Modi's Balochistan Riposte Irks Paki-Lackeys

Modi's Balochistan Riposte Irks Paki-Lackeys

Major General Mrinal Suman

In my earlier article, a query had been raised, “Why does India continue to produce so many Jaichand and Mir Jafars? Is India a cursed nation or is treachery a part of our DNA?” (See “Why does India breed so many traitors” at http://www.sify.com/news/why-does-india-breed-so-many-traitors-news-columns-qd3cvCeiadfdc.html).

The response was overwhelming. Everyone agreed with the fundamental premise of the above assertion. However, different reasons were cited for insidious treachery that afflicts our character. There was no unanimity. Whereas the puzzle continues to defy resolution, the gravity of the issue got highlighted once again recently.

While addressing the All Party Meet on Jammu & Kashmir on 12 August 2016, Prime Minister Modi reminded Pakistan that it bombs its own citizens using fighter planes. “The time has come when Pakistan shall have to answer to the world for the atrocities committed by it against people in Balochistan and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir),” he added.

The real clincher came during Modi’s Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. "I want to speak a bit about the people in Balochistan, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," he said. He went on to reveal that the people of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK had thanked him a lot in the previous few days.

External Reaction 

The reaction of Pakistani establishment on reference to Balochistan was on the expected lines. It accused India of crossing the ‘red line’ and threatened to raise the issue of Kashmir at the next UN General Assembly session more forcefully. In addition, it registered police cases against the Baloch leaders Brahamdagh Bugti, Harbiyar Marri and Banuk Karima Baloch for supporting Modi's statements on Balochistan.

Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan’s former President commended Modi for his comments and asked Pakistan to see the gravity of the situation. “In Balochistan, there is extreme suffering at the hands of extremists promoted by state structures in Pakistan,” he said. Similarly, Bangladesh has supported India’s stand on human rights abuses by Pakistan in Balochistan and hailed Modi for his Independence Day speech.

As regards the US government, it declined to comment on Modi’s Balochistan reference. However, the remarks of Lisa Curtis of the Washington-based ‘The Heritage Foundation’ are noteworthy. ‘The Heritage Foundation’ is a highly influential think tank, considered close to the Republican Party.

Lisa feels that the reference signals a change in the Modi government's Pakistan policy. She is of the view that Pathankot airfield attack appears to have convinced Modi that forbearance paid few dividends for India. According to her, by referring to Balochistan, Modi has laid down a marker that his government would be less patient than its predecessors when it comes to Pakistani terrorist provocations.

Expectedly, the world at large has displayed great understanding of India’s stand. Not a single country has faulted India for its statement on Balochistan. The world knows that Pakistan has been waging an intense asymmetric war through the export of terrorism to fuel turmoil and chaos. It is also aware of India’s repeated efforts to improve relations with Pakistan through talks.

Internal Opposition

As has been our wont, every stand in favour of the national interests is opposed by the fifth columnists. In the case of our relations with Pakistan, there is a small but vociferous assemblage of anti-national elements who are more loyal to Pakistan than India. The Paki-Lackeys oppose reference to Balochistan on ignobly invented grounds.

One, it is said that reference to Balochistan would amount to an admission of Indian meddling in the region. It is conveniently forgotten that Pakistan has always been blaming India for its troubles in Balochistan. Further, the maximum damage to India’s stand of non-interference was done at the Indo-Pak Prime Ministers’ meet at Sharm-el-Sheikh in 2009. On Pak insistence, India agreed to include the sentence – ‘Pakistan has some information on threats in Balochistan and other areas’ – in the joint statement.

Two, some lackeys are sounding a warning about likely increased aggression by Pakistan in Kashmir through disregarding ceasefire, destroying LOC fencing and inducting more infiltrators. Pakistan has been exporting terror in every possible manner. Since the start of terrorist activities in 1989-90, Indian security forces have captured a huge cache of Pak-supplied weapons from the terrorists. It includes more than 34,000 AK 47 rifles, 5000 grenade launchers, 90 machine guns, 12,000 revolvers, 350 missile launchers, 100,000 grenades and 63,000 kg explosive. Even anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns have also been seized. One wonders as to what more, short of a military attack, can Pakistan do.

