Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
DEVIDHURA CALLS
Saturday , 01 August 2009 saw the traditional inauguration of historic Devidhura Fair in North India. After the customary rituals, a huge cultural procession echoing 'Mata Vairahi Ki Jai ' went round the temple town.This was followed by religious songs, dances & dramas much to the happiness of spectators.The Fair 'Asadhi Kautik' will continue for 13 days.
The biggest attraction of this fair will be simulation of Stone War 'Bugwal' that was solemnised on 05 Aug 2009 -the RAKSHABANDHAN Day.The Devidhura Fair is a blend of Kumaoni culture,customs,traditions,spiritualism,chivalry,bravery & dedication to the Goddess 'BARAHI' .This fair especially the Bugwal is witnessed by hundreds of thousands of worshippers who assemble every year in this temple city.A fair sprinkling amongst these are from foreign counties.In a way this festival is as much a local festival as much national & international.
Devidhura Temple is situated in Pati Block of Champawat in the state of Uttarakhand in India.It is situated at a place where boundaries of Almora,Nainital & Champawat Districts meet.Along with the famous Devidhura Temple,Pati Block of Champawat District also houses the famous Ritha Saheb.
In the present age of advanced Science & Technology,the Devidhura Bugwal Fair is a testimony to century old religious, martial & spiritual beliefs. People taking part in the Stone War (Bugwal) are honoured as brave warriors & afforded a status as such.Four 'Khams' take part in the Stone War.The warriors follow their Leaders in letter & spirit & observe a strict code of conduct,cleanliness,living & food habits for full four weeks prior to the day of Stone War.All Khams led by their respective leaders march on foot to Devidhura preceded by the deafening noises of drums & martial music.Local inhabitants & children in large numbers follow the Khams. All houses are painted & the surroundings kept neat & clean. The warriors are given a place of pride & preference in all activities. The marching routes are pre determined & after reaching Devidhura they are formed into two rival camps led by MAHARS & PHARTIYALS.Now begins the war in right earnest.Each side throws big stones on the other side with amazing speed,regularity & accuracy-all with religious fervour & faith.Till date,no one has died.In fact,any injuries sustained are considered as the blessings of the Goddess.Lo & behold ! All injuries heal by themselves & no treatment of any kind is given.The Charanamrit of Goddess Varahi is applied to the wounds & they heal automatically.
Both-Atkinson of the Himalayan Gajetteer's fame & Jim Corbett have written about this centuries old Stone War 'BUGWAL' & it's mystries in their respective writings.
UTTARAKHAND truly is a Land of Spiritualsm, Brave Warriors & Artists.
THE WARRIORS' LOT
SINO -INDIAN BORDER IMBROGLIO
THE LADAKH LANDSCAPE
LOST BEARINGS
SINO-INDIAN BORDER IMBROGLIO
China launched their full scale invasion of India in 1962. In fact, Chinese invasion had commenced way back in 1906 when China maneuvered and succeeded in concluding the 1906 Convention in Calcutta.
In this Convention, China was recognized as the suzerain of Tibet. By doing so, Britain virtually handed over Tibet to China .Thus China was no foreign power to Tibet; she was her suzerain instead. This heralded the foundation of Sikang Province with Tibet’s South Eastern & Eastern boundaries overrun by Manchus Army .By sheer providence Tibet survived. Manchus were overthrown in 1911 with Chinese troops rising in revolt against their officers. This led to Britain helping in repatriation of Chinese soldiers through India. Tibet declared her independence in 1912. Britain wanted to annul the provisions of 1906; they held the Simla Convention in 1914. Prolonged deliberations between Britain, China & Tibet took place prior to the holding of this Convention.
The trade interests of Britain hindered their desire to settle the Indo -Tibetan frontier. Chinese design to expand Southwards with Tibet wanting to remain independent were conflicting .While McMahon Line was demarcated on the map, ‘Outer-Inner’ Tibet boundaries were drawn .China wanted Tibet to be declared as an integral part of China . China at this point & time did not want to annoy Britain & Tibet but in consonance with her history, did not commit to any permanent solution of the national frontier. China consented to the terms of Simla Convention but did not ratify the Convention itself. The entire attitude of the British was half hearted towards the Simla Convention. In the mean time, Sun Yat-Sen had formed a strong political party on modern lines in 1917- known as the Kuomentang, ”The National Peoples Party” or KMT in short. Chiang Kai-Shek took over KMT in 1925 & ruled china till he was overthrown by Chinese communists in 1949. India became independent in1947 and she inherited the dispute from the British .If British had wanted, they, with a stroke of the pen could have easily settled the issue.
Mao replaced Chiang in 1949. He had a two point agenda. In the first one , he was to invade ,occupy, assimilate , & harmonize Tibet & in the second , he was to dominate the Southern slopes of the last highest range of the Himalayas from the Chinese side & the first from the Indian side .This was accomplished by Mao in a perfect manner with precision. Tibet was invaded in 1950.Govt of India formally declared Tibet as a part of China. Nehru helped China in accomplishing & harmonizing Tibet. India acted not only naïve but remained a mute spectator to these happenings near her vitals.Why was Nehru trying to make friends with a race with whom India has no similarity & why this open trust & friendship were being exhibited with a neighbour you do not even understand till date, is beyond comprehension ! There is no commonality between India & China. While China was consolidating her gains all along the Northern Borders from 1947 till 1962, Indians were generally not aware & well-informed about the Chinese activities .With a totally dismal intelligence network & a system coupled with apathy & indifference from ‘powers that be’, India was living in her own world under Nehruvian mindset and in an utopian world of her own creation. To top it, Nehru with boyish alacrity went ahead to introduce Mao at the Bangdung Conference forcefully advocating a birth for her in the United Nations. He went ahead with PANCHSHEEL and the slogan ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai’ little realizing that there was no brotherly element between the two so called brothers. The shrewd Chinese were enjoying the fun & taking full advantage of the situation. Mao was invited to take salute at the Passing Out Parade at the National Defence Academy, Kharakvasla & was even taken to some defence establishments. Possibly ,Nehru was carving a niche for himself as an international statesman fully knowing that his initiative in 1948 to go to the United Nations seeking solution of the J&K problem had yielded nothing except generating adverse criticism at home.
Chinese continued to expand in Aksai Chin & elsewhere at will & Indian weak protests /representations were brushed aside & replied as minor aberrations in interpretations of maps. Nehru ill-advised aided & abetted by his foreign ministry diplomats, Yes Ministers & a super ambitious General declared on the floor of the Parliament that India should throw the Chinese out. The most ridiculous thing was that the then ‘ Yes Chief of Army Staff ‘ had no conviction & compunction to tell either the Prime Minister or the Defence Minister that the Indian Army was not prepared & equipped to take the so called ‘Forward Policy’ to its logical conclusion. The 1962 debacle was a national shame that was avoidable had the Chiefs of Staff advised Nehru on the tactical, strategic & pragmatic dimensions of this tall order! It was unfortunate that the geo-political & geo-strategic realities were not taken cognizance of. Unfortunately the situation is much the same even today. This was the second big national security blunder .We somehow have not come out of the ‘China Mindset ‘ even today. Our policies & strategies are not in keeping with the ground realities & future perspectives.
