Tragic tale of two countries

Some of the most influencial political figures of India and Pakistan have over the years been a prey to tragic ends. Whether it was Pakistan's first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan or the founder of Pakistan People's Party(PPP), Zulfikar Bhutto, the first women Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi or General Zia-Ul-Haq, the second prime minister of Gandhi family, Rajiv Gandhi or the daughter of the east, Benazir Bhutto, all of them created massive fervours in their life span and left a lasting impact in the minds of millions of cilivians across the borders.

This Blog is a brief insight into the lives of six South Asian leaders who were destined to face a tragic death.

Liaquat Ali Khan - (Oct 2, 1896 - Oct 16, 1951) Known as Shaheed-e-Millat (Martyr of a nation), Liaquat Ali Khan was one of the most prominent politicians in Pakistan. He was the first Prime Minister of the country who till date is considered to be the leader who provided a guiding light to the nation in its early years. Known for his extensive negotiations with the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, over Kashmir, Liaquat Ali Khan was fated to see his tenure come to an end in the most unsought manner. On October 16, 1951, Liaquat was shot twice in the chest by a man who was seated in the audience just about 15 yards away, while he was at a public meeting in Rawalpindi. Till date the exact motive behind his assasination hasnt come out from the darkness that looms around his death. The Municipal Park was renamed Liaquat Bagh park in his honour. It is said that the last words had been, "May God keep Pakistan safe". Well it seems obvious though that his prayers have not been heard yet.

Zulfikar Bhutto - (January 5, 1928 - April 4, 1979) Referred to as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, this great politician and father of Late Benazir Bhutto served both as a President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was the founder of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) which today is one of the most influential parties present in the political circuit of the nation. Bhutto's death was the most controversial. Though he did not fall prey to open air gun shots, he found himself trapped in a foul play. Bhutto was executed following a controversial trial for charges of conspiracy to murder a political opponent. It was very evident at that time that the move was largely under the directives of General Zia-Ul-Haq. Politics to rule a nation is acceptable but politics within the league of politicians absolutely unacceptable.

Indira Gandhi - (November 19, 1917 - October 31, 1984) India's only female Prime Minister till date, Indira Gandhi was known for her ruthless tact for politics when she lead India from the front. The lady faced it all whether it was the Bangladesh war or the Emergency or even a victory in the re-elections. No one ever expected her to be slayed by her own body guards. Indira Gandhi was eventually assasinated due to her increasing involvment against Operation Blue Star and escalating conflicts with the sepratists in Punjab. Know to all, Indira was riddled with bullets by her own body guards machine gun, which definitely came as a major shock to the nation. The lady though is still saluted for her contribution to Indian politics and her guts is cherished till date.

Zia-Ul-Haq - (August 12, 1924 - August 17, 1988) General Zia-Ul-Haq ruled Pakistan for 11 years. In his times he overthrew Bhutto in a military coup and took over control to lead Pakistan. He was the president and military ruler of Pakistan. His martial law rule brought about n number of controversies which loomed over the nation for a long time. Though Zia did not fall victim to open assasination, his sudden death left many questions unanswered. Zia was killed in a mysterious air crash which saw the end of his 11 year rule over pakistan along with his death. Though controversies have been pilled in regards to his death, the circumstances till date reamins unclear.

Rajiv Gandhi - (August 20, 1944 - May 21, 1991) Carrying over the responsibilty left by his mother Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi went on to be the second Prime Minister from the Gandhi family. Known for some great contributions towards the country like modernizing communications, expanding science and technology and improving relations with United States, Rajiv Gandhi's assasination come through as yet another shock to the nation. His ongoing conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) brought about his death. The animosity was so deep that he was assasinated by a suicide bomber at a political rally in Sriperumbudur. In honour of the great man himself, a Rajiv Gandhi memorial was built which attract many tourists and his followers as well till date.

Benazir Bhutto - (June 21, 1953 - December 27, 2007) Daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and also known as the Daughter of the East, saw her end in a tragic assasination. The two-time Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Bhutto was a powerful and charasmatic leader with a strong view of getting the nation to a road to democracy. After a eight year exile, she marked her return to voice her views and lead the nation from the front. But bitterness kept on building around her presence which eventually led to her assasination. The assasin shot three bullets at her chest, head and neck at a political rally in Rawalpindi. Followed which he blew himself up killing over 30 people. Though the Al-Qaida claims to be responsible for her death, fingers will definitely be pointed on others as well.

Both India and Pakistan have been in the thick of political conflicts for a very long time. Ever since the partition of Hindustan into India and Pakistan the rivalry between the nations has thickened. Though there have been peace talks between leaders, dark clouds still loom over the Indian sub-continent. When such is the state of the two countries it becomes even more horrific with such sudden deaths of some of the most looked upon people in the national circuit. The death of all these leaders would have left a lasting impact in the minds of many. Supporters of their views will always keep their beliefs alive while opposers will try hard to let their views get burried along with their graves.