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'Pakistan has bled India for decades'
E-mail from readers the world over
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 14:54:03 +0530 My blood boils to know that the army jawans of our country are shedding their blood for the sake of recapturing Indian territory, while leaders try to take mileage to further their political ambitions in the name of this sacrifice. It disheartens me when cricketers are treated as the real pride of the nation for winning a cricket match, and the sacrifice of life by an army personnel is treated as part of duty. Let the armed forces make it clear to these politicians and indifferent citizens that if they let their blood flow like water for the sake of their motherland, their blood remains blood and does not becomes water. If people have sympathy for a cricketer getting hurt by a cricket ball just because 'that thing hurts', they should also feel the pain of a bullet ripping through the chest. If Tendulkar made a great sacrifice by missing out part of his father's obituary, then the sacrifice of Major Mariappan Saravanan who was to be engaged few days hence, is miles above. Last but not the least, lousy people should be made to understand that they feel secure watching a cricket match in their cosy living rooms because our jawans are guarding the frontiers in the toughest of conditions. Salute my motherland. Ajay Saboo
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Tue, 1 Jun 1999 00:31:47 +-800 It is detailed and an eye opener. More stats are required - how many are trained, the number of such camps, apart from Pak citizens who else help them, etc.
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Mon, 31 May 1999 16:04:42 -0500 Gaurav Kampani's article on the Kargil conflict makes some excellent points. In purely strategic terms, it suits Pakistan to play 'crazy' in the South Asia triangle, as the current situation shows. India cannot cross the LoC, and Pakistan can blithely claim no link to the terrorists holed up in the mountains. The real question is -- does this serve the purpose of the US? Does this finally give the US the big stick to beat both India and Pakistan to paint them as unreliable nuclear powers -- and push really hard to put the nuclear genie back in the bottle? Unlikely -- since Pakistan will hurt first when the US throws everything in the sanctions book at India and Pakistan. Therefore, there is nothing really the US can do but watch from the sidelines. Hence, this year India will clear out the Kargil area at a huge cost -- only to face the same situation next year. At which point, the only option would be massive air strikes on the terrorist camps within Pakistan. By that time, India should have an eye in the sky with 1 to 2 metre resolution. Kampani clearly reflects the views of his paymasters when he tries to lead the readers to the conclusions that overt nuclearisation is the reason behind Pakistan's current approach. He misses the point -- I would imagine Indian military planners have factored Pakistan with a fully tested nuclear bomb (courtesy China) since 1987. The real story is that thousands of tourists made it to the Kashmir valley this summer -- and this is barely mid-season! If Indian citizens continue to pour into the valley for the rest of the summer, India has won the game!
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Mon, 31 May 1999 17:27:24 EDT Commander Parasnis's article is excellent. True, BJP leaders are more Gandhian than Gandhi himself. However, his arguments hold no water. Lal Bahadur was living in a different era. The current situation does not warrant old solutions. Do you think everyone will keep quiet on Parasnis's suggestions? I don't blame the government for going slow. Or making its strategy transparent. The PM and George did well in telling the world in advance what India was going to do. In modern times you cannot fight a war in isolation or secrecy. Good that WC Parasnis is not in charge now!
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Mon, 31 May 1999 21:32:25 PDT I cannot agree with Anil Nair's logic of Simla II, mainly because our economy sure does not permit us at this stage to even wage a small scale war leave alone attack Pakistan. Only now have we succeeded in making the world realise that the support for the militants is from Pakistan. If you think of a war now, it would be suicidal from our point of view. Let me make one thing clear Mr Anil Nair, it takes a lot of effort and courage to follow a peaceful process than go out to war.
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Tue, 1 Jun 1999 10:56:45 -0400 Bring in the Gurkhas -- they excel in this terrain!!