Three, it is alleged that India’s concern for human rights in Balochistan will give a handle to the separatists in Kashmir to raise similar issues. It is an absurd logic. For using young children and women as a shield to attack security forces, Kashmiri radicals are guilty of luring the gullible through monetary enticements. It is they who deserve condemnation. Despite thousands of them getting injured by stones pelted at them, Indian security forces have been exercising exemplary restraint. 

Four, reference to Balochistan is being opposed on moral grounds. Stoking of unrest in Pakistan is being termed as ‘an unholy tit-for-tat’. It is, perhaps, the most decadent argument. Editorial in a leading Indian daily read, “Since 1990 India has had a consistent policy towards Pakistan: ‘Let them hit us with whatever they can, we will harden our defences but not retaliate in kind’.” The shameless editor had the audacity to term the said policy to be ‘remarkably successful’.

Since 1990, Kashmir has seen a loss of nearly 50,000 lives, including terrorists, civilians and security/police personnel. Sitting in his air-conditioned office in Delhi, the insensitive editor had the cheek to state that the policy of no retaliation has been successful. One wonders as to how people of such low calibre and anti-national outlook get to occupy editorial chairs.

National Shame

Appalling quality of political leaders has been India’s bane. They can stoop to any level – even seeking help from an antagonistic country to unseat duly elected Modi. Hence, it did not come as a surprise when a senior left leader faulted Modi on two counts – it will give an opportunity to Pakistan to internationalise Kashmir issue and it amounts to interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs. Sounds like the statement of a Pakistani spokesman.

Another set of politicians and media personalities keep harping on talks with Pakistan. An editor has blamed Modi for ‘lacking the stamina that is so vital in dealing with Pakistan’, implying thereby that Pak unresponsiveness is also Modi’s fault. No one suggests as to how to engage an intractable and devious neighbour in dialogue.

Pak apologists in India are of two kinds. The first assortment consists of political leaders, intelligentsia and media personnel whose dislike for Modi and BJP borders on pathological hatred. It is not their love for Pakistan that influences their response: they have to compulsorily oppose every policy of Modi, even at the risk of harming Indian interests. They do not want Modi to succeed.

The second variety is far more insidious and dangerous. It consists of participants of so-called Track-II diplomacy and discussion groups. They enjoy Pak hospitality – first class air travel, grand hotels at exotic locations, lavish looking-after and generous gifts. As a result, they suffer from what is derisively referred to as ‘Biryani Loyalty Syndrome’. For pay-back, they parrot Pak perspective.

Ghulam Nabi Fai was the executive director of the Kashmiri American Council, a Washington based front of ISI. He received millions of dollars from ISI to manipulate Indian public figures. Important celebrities, selected by ISI, were regularly invited for ‘brain-storming on Kashmir issue’ and given royal treatment. Fai was arrested in 2011 and sentenced to two years of imprisonment by a US court. It was only then that the perfidy of biryani-fed Indian invitees got exposed.

Extent of brainwashing of Indian media can be gauged from the fact that an Indian columnist has been advising India not to focus only on Pakistani support to the Kashmir insurgency. Another writer has been chiding India for throwing its weight around in the neighbourhood. Anti-nationalism at its worst!

Finally

In a recent article in the Express Tribune of Pakistan, noted Pak writer Yaqoob Khan Bangash has opined that India’s intent to highlight Balochistan does not augur well for Pakistan. “India’s public relations are far better than Pakistan’s and with our international image, Balochistan might become a millstone around our neck on the international stage too,” he cautions. Does it not prove effectiveness of Modi’s Balochistan riposte?

For Paki apologists, it is right for Pakistan to cause turmoil in India and attempt its breakup, but not the other way round. It must not be forgotten that nations born out of hatred can never rid themselves of bitterness of history. Hence, Pakistan will never shed its antagonism towards India. Its break-up is the only way out and India must encourage that in its own security interests. It is time that all that nonsense about a united Pakistan being in India’s interests is stopped. There cannot be a more blinkered view.

Raising the Balochistan issue was a master stroke and a game changer. If Pakistan can cultivate a Kashmiri separatist constituency within India, India can cultivate a separatist Baloch constituency in Pakistan. If Pakistan can dedicate its Independence Day to Kashmir, India can dedicate its Independence Day to Balochistan, Gilgit, Baltistan, and PoK. In world affairs, timidity is considered a sign of impotence and not sagacity.

Counsel of Roman philosopher Cicero must not be ignored by India – “An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself.”

India should remain wary of Pak stooges who are on the payrolls of Pakistan. As they fan unrest through their seditious utterances, writings and activities; they need to be exposed and shamed.*****

‘The Table for One’: Eternal Wait for the Soldiers Who Never Returned

‘The Table for One’: Eternal Wait for the Soldiers Who Never Returned

http://www.sify.com/news/the-table-for-one-eternal-wait-for-soldiers-who-never-returned-news-columns-qimpbHeiejdhj.html

Aditi Hingu

On the eve of the 70th Independence Day of our country, I would like to share a story with the readers. This story is not about a person or an event. The story is about a solitary dining place at the Cadets Mess at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla. Set up in December 1954, NDA is the first tri-services academy in the world. It trains cadets for permanent commission in the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and its alumni have fought valiantly in every major conflict.

Cadets live on the campus and develop strong bonds with their course mates. However, NDA is singularly different from other campus in one way – not only do the cadets forge bonds with each other, an equally strong bond is formed with all those who would have graduated from NDA , even if many years ago. A kinship is developed and the ethos of never letting down a fellow comrade-in-arms is strongly ingrained.

Nowhere is this symbolized as poignantly as in the Cadets Mess at NDA. Apart from the regular dining tables, the dining hall has an empty table near the entrance with a forlorn chair. It is laid out for a solitary diner with complete crockery and cutlery. However, it is never ever occupied: the chair is tilted forward and the crockery is upturned. The table has a vase with a red rose and a red ribbon, an empty glass, an unlit candle, a slice of lemon and salt on the bread plate. A casual visitor may be pardoned for wondering – whom is this place for? Why the upturned chair, the empty glass, a rose and ribbon?  

This ‘Table for One’ is in remembrance of all those soldiers who fought in various wars but never returned – neither alive nor dead. They were either taken as Prisoners of War (PoW) or declared as Missing in Action.

In the wake of the Shimla Agreement after the Indo-Pak War of 1971, India repatriated over 90,000 Pakistani PoWs but shamefully failed to secure the release of 54 Indian PoWs. As per the Third Geneva Convention (both India and Pakistan are signatories to the same), every PoW must be treated humanely, be allowed to inform his next of kin and International Committee of the Red Cross of his capture, given adequate food, clothing, housing and medical aid, and released quickly after cessation of conflict. However, in complete defiance of these terms, there has been no information about the 54 soldiers – even though it has been long wait of 45 years for their families and comrades since the war ended.

Despite proof of Indian soldiers languishing in Pakistani jails and sustained efforts by their families to secure their release, nothing tangible has happened. Bureaucratic files moved, papers were pushed – but to no avail. 54 young men were condemned to rot in jails for having committed the sin of fighting bravely in a war that was not created by them. The trauma and torture that would have been inflicted on them cannot even be imagined.

Their families were doomed to spend the rest of their lives doing the rounds of different Government offices and persuading, requesting and begging an indifferent politico-bureaucracy to bring back their loved ones. Aged parents went to their graves with broken hearts and children grew up without their fathers. Many of these soldiers were as young as 25 year old, married for not more than a year or two. Imagine the plight of a 23 year old girl – who lived with her husband for 1 year and led the rest of her life fighting a callous government for securing her husband’s release. Life passed both her and her soldier husband by – she was neither a wife, nor a widow; could not experience motherhood; doomed to decades of uncertainty, seeking only clarity or closure – but getting neither.

Subsequent petitions by children who grew up without fathers led to the ministers flippantly asking them, “Do you think they are still alive?” I wonder if the ministers would have thought the same if his father/brother/son were languishing in the Pakistan jails. Even if one of the soldiers (who may have been alive) can be brought back, it would mean closure for at least one brave family. Numbers are not important here, what is important is how a nation can wilfully and shamelessly forget its own people.

