Editor
I have been keeping up with the present skirmishes between India and Pakistan – two nuclear armed neighbors – even as the Korean peninsula changes before our eyes.
Different newspapers express varying views of India’s strike against Pakistan. According to one, the international community hopes that India’s surgical airstrikes across the “line of control” in Kashmir are more “posturing” than a “prelude” to “all-out war” – pointing out that Imran Khan is just beginning his tenure after winning power in 2018 and Narendra Modi is seeking a second chance in the national polls this spring. While the Valentine’s Day terrorist act in Pulwama, Kashmir, and the resulting deaths of more than 40 Indian paramilitary personnel are horrific, some are questioning Mr. Modi’s deepest intentions behind this strike. Was it a cynical self-serving posture to win the elections, or genuine patriotism? Imran Khan’s plea to give peace a chance may sound sage and calming. But is it sincere? As former RAW chief, A. S.Dulat suggested, “aggressive diplomacy” (not “coercive action”) is the need of the hour.
India’s relative restraint in this extraordinary historical moment is admirable. Rational, proportionate self-defense, even if violent, should be distinguished entirely from vengeance. Where the former complies with just war theories, the latter does not. The same Gandhi, who said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,” yet endorsed violence in self-defense, if the alternative were “impotence” or weakness. India’s relative restraint should be contrasted with America’s two long lingering vengeful wars, prompted by the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001.
India’s restraint is all the more remarkable in the light of two glorious facts in the history of this ancient civilization. India has never ever conquered other nations. Most of her violence (caste system, patriarchy) has been inward. Instead, India has a long history of being conquered by foreign invaders, whom, as Swami Vivekananda pointed out, India has forgiven and assimilated. To stand up to bullies is the right of every nation. But India’s actions would have been still greater if Mr. Modi had joined hands with Mr. Khan to locate and destroy terrorist cells in Pakistan. This, perhaps, is not yet feasible.
Our prayers are with the brave pilot captured by Pakistan – Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, whose dignity, courage, and self-control before his Pakistani interrogators leave us spell bound. His statement – that the Pakistani soldiers, who rescued him from a violent mob, are “thorough gentlemen” – is remarkable, provided he was not coerced. That they served him tea should make the headlines in the western world.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Khan have the power to make history – by reconciling the two nuclear nations – through positive trade measures and cultural exchanges. At this extraordinary historical moment, led by the weak, who are flipping out in acts of violence – only the morally strong can prevail.
Yours, etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
Govt-HNLC talks
Editor,
Apropos the report, “State ready for unconditional talks with HNLC” (ST. 22 Feb, 2019) I wish to say that if the state government is really ready for the unconditional talks with HNLC as claimed by the Chief Minister, the I fail to understand what prevents it from going ahead. In fact this is the right time to immediately start the process because the HNLC has been insisting on it all along and just recently the outfit through the General Secretary has welcomed the Chief Minister’s offer for talks. The Government should demonstrate its sincerity. Whether the talks should be done through mediators or not it is up to the government but in the fitness of things, it would be better if the talks are held with the help of interlocutors.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via-Email
Every terror attack an act of war against India
Editor
The cowardly terrorist attack on our brave security forces in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir is condemnable by every citizen of India. India has never bowed before terrorism and will never do. Enough is enough. The time has now come to teach Pakistan what is called terrorism in their words and the power of unity that our country has. Right from 1971, Pakistan has been playing with fire. Thousands of Indians including soldiers have lost their lives. We can’t walk on the path of peace any longer. We need to show the world that our peace is our strength not our weakness. We should know with whom we are dealing. Even now if we go soft we will continue becoming soft targets of Pakistan. The loss of lives of terrorists is no big deal for them but the loss of lives of our brave jawans is valuable for us. How long will this game of hide and seek continue? Our Indian army is our precious jewel and we can’t afford to lose anymore soldiers. Unless we act tough they won’t change. India needs to put an end to all the terror outfits situated in their land permanently.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad