Editor,
We were just basking in the laurels of the WHO’s praises of the state’s handling of the Covid crisis and all that has sadly come to naught. Once again the double standards of the powers that be have led to the present sorry state of affairs in our city. The state is already in a flurry due to the rising tally of Covid positive patients because of the returnees. However, abuse of power and manipulation of privileges have put our city once again in a tizzy and citizens are in panic mode and nervously awaiting a lockdown call again.
The marriage party that was supposed to use the said passes for medical emergencies and for any death of loved ones took their privilege too far and instead, are now endangering the lives of many. When movement within the state and the city is monitored with a vengeance, how is it that this particular group escaped the long arm of the law is the question that is on our minds. We can only hope that the scenario doesn’t deteriorate and the poor and marginalized of our society do not suffer. For in the end, it’s they who bear the brunt of the powers at play. Are those responsible listening?
Yours etc.,
Angela Lyngdoh
Shillong-14
The India-China tangle
Editor,
India and China agreed that both sides should complete the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) expeditiously. In the first sign of de-escalation of tension, the Chinese army removed tents, vehicles and started to withdraw its troops from the Galwan Valley as decided during high level talks between the two militaries. The Chinese troops started withdrawing from the Galwan Valley hours after national security adviser Ajit Doval spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. However, the retreat is yet to be verified on the ground by the Indian military. Three meetings at the Corps Commander- level have taken place so far to discuss issues related to disengagement at the friction sites along the LAC and de-escalation from the border areas. More meetings are expected both at the military and at the diplomatic level in future to reach mutually agreeable solution and to ensure peace and tranquillity along the LAC.
We can only guess what might have prompted China to remove vehicles, tents and withdraw its troops from the Galwan Valley. There are many reasons for this, apart from the high level talks. By attempting to change status quo at the LAC in Ladakh through military moves, China has alienated itself more than ever before in the international circuit. Beijing’s quick response to Modi’s “the age of expansionism is over” is a clear indication that China has received the message loud and clear. Beijing was quick to respond and it warned India against making any strategic miscalculations in its China policy. In China’s view, India needed to be shown ‘China’s’ might just as in 1962. So it planned and executed a localised hit on India. But India’s response has not been along expected lines. Indian soldiers retaliated and paid China back in the same coin. This incident sapped the morale of Chinese soldiers. China realised that the present India is entirely different from the one it took on in 1962. It saw a determination from the Indian side to physically and militarily resist all Chinese incursion along the LAC.
Though there are negotiations involving military and civilian officials on both sides, India is not disinclined to military deterrence. Modi extended the battle to the economic front by banning Chinese apps and placing restrictions on Chinese investments in India. Further, India has been taking steps to mobilise international opinion. This is to ensure that Chinese aggression along the LAC is linked to the larger disquiet over the new China dominated global order.
The Chinese have learned the art of “grab first and negotiate”. But before the negotiation it creates a situation of hopelessness for the adversary so that it is left with no option but to submit to the Chinese terms. However, China failed to do it this time and it is irritated by India’s firmness and resolve. China believed that the PLA could bully the Indian military with its aggressive behaviour. But India today is different from the one in 1962. If India succumbs to pressure, Ladakh will be lost in the near future to a joint Sino-Pak offensive. Eviction is imperative for India to hold off both China and Pakistan from developing a crushing pincer on Ladakh and Siachen. China came with the plan of teaching India a lesson but it met its waterloo at Galwan. It has lost face both domestically and globally. This might have compelled China to withdraw the forces, though after a delay.
India wants to solve all disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations but it would resist any attempt to challenge its sovereignty. India wants China to honour various border agreements signed by it to maintain peace and tranquility. However, if China wants war, India will not relent. For inspiration, India must look at countries like Vietnam or Israel. They are not bullied and challenged by other countries because of their armies’ resilience. It is likely that India will cement its new friendships including with the European Union and the US. India needs all the friends it can get if it wants to confront China on a sustained basis.
Yours etc.,
Venu G S
Via email
Why can people not ask questions?
Editor,
In a major political incident in Madhya Pradesh, a woman who took a potshot at minister Tulsi Silawat and his leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on the farm loan issue, was being attacked on social media reportedly by the minister’s supporters. The police also asked the woman, “Who are you to ask the questions?” Seven decades of democracy has passed, but the electors cannot ask questions to their representatives. Politicians postulate that they work for the people of the country, but in reality, they try to avoid public questions. Politicians could secure democratic values, if they accept public concerns gravely and work for the public, not for personal interest.
Yours etc.,
Amit Singh Kushwaha,
Satna (M.P.)
Unfair statement
Editor,
While agreeing with the rest of the statements by RG Lyngdoh on the Lawsohtun assault, his remark, “It appears that the non-tribals prefer to live with the victimhood syndrome; to retreat inside their cocoons and hit back only when such incidents such as the one on Friday happen, rather than work assiduously at addressing the reasons for the breakdown of human relations,” is not entirely correct.
Firstly, there is no breakdown in human relations. Mixed groups are common.Secondly, non-tribals are not residing in cocoons. An example can be seen during the ongoing Covid-19 problem where several non-tribal organisations such as the Gurdwara, Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram, linguistic organisations like the Marwari, Bengali, Bihari associations distributed, and are continuing to distribute food, rations and essentials to all, irrespective of ethnicity. They have also gone to interior villages for the relief of the poor villagers. There is no trace of our molly-coddled NGOs who retreat inside their cocoons and hit back only when there is a chance to harass non-tribals. Another example is during non-tribal festivals, we are called to participate in, such as in drum-beating competitions etc.
The problem here is non-prosecution of criminals, even if caught. A phone call and he is free to carry on with his nefarious activities.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request