But while the nation has forgotten these men, their fellow soldiers haven’t. ‘The Table for One’ is a poignant reminder to the cadets that the missing men were carefree youngsters like them, who roamed the same halls and whose boisterous laughter would have resonated within the same walls.

Every item of ‘The Table for One’ symbolizes something poignant. The forlorn single chair is symbolic of the overwhelming odds that the conquered prisoner must have faced. The unlit candle speaks about the insurmountable spirit that would not have broken despite capture, and possible extreme torture. The upturned plate and the empty glass acknowledge the fact that these PoW may never return, the red rose is reminiscent of the patience of the families that are still waiting to embrace a loved son, a beloved husband, a younger brother and an indulgent father. The lemon and salt symbolize the bitter fate, heartbreak and tears that are left for the families who deal with uncertainty. The red ribbon is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel of all their supporters who bear witness to their determination to get a proper accounting of these missing soldiers.

It is in the honour of these men, that the armed forces have kept the tradition alive for the last 45 years.  However these men did not belong only to an institution called the Indian Armed Forces. They belonged to a nation called India.

As we celebrate the Independence Day wearing the obligatory tricolour clothes and listening to patriotic speeches and songs, perhaps it would be fitting to spend a minute or two in reflection.  Reflect on what is it that makes a young man risk all for his country – a fairly tenuous ideal in these days when everything is defined by material success or in the ability to create anarchy in the name of freedom of expression? What is it that makes a 30 year old man leave his beautiful wife and young kids behind and serve for 2 years at the inhospitable terrain of Siachen? What is it that makes a 25 year old jump into a raging river to rescue civilians during floods, knowing well that the same set of people may pelt him with stones a year later?

As we enjoy our country’s Independence Day along with our loved ones, spare a thought for a family where a son has been missing for decades, for children who don’t even know what their father would be looking like now and for men who are still waiting for their comrades to come back. Let us at least remember their sacrifices and sympathise with those who are still clinging to the ever-fading hope of reuniting with their loved ones. ‘The Table for One’ waits wistfully for them to return.

(Aditi Hingu is a marketing graduate from IIM Calcutta, currently working in an MNC. She comes from an army background.)

Vaishno Devi: Shrine with Progressive Outlook.

Vaishno Devi: Shrine with Progressive Outlook

Major General Mrinal Suman

Fifty km from Jammu, located at an altitude of 5,200 feet in a Holy Cave in the Trikuta Hills, Vaishno Devi Shrine is unique in many aspects. More than one crore devotees visit the shrine annually to pay obeisance to the Goddess. A trek of 12 km from the base camp at Katra is a pilgrimage of unflinching faith. For soldiers, the Goddess is the ruling deity of J&K and the supreme protector.  

  

This write up is not about the peoples’ unflinching faith in the divinity and holiness of the shrine. It is about the progressive outlook of its management. Since 1986, the Shrine Board has been administering and overseeing all the arrangements. Here are five aspects for which the Board deserves credit.

One, the entire offerings and donations are reinvested in developing facilities for the devotees to make their visit as comfortable and enriching as possible. Rates of all food items and other services are fixed and kept at extremely reasonable levels. There is no exploitation.

Two, as a part of its social responsibility, the Board is extending considerable help to the nearby villages in terms of education, medical facilities and other developmental works. Comfort of muleteers and porters is given special attention. Shelters have been constructed for their rest.

Three, it is perhaps the only place of worship where prayers are said every morning and evening for the benefit of whole humanity and not solely for the religious followers. Invocations include – “May Goodness Prevail”; “May the Evil be Destroyed”; “May There be Amity Amongst All Human Beings”; “May the Whole World Prosper”; and “May India be a Great Nation”. What a noble and broad outlook!

Four, the Board is highly receptive to suggestions from the devotees. Earlier, the head priest used to bless the audience with the prayer “May you be blessed with a son”. When told about the inappropriateness of the prayer, the Board has changed it to “May you have progeny”. No more male-bias. Similarly, when pointed-out by some devotees that ‘Daan Patra’ (charity box) was an inappropriate term for the donation boxes kept at various places in the shrine, the Board promptly accepted the suggestion and substituted it with ‘Bhent Patra’ (offerings box).

