this conflict. Because of that though, there is always possibility of nationalism transferring into jingoism and people having more extremist views because of that media. There is always a steady level of miscommunication that happens and that is being abused and misused and misunderstood.”

Ali Arsalan Pasha, Pakistani student, Oxford University