The Indian scenario is replete with such strategic blunders. After the 1965 Indo-Pak War, we again lost on the negotiating table at Taskent, wherein we returned the strategic Haji Pir Pass & other territories of strategic importance & significance. captured by our brave soldiers and sons of soil at the cost of their precious lives .Our politicians signed on the agreement without realizing the long term effects/repercussions. Just imagine that Karachi Agreement of 1949 was signed by India ,wherein, Line of Control suddenly terminated at NJ 9847 without defining on paper any schedules of joint survey beyond this point or putting in black & white the future course of action/sequence of action. Today if we talk of Saltoro Ridge as the water shed boundary, at least some mention of this ground reality even recognized by International Law could have been made in the Agreement .The Pakistanis very conveniently drew a line on their map joining NJ 9847 with Karakoram Pass thus giving birth to the Siachin Dispute. It may be recalled that a sizeable portion of Shaksgham Valley of J & K had been illegally gifted by Pakistan to China in 1963.The height of all blunders was the Simla Agreement when India returned 92,000 Prisoners of War to Pakistan without getting any thing in return. We are Samaritans and ‘Good People’ who do-not keep our national interests in mind & do-not learn from history. To-day, India is surrounded by countries which are anti India & have been armed by China. Growing Chinese naval presence in Red China Sea is a warning signal .Increasing sectarian violence and terrorist activities are a bye product of failure of our foreign policies with neighbouring countries. All this growing animosity does not auger well in years to come. Indian foreign policy is controversial, in that, it is not clear whether she is in pursuit of world peace all on her own, or, she is pursuing to help the expansionists & the political & commercial opportunists to economically dominate without keeping note of her vital national interests.
In his letter written to Nehru on 07 November 1950, Sardar Patel wrote, quote” My own feeling is that unless we assure our supplies of arms, ammunition & armour, we would be making our defence position perpetually weak and we would not be able to stand up to the double threat of difficulties both from the West & North-West & North & North-East. It looks as though if is not a friend speaking in that language but a potential enemy “, Unquote. What visionary words and what a perception! Alas, Nehru did not take heed of this long term strategic perspective & advice. Ever since 1947, Indian foreign policy record has been dismal. It has taken the line of individual personalities, political parties and their interests & not taken into account the supreme national interests that keep on changing in conformity with the dynamic geo-political and geo-strategic situations & developments.
It is sad that India does not have a National Strategy document. Unless we define our National Strategy, how can we define National Aims, Objectives, Goals, Perspectives & the National Security Strategy? When we do-not have a National Security Strategy, how can Army, Navy & Air Force define their respective strategies & perspective plans. Obviously, the Heads of the Services devise their own strategies – mostly based on individual perceptions & personalities. There are some Raksha Mantri Directives available but these are piecemeal & do not encompass elements of National Strategy. This results in giving knee jerk reactions (mostly unwanted) to international developments ending up in ‘foot in mouth disease ‘ which is not only embarrassing but damaging as well. It is high time that India formulates a National Strategy document & based upon it, various organs of the government & states function keeping the perspective plans in constant view. Of course mid way corrections are needed since no permanent friendship exists between nation states .There are only permanent interests that keep on varying from time to time.
India must understand that the long record of India – China history institutes directly towards the present hostility between the two countries. Tension keeps on sprouting up owing to the dogged & bizarre Chinese ethno-centric behaviourial pattern or the ‘sino-centrism’ of the Middle Kingdom. Are not 46 years enough to solve the Sino-Indian Border Dispute? China has settled all her border disputes with her neighbours except India. They have been selective in their approach to solving border disputes. It is a strategy of double standards but how does it matter to them! They are in no hurry. They have the cake in Aksai Chin and they are eating it too! Further, they have claimed almost entire Arunachal Pradesh and Barahoti in Uttarakhand. India’s map and what territory she actually possesses up in the North are worth taking note of. With Aksai Chin & Shaksgham Valley with China & Northern Areas & POK with Pakistan – all illegally possessed, the Northern head of India is become triangular. What is India doing about it? While China must understand that India is not a stooge of Western Imperialism & is not responsible for the humiliation she suffered from the Western world for the past three hundred years, a democratic & growing India must show assertive approach & not accept Chinese tantrums. Treaties, traditions, usages, rules, customs and historical facts need to be taken cognizance of but China too has to take note of International Law & provisions of well established norms that dictate relations of nation states. India can no longer afford to be soft. Both India & China are growing powers in Asia & while China’s diplomacy & assertiveness is displayed from her position of strength (since they hold vast stretch of Indian territory ), India too must match up with moral,diplomatic & military ascendency in selected areas accepting no non sense overtures.
While we know that the Sino-Indian dispute is linked with questions embracing ideology and balance of power, the dispute is not capable of solution by itself. Any sincere endeavour to solve the boundary problem would mean creation of an environment of mutual trust & near ideal conditions between both countries which is not possible presently. Chinese actions very often smack of hostility & lack of sincerity towards India. India is not in a position presently to grant any major concession to China and for that matter Pakistan. Sino-Indian border dispute has invited enough polemics in the past and will continue to do so in future as well. This multi dimensional & hydra-headed problem will linger on and there appears no light at the end of the tunnel. With increasing Sino-Pak nexus, these is no hope of solving the Sino-Indian dispute in the near future.
As earlier said, the Chinese ethno-centricity overrides the International Law in so far it affects their interests. China’s mindset dictates that her role is dependent upon political considerations unlike India and other countries of the world. Even China’s judicial work serves political activities and is brought to bear on all political tasks and movements. China subscribes to the view that the International Law is scoped within the state’s foreign policy. This attitude of China is very clear in context of the boundary problem. India needs to be blamed for under estimating Chinese susceptibility over British origin of the border, over the widely published interest over Tibet and over the asylum given to Dalai Lama. Let us not forget that Chinese nuclear deal with Pakistan was signed in the same year when Deng Hsiao Ping was shaking Rajiv Gandhi’s hand. Let’s also not forget that during President R Venkatraman’s visit to Beijing, China conducted its nuclear test, let’s also not overlook the growing Sino-Pak nexus as Chanakya spoke “Watch thy neighbour’ and ‘my enemy’s enemy is my best friend ‘. Let’s not forget that very recently China tried to create a hurdle in 123 Agreement with the USA and has now promised to give two atomic reactors to Pakistan. Various diplomatic embarrassments to India have been caused in the past by China & we have been accepting these as a lost boxer. Let us also not forget that China is outstripping India in economic growth and considers India as a rival on all fronts. Let us also not forget that China took India on the complacent path stating that she is carrying out her modernization plans and in their garb China continued to improve her defence potential and border infrastructure opposite Indian Border.
It was amazing to hear three consecutive Army Chiefs stating in the open that China is no threat to India. Obviously they were speaking the political language and escaping from their responsibilities of apprising the Government of the ground realities. It was amazing to know that the primary operational tasks of some of our formations deployed in sensitive borders with China were in totally opposite borders. The intelligence network & inputs continue to be primitive & not updated. Let’s not have Kargil type situations on the Sino-Indian border ! While our policy of engaging China must carry on & collaboration on all fronts must increase, we have to maintain our guard most befittingly. Any misadventure from China must meet a very prompt & punitive military response. The Chiefs of Staff Committee must not remain satisfied by merely pushing DO letters to the Government; they must assert in the national interest. This is their bounden duty & they must unitedly ensure impregnable defence of our borders with matching strike capabilities taking care of all contingencies in areas of interest. It is unfortunate that the three Chiefs have not been included as permanent Members of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS).They are called only if their need is felt. The Government may like to appoint them as permanent Members. With their vast experience & knowledge they will prove assets to any deliberation of CCS.
Sino-Indian relations have no doubt improved in recent years but this should not lead to any complacency. While discussions to continue to explore the framework of boundary settlement from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship must continue, India should take due measures to ensure her territorial integrity in letter & spirit. India has to get out of the ‘China Mindset’ & raise vast network of communications
& infrastructure to meet any contingency in Northern, Central & Eastern Sectors. With a powerful Navy & Air Force, India must be prepared at all times to respond to any situation .China has of late constructed new high altitude airfields in Tibet. Her infrastructure & strategic capability in Tibet & further East is far improved. All major passes up to the Indian borders can be reached by good roads. Her rail & oil pipe lines network is equally impressive .India must respond by matching infrastructure. India does not have expansionist designs or tendencies but she cannot afford to lose even an inch of her territory now.