Finally, one admires the nationalist spirit of the Board. On every Independence Day and Republic Day, morning and evening prayers are started by paying tribute to the martyrs.  A number of patriotic songs are sung by the priests in lieu of the normal hymns. Wonder if any other shrine does it anywhere in the world. Hats off to the Board!

The above has been narrated only to drive home the point that religious fervour is not an antithesis of patriotism. Both can and should complement each other. They should be harnessed jointly for the good of the countrymen and well-being of the country. All our religious institutions can draw a lesson from the Board to promote religious harmony and devotion to the country.*****  

Why Defence Ministry hasn't seen any reform in last two years

Why Defence Ministry hasn't seen any reform in last two years

(http://www.sify.com/news/why-defence-ministry-hasnt-seen-any-reform-in-last-two-years-news-columns-qimm3sddjhjjd.html)

Major General Mrinal Suman

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is unique in most aspects. No other country can boast of such a set-up. Not convinced? Read on.

Responsibility for India’s national defence is discharged through MoD, which provides the policy framework and wherewithal to the armed forces. MoD has five Secretaries, heading different departments. Here is a closer look at their functioning. 

Department of Defence (DoD)

According to the Allocation of Business Rules of the government, the Defence Secretary heads DoD that is responsible for the defence of India and every part thereof, including preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war. In other words, he is tasked to ensure the defence of the country. Surprised? Yes, it is his responsibility and not that of the Service Chiefs.

For such an onerous responsibility, it is natural to expect a highly experienced defence expert/veteran to be occupying the chair. After all, to ensure defence of the country (including preparation and execution) is no routine job. But MoD is different. Any bureaucrat can foot the bill, even if he cannot differentiate between a mortar and a howitzer or a rocket and a missile.

India has had Defence Secretaries whose earlier service had been limited to Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. Most do not know even the basics of defence imperatives. To mask their ignorance and inadequacy, they resort to the time-tested expedient of deferring decision-making. India is the only country that considers experience in fisheries or handlooms to be good enough to equip a bureaucrat to handle defence of India. No wonder we claim ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’.

Department of Defence Production (DDP)

Development of indigenous defence industry is DDP’s prime responsibility. Although DDP has a vast domain of 39 ordnance factories and 9 defence public sector undertakings, the performance of DDP has been pathetic to say the least. It is solely responsible for the current pitiable state of the indigenous defence industry, wherein India remains dependent on imports for 70 percent of its defence requirements.

The world over, promotion of defence industry is considered to be a highly specialised assignment. However, India is an exception. Any bureaucrat can be appointed as Secretary DDP.  Some come with no experience of industry or defence. Their incompetence manifests itself in their prejudiced and blinkered approach towards the private sector. Blocking the entry of the private sector to ensure regular flow of orders to the public sector becomes their sole mission. Instead of exploiting the enormous technological prowess of the private sector, DDP impedes its participation in defence production. 

In all ‘Buy and Make’ cases, DDP always nominates a public sector unit to receive technology for indigenous production. Instead of absorbing technology, most units choose the easier path of assembling imported sub-assemblies and selling to the services at a huge profit. The case of TATRA vehicles exposed the rot that has set in. Rather than undertaking the onerous task of manufacturing, most public sector units have become traders of imported systems under DDP’s patronage.

Utter failure of DDP can be gauged from the fact that India has acquired the dubious distinction of being the largest importer of conventional weapons in the world with 14 percent of the global share. Some achievement after seven decades of independence! DDP ought to be ashamed of it. But, we still have the audacity to claim ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

DRDO has 52 laboratories in multiple disciplines. It employs over 5,000 scientists and about 25,000 other scientific, technical and supporting personnel. The track record of DRDO is abysmal to say the least – a chronicle of false claims, tall promises, inexplicable delays and sub-optimal products. It has the unenviable reputation of never developing any equipment conforming to the parameters in the promised time-frame. Some claim to infamy!