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Tue, 01 Jun 1999 12:25:41 -0700 It is rightly explained by the author that it is going to be a long haul. India has the disadvantage of tough terrain and height, but it has the advantage of diplomacy. It is a well known fact that those infiltrators are not the inhabitants of Kargil, Drass, so the action without any mercy is fully justified. Secondly, Pakistan's role is very much exposed and everyone knows that Stinger missiles don't grow on the trees of Kargil. This whole situation is a challenge to the Indian Armed forces and its leadership, to act decisively and evacuate them, by whatever means. Whatever the aim of the Pakistani forces, we have our aims too, and should use this opportunity to learn and may be act in a way to come at an advantageous position for the future course. It is history that Pakistan will try something or the other in the near future, and the Indian armed forces should use this opportunity to have a decisive strategic advantage in Pakistan's future misadventures. Sanjay
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Tue, 1 Jun 1999 13:51:18 -0700 I am utterly shocked by Mr Fernandes's public statements. I fail to understand why he's making statements that contradict his party members and the prime minister. He should first consult his party before blurting away. He is showing to the whole world the weakness of his party's unity.
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 10:59:30 +0900 I work in Japan and am closely following your articles on Kargil. What the Indian administration is doing is utter foolishness. When Pakistan is trying to internationalise anything said by an Indian diplomat, why can't they do the same? This leads international observers to think that India is bluffing. Even I am led to think that Ahuja was not shot twice. Where are the pictures? I have not seen them in any magazine, Indian or international. When are these diplomats going to realise this, even the BJP? I thought this is the only party which seems to be aggressive and outright in its policies, at least in foreign affairs. Why should our soldiers lose their lives? Why can't we use napalm or cluster bombs, whatever cost they may be? I don't think they will be costlier than the money lost in the fodder scam. Hope everything is solved ASAP, without much loss of Indian lives.
Thiruppathi
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 07:48:54 +0530 The incoherence, the Tower of Babel, from the GOI is appalling. The same thing happened after Pokhran II. The prime minister should have addressed the nation on television to explain the compulsions that led to Pokhran II. And he most certainly needs to speak to the nation on what is happening in Kargil. Once the PM has set forth the big and small picture, he must ensure that all his ministers adhere to the content, tone and tenor of what he has said. Just look at how well US presidents communicate. Television is a powerful medium of communication. The Indian PM is a powerful orator, good with words. He must talk to the nation; he owes it to the country.
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Tue, 1 Jun 1999 23:01:32 EDT Wrong report at the wrong time. The media, reporters and Opposition parties who want to be back seat drivers need to be sent to the front line. It is sad that even Rediff is writing such a report at a time when the country is facing a significant challenge. The report reflects the views of people who show no respect for the men dying to protect their comfortable lives. These writers, media owners and politicians are the most selfish breed of individuals. At a time when they should support the actions of the government and the armed forces, they in their attempts to twist public opinion are forgetting their very own duty. There is always a right time to say something, especially if you don't have something good to say you should keep quiet. Parties and individuals who want to points fingers, raise irrelevant issues at a time of crisis do more harm than benefit. These individuals should learn to show restraint and put forward their views when the time is right.
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 12:09:56 +0400 In her autobiography Daughter of Destiny Benazir Bhutto had commented -- "India is a tiger in the battle field but a lamb over the negotiation table." We should never allow soft liners to do the talking with Pakistan across the table. Sumo
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 19:25:10 +0900 Seeing the behaviour of our friendly neighbour, it's sad to see even then our minister is prepared to see their foreign minister. It's a sign of weakness. Shouldn't the Union ministers give more than an ear to the army personnels before taking any false steps. Who are the ones that are sweating it out in those hazardous conditions? History has shown us our mistakes, so as intelligent beings shouldn't we learn a lesson. Is there anything more required for us to believe in their neighbourly intentions. It's sad and brings tears to see our soldiers fighting so bravely in hazardous conditions without a thought to their own lives. Before committing to anything, the leaders should give a thought to those who laid down their lives. Nothing will bring them back but by their great sacrifice which shouldn't go futile, we will fulfill their goals that fate prohibited them to do. Wipe the intruders. An Indian in Japan
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 16:05:12 +0530 Very good. Please write more such objective pieces. Also take care not to demoralise our army and air force. Our best wishes and good luck to all our men fighting there. We hope and pray that no more casualties are suffered on the Indian side.
