From remote villages in Himachal Pradesh, Indian hand-knitted sweaters have been sent for the destitute children in Pakistan’s northwest region. Mothers from the other side have reciprocated in a similar manner and sweaters knit in Pakistan were sent for the poor in India.

The “Knitting for Peace” initiative coordinated by the Sungi Foundation in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the NGO Jago Ri in India aims to create a “sense of warmth” in the relationship between the two countries.

The gifts were exchanged on Thursday at the Public meeting held by the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) and the South Asian Free Media Association for the ‘Aman Caravan’ peace delegation from Pakistan at the Constitution Club.

“We also hold talks with women from remote villages about the initiative, and they are extremely proud of their participation. There is no acrimony against Pakistan in Indian villages,” said Abha Bhaiya of Jago Ri.

Most of the delegates in the Aman Karavan that arrived in Delhi on Wednesday touched on the fact that “the people of Pakistan and India don’t want war”.

Many like Jugnu Mohsin of the Friday Times, Lahore, said that both governments need to take a hard look at their failings.

“The Pakistan Government has made mistakes but the Indian government also needs to accept responsibility. Who started the nuclear arms race in the subcontinent?” asked Mohsin.

“The arms race is what strengthened the military and the terror networks,” she added while also blaming the Pakistan Government for denying the fact that Ajmal is a Pakistani national.

The Indian delegates also spoke out against the attitude of denial of the Pakistani Government with regard to the Mumbai attacks.

Pratibha Prahlad of the Forum for Art beyond Borders said the Pakistani Government’s refusal to accept the evidence given by India after the Mumbai attacks was a major reason for the growing tensions between the countries.