Playwright: Communal Tension Worse Than Ever

Playwright Asghar Wajahat observes that communal tension in India has escalated considerably since he penned his acclaimed play 'Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya' in 1989. Now adapted into the film 'Batwara 1947', the work's core themes resonate even more strongly today. Wajahat asserts that his creation subtly challenges the two-nation theory, presenting a human saga rather than overt political commentary.

He attributes the rise in communal divisions to organized hate campaigns and misinformation, emphasizing that such divisions are destructive. Wajahat highlights a lack of understanding between communities, a sense of superiority, and historical misinterpretations as fueling factors. He proposes that secular democrats from all communities should unite and institutionalize confidence-building exercises, reminiscent of past inter-community gatherings, to foster mutual respect and understanding at the common people's level.