Some people say the present situation in the Kashmir Valley has been instigated by those who have a vested interest in creating such a crisis. But I am totally against statements suggesting that our Army was caught napping. These soldiers have a huge borderline to protect and it is not an easy job.

Some time ago, I came in close contact with the Border Security Force while shooting for Refugee, where I play a BSF commandant. I must say the conditions in which our soldiers live and work are pathetic. Also, the sheer disparity between what they earn for their effort and someone like me with a good life earns, is very depressing.

Given the present economic situation in bothIndia and Pakistan, I don't think either country is looking for war. Both of us are poor, deeply indebted to the IMF and cannot afford to throw shells at each other from across the border. Personally, I believe that we should work towards the eradication of poverty and diseases instead of fighting a war which brings nothing but grief to both of us.

And I think we need to work towards uniting India and Pakistan because that is what most of the people from both the countries want. I am in touch with common folk from Pakistan through my chat site and find that they love everything about India, from its culture and movies to its food and even clothing style. I think it's time to give peace a chance.

(As told to Deepa Deosthalee)