Vast stretch of Indian Territory in the Northern Sector (15,000 square miles) is under Chinese illegal occupation. China also lays claim to 32,000 sq miles of Indian Territory in Arunachal Pradesh. Whether it will be tactically viable for Indian Armed Forces to evict the illegal occupations both by China & Pakistan is a matter for the military experts to judge but India must see the writing on wall. China also lays claim to Barahoti in Uttarakhand. Must India continue living like this with no perspective planning to address the explosive nature of the issue ?.One cannot be optimistic in the long run since the damage potential of the imbroglio is capable not only to create sparks but has enough potential to explode. Time has now come to apprise the Nation about the border disputes both with China and Pakistan and seek national referendum on these burning issues. Are there any takers? One thing is for sure that it pays to be strong and India must define & assert her strength & stance before she is caught off guard & embarrassed. Already many precious years have been lost as we have not given a definite & serious thought to our National Interests & Priorities. Progeny will not forgive us for our complacencies or ‘thik hai-, sab chalta hai ‘attitude. It is high time that India builds up its border infrastructure & sends appropriate signals across. Both - good trade & diplomacy need to be executed from a position of strength. India needs to define herself internationally. Her Armed Forces are her best bet & India must look after them. If substantial amount of money of public exchequer can be spent on the launch of CHANDRAYAN-1,which is a giant leap & technology demonstrator, India should retain what ever is left of her territory on the planet of earth .The focus ,therefore, should be to address our poor intelligence & security related capabilities by giving top priority to our national interests.
SINO-INDIAN BORDER IMBROGLIO
China launched their full scale invasion of India in 1962. In fact, Chinese invasion had commenced way back in 1906 when China maneuvered and succeeded in concluding the 1906 Convention in Calcutta.
In this Convention, China was recognized as the suzerain of Tibet. By doing so, Britain virtually handed over Tibet to China .Thus China was no foreign power to Tibet; she was her suzerain instead. This heralded the foundation of Sikang Province with Tibet’s South Eastern & Eastern boundaries overrun by Manchus Army .By sheer providence Tibet survived. Manchus were overthrown in 1911 with Chinese troops rising in revolt against their officers. This led to Britain helping in repatriation of Chinese soldiers through India. Tibet declared her independence in 1912. Britain wanted to annul the provisions of 1906; they held the Simla Convention in 1914. Prolonged deliberations between Britain, China & Tibet took place prior to the holding of this Convention.
The trade interests of Britain hindered their desire to settle the Indo -Tibetan frontier. Chinese design to expand Southwards with Tibet wanting to remain independent were conflicting .While McMahon Line was demarcated on the map, ‘Outer-Inner’ Tibet boundaries were drawn .China wanted Tibet to be declared as an integral part of China . China at this point & time did not want to annoy Britain & Tibet but in consonance with her history, did not commit to any permanent solution of the national frontier. China consented to the terms of Simla Convention but did not ratify the Convention itself. The entire attitude of the British was half hearted towards the Simla Convention. In the mean time, Sun Yat-Sen had formed a strong political party on modern lines in 1917- known as the Kuomentang, ”The National Peoples Party” or KMT in short. Chiang Kai-Shek took over KMT in 1925 & ruled china till he was overthrown by Chinese communists in 1949. India became independent in1947 and she inherited the dispute from the British .If British had wanted, they, with a stroke of the pen could have easily settled the issue.
Mao replaced Chiang in 1949. He had a two point agenda. In the first one , he was to invade ,occupy, assimilate , & harmonize Tibet & in the second , he was to dominate the Southern slopes of the last highest range of the Himalayas from the Chinese side & the first from the Indian side .This was accomplished by Mao in a perfect manner with precision. Tibet was invaded in 1950.Govt of India formally declared Tibet as a part of China. Nehru helped China in accomplishing & harmonizing Tibet. India acted not only naïve but remained a mute spectator to these happenings near her vitals.Why was Nehru trying to make friends with a race with whom India has no similarity & why this open trust & friendship were being exhibited with a neighbour you do not even understand till date, is beyond comprehension ! There is no commonality between India & China. While China was consolidating her gains all along the Northern Borders from 1947 till 1962, Indians were generally not aware & well-informed about the Chinese activities .With a totally dismal intelligence network & a system coupled with apathy & indifference from ‘powers that be’, India was living in her own world under Nehruvian mindset and in an utopian world of her own creation. To top it, Nehru with boyish alacrity went ahead to introduce Mao at the Bangdung Conference forcefully advocating a birth for her in the United Nations. He went ahead with PANCHSHEEL and the slogan ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai’ little realizing that there was no brotherly element between the two so called brothers. The shrewd Chinese were enjoying the fun & taking full advantage of the situation. Mao was invited to take salute at the Passing Out Parade at the National Defence Academy, Kharakvasla & was even taken to some defence establishments. Possibly ,Nehru was carving a niche for himself as an international statesman fully knowing that his initiative in 1948 to go to the United Nations seeking solution of the J&K problem had yielded nothing except generating adverse criticism at home.
Chinese continued to expand in Aksai Chin & elsewhere at will & Indian weak protests /representations were brushed aside & replied as minor aberrations in interpretations of maps. Nehru ill-advised aided & abetted by his foreign ministry diplomats, Yes Ministers & a super ambitious General declared on the floor of the Parliament that India should throw the Chinese out. The most ridiculous thing was that the then ‘ Yes Chief of Army Staff ‘ had no conviction & compunction to tell either the Prime Minister or the Defence Minister that the Indian Army was not prepared & equipped to take the so called ‘Forward Policy’ to its logical conclusion. The 1962 debacle was a national shame that was avoidable had the Chiefs of Staff advised Nehru on the tactical, strategic & pragmatic dimensions of this tall order! It was unfortunate that the geo-political & geo-strategic realities were not taken cognizance of. Unfortunately the situation is much the same even today. This was the second big national security blunder .We somehow have not come out of the ‘China Mindset ‘ even today. Our policies & strategies are not in keeping with the ground realities & future perspectives.
The Indian scenario is replete with such strategic blunders. After the 1965 Indo-Pak War, we again lost on the negotiating table at Taskent, wherein we returned the strategic Haji Pir Pass & other territories of strategic importance & significance. captured by our brave soldiers and sons of soil at the cost of their precious lives .Our politicians signed on the agreement without realizing the long term effects/repercussions. Just imagine that Karachi Agreement of 1949 was signed by India ,wherein, Line of Control suddenly terminated at NJ 9847 without defining on paper any schedules of joint survey beyond this point or putting in black & white the future course of action/sequence of action. Today if we talk of Saltoro Ridge as the water shed boundary, at least some mention of this ground reality even recognized by International Law could have been made in the Agreement .The Pakistanis very conveniently drew a line on their map joining NJ 9847 with Karakoram Pass thus giving birth to the Siachin Dispute. It may be recalled that a sizeable portion of Shaksgham Valley of J & K had been illegally gifted by Pakistan to China in 1963.The height of all blunders was the Simla Agreement when India returned 92,000 Prisoners of War to Pakistan without getting any thing in return. We are Samaritans and ‘Good People’ who do-not keep our national interests in mind & do-not learn from history. To-day, India is surrounded by countries which are anti India & have been armed by China. Growing Chinese naval presence in Red China Sea is a warning signal .Increasing sectarian violence and terrorist activities are a bye product of failure of our foreign policies with neighbouring countries. All this growing animosity does not auger well in years to come. Indian foreign policy is controversial, in that, it is not clear whether she is in pursuit of world peace all on her own, or, she is pursuing to help the expansionists & the political & commercial opportunists to economically dominate without keeping note of her vital national interests.
In his letter written to Nehru on 07 November 1950, Sardar Patel wrote, quote” My own feeling is that unless we assure our supplies of arms, ammunition & armour, we would be making our defence position perpetually weak and we would not be able to stand up to the double threat of difficulties both from the West & North-West & North & North-East. It looks as though if is not a friend speaking in that language but a potential enemy “, Unquote. What visionary words and what a perception! Alas, Nehru did not take heed of this long term strategic perspective & advice. Ever since 1947, Indian foreign policy record has been dismal. It has taken the line of individual personalities, political parties and their interests & not taken into account the supreme national interests that keep on changing in conformity with the dynamic geo-political and geo-strategic situations & developments.
It is sad that India does not have a National Strategy document. Unless we define our National Strategy, how can we define National Aims, Objectives, Goals, Perspectives & the National Security Strategy? When we do-not have a National Security Strategy, how can Army, Navy & Air Force define their respective strategies & perspective plans. Obviously, the Heads of the Services devise their own strategies – mostly based on individual perceptions & personalities. There are some Raksha Mantri Directives available but these are piecemeal & do not encompass elements of National Strategy. This results in giving knee jerk reactions (mostly unwanted) to international developments ending up in ‘foot in mouth disease ‘ which is not only embarrassing but damaging as well. It is high time that India formulates a National Strategy document & based upon it, various organs of the government & states function keeping the perspective plans in constant view. Of course mid way corrections are needed since no permanent friendship exists between nation states .There are only permanent interests that keep on varying from time to time.
India must understand that the long record of India – China history institutes directly towards the present hostility between the two countries. Tension keeps on sprouting up owing to the dogged & bizarre Chinese ethno-centric behaviourial pattern or the ‘sino-centrism’ of the Middle Kingdom. Are not 46 years enough to solve the Sino-Indian Border Dispute? China has settled all her border disputes with her neighbours except India. They have been selective in their approach to solving border disputes. It is a strategy of double standards but how does it matter to them! They are in no hurry. They have the cake in Aksai Chin and they are eating it too! Further, they have claimed almost entire Arunachal Pradesh and Barahoti in Uttarakhand. India’s map and what territory she actually possesses up in the North are worth taking note of. With Aksai Chin & Shaksgham Valley with China & Northern Areas & POK with Pakistan – all illegally possessed, the Northern head of India is become triangular. What is India doing about it? While China must understand that India is not a stooge of Western Imperialism & is not responsible for the humiliation she suffered from the Western world for the past three hundred years, a democratic & growing India must show assertive approach & not accept Chinese tantrums. Treaties, traditions, usages, rules, customs and historical facts need to be taken cognizance of but China too has to take note of International Law & provisions of well established norms that dictate relations of nation states. India can no longer afford to be soft. Both India & China are growing powers in Asia & while China’s diplomacy & assertiveness is displayed from her position of strength (since they hold vast stretch of Indian territory ), India too must match up with moral,diplomatic & military ascendency in selected areas accepting no non sense overtures.
While we know that the Sino-Indian dispute is linked with questions embracing ideology and balance of power, the dispute is not capable of solution by itself. Any sincere endeavour to solve the boundary problem would mean creation of an environment of mutual trust & near ideal conditions between both countries which is not possible presently. Chinese actions very often smack of hostility & lack of sincerity towards India. India is not in a position presently to grant any major concession to China and for that matter Pakistan. Sino-Indian border dispute has invited enough polemics in the past and will continue to do so in future as well. This multi dimensional & hydra-headed problem will linger on and there appears no light at the end of the tunnel. With increasing Sino-Pak nexus, these is no hope of solving the Sino-Indian dispute in the near future.
As earlier said, the Chinese ethno-centricity overrides the International Law in so far it affects their interests. China’s mindset dictates that her role is dependent upon political considerations unlike India and other countries of the world. Even China’s judicial work serves political activities and is brought to bear on all political tasks and movements. China subscribes to the view that the International Law is scoped within the state’s foreign policy. This attitude of China is very clear in context of the boundary problem. India needs to be blamed for under estimating Chinese susceptibility over British origin of the border, over the widely published interest over Tibet and over the asylum given to Dalai Lama. Let us not forget that Chinese nuclear deal with Pakistan was signed in the same year when Deng Hsiao Ping was shaking Rajiv Gandhi’s hand. Let’s also not forget that during President R Venkatraman’s visit to Beijing, China conducted its nuclear test, let’s also not overlook the growing Sino-Pak nexus as Chanakya spoke “Watch thy neighbour’ and ‘my enemy’s enemy is my best friend ‘. Let’s not forget that very recently China tried to create a hurdle in 123 Agreement with the USA and has now promised to give two atomic reactors to Pakistan. Various diplomatic embarrassments to India have been caused in the past by China & we have been accepting these as a lost boxer. Let us also not forget that China is outstripping India in economic growth and considers India as a rival on all fronts. Let us also not forget that China took India on the complacent path stating that she is carrying out her modernization plans and in their garb China continued to improve her defence potential and border infrastructure opposite Indian Border.