Although DRDO’s annual budget is close to Rs 14,000 crore, its total success is limited to the replication of some imported products (commonly called ‘reverse engineering’ and ‘indigenisation’). Time and cost overruns are taken for granted. The history of three key projects (Arjun tank, Light Combat Aircraft and Kavery aero engine) undertaken by DRDO is a true indicator of the gross inadequacy that afflicts it.

Failure to perform its primary task of developing weapon systems has forced DRDO to delve into bizarre areas to justify its existence. Many will be shocked to learn that DRDO expends defence funds on projects like developing new breeds of angora rabbits, collecting newer varieties of orchids and identifying sharpest chillies. No other country can boast of such defence R&D, except ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’. 

Department of Ex-serviceman Welfare (DESW)

DESW deals with all resettlement, welfare and pensionary matters of ex-servicemen. Strangely, not a single serving or retired soldier has been posted to it. It is totally manned by bureaucrats. Interestingly, India cannot have the Minority Commission without minority members or Women’s Commission without women; but it can have DESW without ex-servicemen. Welfare of retired soldiers has been entrusted to the people who have never faced a bullet and who know little about the challenges faced by the retired soldiers. Hence, they cannot be faulted for their complete lack of empathy.

A comparison of DESW with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will be enlightening. All the top officers of DVA are ex-servicemen. It is headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert A. McDonald, a veteran of 82^nd Airborne Division. Most of the subordinate functionaries also possess extensive military experience. They appreciate that soldiering is a unique profession with challenging convolutions.

DESW has acquired notoriety as the first barricade of bureaucratic negativity. Most proposals get rejected at DESW level itself. Instead of looking after the welfare of veterans and standing up for their rights/entitlements, DESW contests every judicial verdict that goes in favour of ex-servicemen, war-widows and even war casualties. As a result, troops and veterans view DESW as an antagonistic entity. India must be the only country where MoD does not enjoy the trust of its veterans. What a sad state of affairs in ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’.

Defence Finance Division (Def Fin)

Defence Finance is responsible to examine all defence matters having a financial bearing; render financial advice; assist in the formulation and implementation of all schemes/proposals involving expenditure; and assist in the formulation and implementation of defence plans. In other words, they are custodians of government funds and oversee all defence expenditure.

Notwithstanding the colourful taxonomy of Defence Financial Advisors, Defence Finance officials are ill-equipped to provide any financial advice. Most are graduates in subjects like Sanskrit, English Literature and History. As they are not familiar with even the basics of finance or economics, it is unfair to expect them to grasp minutiae of financial imperatives. How can officials who know nothing of finance and are totally ignorant of defence issues contribute to the evolution of a sound defence finance plan?

What to talk of rendering advice, Defence Finance officials are incapable of even doing their basic job of account keeping. In March 2016, the Defence Minister shocked the nation by revealing that India’s USD 3 billion were lying forgotten with the US government for years, without earning any interest. Worse, India continued to make fresh payments to the US for new weaponry. Whether it was a case of ill-management, lack of attention or sheer incompetence, it could have happened only in ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’.

Finally

As can be seen, MoD is responsible for all facets of national defence. Unfortunately, it suffers from major fundamental flaws in its organisation and functioning. It is entirely manned by bureaucrats and officials who are clueless about defence matters. The service headquarters are mere attached offices. They do not form part of the decision making apparatus.

MoD is a citadel of bureaucracy and is totally devoid of professionalism. The world abhors dealing with it. Since 2014, a measly sum of USD 1.12 million has come in as FDI despite the government raising the cap to 100 percent. Incompetence results in vacillation and lack of decision making; and that dissuades all prospective investors.   

Most disappointingly, the political leadership remains a powerless spectator. Howsoever broad Modi’s chest may be and howsoever well-meaning Parrikar may be; bureaucracy continues to call the shots and not a single (yes, not a single) reform has been implemented during the last two years. All those pre-election boasts have proved to be mere baloney. MoD carries on functioning in its lethargic and inept manner. Hopefully, our chants of ‘Mera Bharat Mahan’ will continue to deter potential enemies of India.*****