Also, I would like to add that I dont think an indian seeing an indian and feeling naturally inclined towards them is such an odd thing. It happens in every culture and its w/out a doubt that an indian muslim has the potential to understand another indian muslim more than a pakistani and indian muslim can. Its just the nature of the beast. Then of course even within India and Im sure Pakistan there are subcultures within whom you feel more comfortable.

Its good you dont feel that way but I would say its quite natural and the vast majority of people I would say do feel the connection with the people of their home country.

Oh yah i totally agree. I think Indian Muslims are mad proud and it took getting married to a Pakistani to realize that.

I should also say that marrying a Paki has made me realize the whole set of issues on both sides, which leads me back to perception.

I think Paki people look down on Indian Muslims...for one because they are Proud to be Indian. Secondly because they feel that Indian Muslims are inferior because they did not make that 'shift' to the land that was given to the Muslims. And I guess I should add a third, that they are a peoples with no rights yet they are proud to be 'indian'. I think being proud to be Indian has nothing to do with religion, it has more to do with the fact that Muslims in India have had a great deal of struggle and have been able to retain their monotheism despite the vast majority of peoples that they interact with on a daily basis.

In fact, I think its more preserved in Indian than in countries where there is no threat...countries such as Pakistan, Saudi, etc etc and deviation from the faith is defn more common because people take their religion for granted.

I could be wrong, these are just my thoughts...please dont hold me to this.

Well....I am neither Indian, Nor am I Paki....I am from Bangladesh....we still have History there between us and I am here to Learn FIRST and then discuss....I am ignorent to the facts and I DO feel BAD about it.....SO I will Listen and Learn...then when I am ready...give my 2 cent, or ask questions...is that Kool?

Just thought I'd post a message I recieved in my inbox:
"Its funny that you think you have indo - Pakistani roots. Don't you think that Pakistani would have been enough? " Well, considering my parents were born in India...I didn't think it would be enough! :-D

gosh we need to get more people tto join this village

yea that would bug me too!

yea i have noticed a lot of differences in indian and paki people too...i being an indian prolly have more paki friends than indian friends...but every once in a while i have people come up to me with irrational comments about how much better their country is!...

u go nabila baji!