[defrost]

I've actually travelled a lot (ground truthing pre WGS84 map datums and geophysical exploration) and both things can be true;

* locals everywhere discuss politics between themselves, many are able to discuss politics 'reasonably' but things can and do get heated, AND

* it's good advice as a traveller to not get drawn into political discussions with locals. Listen by all means, going further can be a bad move.

I recall a radiometric survey in Nor'Western India when an underground mini nuke was detonated near our aircraft .. that got rather tense, particularly when the others were detonated and Pakistan responded.

Not a good time to discuss where the border ran.