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 06:37:01 -0400 We want more truthful reports like these. Paste them on hoardings and billboards and blast the politicians who are hiding the truth from the citizens . Shekhar Saptarshi
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 14:53:55 +0300 After going through all your articles regarding Kargil (including the recent article by Chindu Sreedharan "The going is tough in Kargil") as also those articles/editorials on Kargil published by national newspapers especially Indian Express, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The Times of India, I have come to the conclusion that media persons are the main problem of India. Their reports are always biased, knee-jerk and emotional. This attitude is not only related to the Kargil episode, but take for example the media reports after the loss of the Indian cricket team against S A and Zimbabwe in WC99. And their immediate reaction after India reached the Super Six. The same press who complain that politicians are making contradictory statements are themselves doing the same. I am certain the same media persons are going to lash out at the Indian team because they are not going to qualify for the semi-finals in WC99 (Yes I am 100% sure). Media persons should be much more mature and responsible as they are one of the pillars of democracy. If they know and understand what it means. One may argue probably that difference of opinions is natural for a democracy, but then we cannot have such a varying degree of opinions in each and every issue our nation faces. Instead of taking sides like a third rate politician, the media should think objectively and not write because of emotional reasons. On the Kargil issue, why is nobody questioning the Congress which has been ruling the country for most of these years regarding the Pakistan policy? How come Pakistan was able to acquire nuke weapons from China even though the Congress, especially Natwar Singh and co had engaged themselves in excellent diplomacy with China during their years in power? Why isn't the media not grilling the other culprits in this episode? Blaming the Indian defence, intelligence etc is not going to help. They are the only one in this country who do their duty in times of peace too. Instead of encouraging them, questions like why the IAF lost two jets, jawans etc seems ridiculous. These people have dedicated themselves to the country. India can improve if and only if the press behaves responsibly and doesn't take sides based on religion, caste and party. Sundar
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 13:01:39 +0200 It is really sad the world's largest democracy and the world's most powerful democracy have such relations that they need to improve. What is the problem with the US administration? However imperfect it maybe as per Western standards, India is a democracy whereas China is a communist and Pakistan -- a military dictatorship, notwithstanding Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharief. Or is that the world can only respect brute strength and not what is correct. Has Gandhiji failed as we will have to be stronger economically, militarily, politically before the world listens to us? R D Kamath
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 07:14:02 EDT Seema Sirohi seems to be less charitable towards the BJP. Never during the Congress rule has the West supported India. The Kashmir problem is, in a way, a result of grave bunglings from Congress leaders -- from Nehru to Indira Gandhi. Now Jaswant Singh has handled the Indian diplomatic efforts when he was on a foreign tour. The French have openly agreed with India, not only on Kargil, but also on the perception about the Yugoslav war. Not to acknowledge that effort is unfair.
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 17:52:50 +300500 The interview with the minister was really good. It is nice to know that the minister himself is on the spot and helping people. This is a good step taken by the CM of Jammu and Kashmir in keeping the morale of people high. I hope Kargil is not shifted and the Indian army can remove the intruders. Vijay
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 11:24:10 -0500 Please continue covering stories on Nachiketa. He is my first cousin. I am relying heavily on reports on the Internet as I live in Dallas, Tx. Thanks once again. It has been a rather trying time for us mixed with pride. Madhu
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 12:37:34 -0400 I disagree with Anil Nair's conclusion in "It is time now for Simla II" that Kashmir should be offered independence. Only India can guarantee full human rights, secular government, and prosperity to all Kashmiris. India must not alter the status quo for another two decades at which time it will be economically and militarily much stronger than now. Hopefully, by that time, Islamic fundamentalism would have failed as communism has failed now. It is also possible that in two decades the Pakistani state will fall apart as the Soviet Union has. Meanwhile, India should work towards a European Union like community in the Indian subcontinent.