It was amazing to hear three consecutive Army Chiefs stating in the open that China is no threat to India. Obviously they were speaking the political language and escaping from their responsibilities of apprising the Government of the ground realities. It was amazing to know that the primary operational tasks of some of our formations deployed in sensitive borders with China were in totally opposite borders. The intelligence network & inputs continue to be primitive & not updated. Let’s not have Kargil type situations on the Sino-Indian border ! While our policy of engaging China must carry on & collaboration on all fronts must increase, we have to maintain our guard most befittingly. Any misadventure from China must meet a very prompt & punitive military response. The Chiefs of Staff Committee must not remain satisfied by merely pushing DO letters to the Government; they must assert in the national interest. This is their bounden duty & they must unitedly ensure impregnable defence of our borders with matching strike capabilities taking care of all contingencies in areas of interest. It is unfortunate that the three Chiefs have not been included as permanent Members of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS).They are called only if their need is felt. The Government may like to appoint them as permanent Members. With their vast experience & knowledge they will prove assets to any deliberation of CCS.
Sino-Indian relations have no doubt improved in recent years but this should not lead to any complacency. While discussions to continue to explore the framework of boundary settlement from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship must continue, India should take due measures to ensure her territorial integrity in letter & spirit. India has to get out of the ‘China Mindset’ & raise vast network of communications
& infrastructure to meet any contingency in Northern, Central & Eastern Sectors. With a powerful Navy & Air Force, India must be prepared at all times to respond to any situation .China has of late constructed new high altitude airfields in Tibet. Her infrastructure & strategic capability in Tibet & further East is far improved. All major passes up to the Indian borders can be reached by good roads. Her rail & oil pipe lines network is equally impressive .India must respond by matching infrastructure. India does not have expansionist designs or tendencies but she cannot afford to lose even an inch of her territory now.
Vast stretch of Indian Territory in the Northern Sector (15,000 square miles) is under Chinese illegal occupation. China also lays claim to 32,000 sq miles of Indian Territory in Arunachal Pradesh. Whether it will be tactically viable for Indian Armed Forces to evict the illegal occupations both by China & Pakistan is a matter for the military experts to judge but India must see the writing on wall. China also lays claim to Barahoti in Uttarakhand. Must India continue living like this with no perspective planning to address the explosive nature of the issue ?.One cannot be optimistic in the long run since the damage potential of the imbroglio is capable not only to create sparks but has enough potential to explode. Time has now come to apprise the Nation about the border disputes both with China and Pakistan and seek national referendum on these burning issues. Are there any takers? One thing is for sure that it pays to be strong and India must define & assert her strength & stance before she is caught off guard & embarrassed. Already many precious years have been lost as we have not given a definite & serious thought to our National Interests & Priorities. Progeny will not forgive us for our complacencies or ‘thik hai-, sab chalta hai ‘attitude. It is high time that India builds up its border infrastructure & sends appropriate signals across. Both - good trade & diplomacy need to be executed from a position of strength. India needs to define herself internationally. Her Armed Forces are her best bet & India must look after them. If substantial amount of money of public exchequer can be spent on the launch of CHANDRAYAN-1,which is a giant leap & technology demonstrator, India should retain what ever is left of her territory on the planet of earth .The focus ,therefore, should be to address our poor intelligence & security related capabilities by giving top priority to our national interests.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
