Follow Us On:
Sir creek issue basically water disputed between Pakistan and India in Rann of kutch 60 mi long. This flows the Arabian Sea. It divides kutch region of India state Gujarat , Sindh region of Pakistan. It is situated almost 23 58N 68 48E. Sir Creek was requested to solve the rivalry between ruler of Sindh and Rao of kutch. The Green line proclaimed by Pakistan and Red line proclaimed by India and Black line is an undisputed section. Kutch was the part of sindh before the division of India afterwards. It was included in the Bombay presidency. Resolution which mark boundaries between two territories as a part of whole the Creek part of sindh thus the surrounding boundary eastern at the side of Creek. The boundary line is known as the “Green Line” is dispute by India which cause that iws “Indicative Line” known as “ribbon line” technical jargon.
India argues in her support by a refereeing Thalweg Doctrine . The law provides that a river can be divided from its mid channel if two nations are agreed upon the dividence. Pakistan rejects the laws by advocating that the law is not applicable because Sir Creek is not navigable but it respect 1925 map. India insists that Sir Creek is navigable in high tied situation and fisherman use it to go to open seas Pakistan does not honor Thalweg Doctrine if international law because she has to gave up thousands of kilometers of territory. The area contributed to Indo Pak war of 1965 because a Skirmish was broke out between two states in April 1965 though in same year tribunal was setup by to resolve the issue due struggle British Prime Minster Harold Wilson in a verdict Pakistan got 35 hundred square miles of its claim again Indians air force’s MiG 21 short naval air arm breguet Atlantique patrol plane in Atlantic region of Sir Creek 10th August 1999.
The area is not so much of military value but is very much important for its economic resources of oil and gas line beneath the surface of sea and it is one of the exclusive economic zones. There are many tries to resolve the issue since 1969 as dispute includes allocation delimitation demarcation and administration both the sides had tride to give their own type of solution but the other hand out writely rejected the proposal.
This issue has been hanging ever since and can be rightly regarded as a part of the long list of the outstanding disputes causing friction and estrangement between India and Pakistan. It is not that big a problem as Kashmir but enough to contribute in the strained relationship. Though numerous efforts have been made to sort out a solution but all ended in failure. Only need is a requisite political will so that an amicable resolution could be sought. The rigid and inflexible standpoints should be replaced with a desire to bring about weal and welfare in the lives of the inhabitants of this region. Such a betterment is possible only by removing the existing obstacles in the way of eradication of seeds of enmity and bellicosity. An immediate solution of Sir Creek can prove highly beneficial for taking along the resumed dialogue process and making it productive. Lets take a start from it and moral booster it will become helping in removing trust deficit prevailing in the bilateral relationship between two countries.
To conclude the issue of Sir Creek is one of the many between India and Pakistan. Though small in quantum but large in potential to cause an unlucky event leading to war. It is the responsibility of the both government to avoid any such untoward incident and that can be avoided only if the problem is erased. Its solution would be a great helping hand for the resolution of all disputes and ushering an age of peace in the region. The current developments appear to be heading in the light direction. The Stalwarts in New Delhi and Islamabad seem to have realized the transformed situation. It can be hoped that both would learn to live peacefully and securing resolution of all problems through dialogue and talks. It is in the interest of all.