Murali Subbarao
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 11:03:34 -0700 (PDT) If it is okay to "give up some peaks" to save lives (assuming that the aim of terrorists is not to kill but just grab land), what makes it different in the case of Ayodhya? Why not give up that tonne of bricks to the Hindu fundamentalists and "save many lives"? In both cases, we have religious fundamentalists against the system. If you support the fundamentalists in one case, why not in the other? Are you driven by hatred for the Hindus? Or do you want to get labelled an "intellectual" by giving some convoluted logic hoping that the people who read it are fools not to see through the flawed logic? I understand that many left leaning people suffer from inferiority complex and resort to this tactic and want to be known as "intellectuals". I hope you aren't one of them. Arvind
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Wed, 02 Jun 1999 16:10:19 PDT Mr George Fernandes, I am a common man, not really interested in the dirty politics of our leaders. When it came to voting, I have always been a Congressman. But after Vajpayee's government was installed and against all odds he took bold steps for the country's security, I then saw the economy survive amidst the global economic slowdown and changed my mind. I was really concerned for the Vajpayee government because there is a man like you who talks irresponsibly all the time and gets into controversies. Your irresponsible statements are definitely going to harm the country. You have even given a clean chit to Pakistan government. Now one fine morning you start talking about a safe passage to the infiltrators. Because of you the BJP is going to lose. At heart I want Vajpayee, but now I feel it's better to have Sonia or any Congressman who at least does think about army men. Are you aware that we have men sacrificing their lives in Kargil? You happen to just sit in office and have aerial views. Talk to those who have lost their loved ones. How can you think of giving safe passage to those intruders in Kargil. Had you uttered that our army is going to kill all infiltrators. That would have meant a homage to all those who lost their lives. Don't allow the intruders to go scot-free. All Pakistani infiltrators should be captured or killed. Otherwise anybody can come in, create havoc and Mr Fernandes will let them go. Subodh
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Wed, 2 Jun 1999 20:18:21 EDT
1. "Pak govt and ISI are good, Pak Army is bad" -- George Fernandes.
Why is our government behaving in such a manner? Where are our cries for revenge? Why are we accepting the death of our soldiers as if only a chicken has died? Why are we content just by the thought of pushing the infiltrators back? Why does nobody want to take care of the root cause of this problem, the terrorist training camps in Pakistan? The Lahore Declaration has already repeated the "Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai" fiasco. Does it really matter whether Indian people and Indian jawans are killed by Pak army bombs, or ISI terrorist bombs? Does the government have any coherent policy to utilise the sacrifices of our soldiers so that this situation is not repeated again? Who speaks for India? Why is there no discipline? Why is there no strategy to deal with the situation? Why the great intelligence failure of this magnitude? I am very upset by the fact that the Indian government does not seem to know what it is doing. If you want friendship with Pakistan, the LEAST you should do is to follow Reagan's dictum -- "Trust, but Verify". Why did our security agencies let go of the Verify part after the Lahore Declaration was signed? Pakistan has bled India for decades now. We have stoically, nay FOOLISHLY, suffered without even hinting at retaliation. For India's long-term security and survival, it must develop a sense of revenge. It must not be content just by pushing out invaders. It must not be happy by simply maintaining or re-estanblishing the status quo ante. It must not fight on its land, sacrificing its own people and property. The fight needs to be taken to the enemy. Our governments needlessly worry about international opinion. If a nation, in spite of being in the right, cannot act strongly for its own defence, it does not have any future. If India wants to survive and prosper, it better develop an aggressive mindset, and an all-encompassing and proactive security policy.
Mukund Kher
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