This is no time for political games

UNFORTUNATELY, prudent diplomacy doesn’t appear to be the forte of our self-serving politicians, not even the stalwarts among them. Or else, the kind of conflicting statements that are emanating from various quarters pertaining to Kargil insurgency would not have been made in the first place. The way many of our selfish politicians have been trying to make political capital out of this unfortunate moment of national crisis is extremely shameful. Though he says he is with the government on the issue of Kargil/Dras the way Sharad Pawar has been lacing his statements of support with ifs and buts, makes his support half-hearted and ill-motivated. The less said about the way Mr K. Natwar Singh, who has been spewing venom at the government on this issue at this inopportune time, the better.

Undoubtedly questions have to be asked on this issue, responsibilities need to be fixed, and heads need to roll. But there has to be a right time for all this. And that time is, most certainly, Not now. After all, autopsies are not performed before death! The need of the hour is totally round to offer unqualified and unquestioning support to the government. A strong and united nation has to stand behind our soldiers who are laying down their lives in defence of our motherland.

A simultaneous thrust needs to be made through propaganda on various fronts. Let us not fail to recognise the impact and effect that a well-managed propaganda machinery can achieve. This is so evident at the daily NATO briefings, which are televised worldwide to entice world opinion in its favour.

VIVEK KHANNA
Panchkula

* * * *

Command failure

The Kargil problem has arisen due to command failure. In such cases it leads to loss of ground and normally ends up employing 10 times the force that would have otherwise been necessary.

Weather, heights and terrain are not new factors. We have not been able to read the enemy’s mind correctly. That is a command failure and is compounded by immature handling of prevailing situation in J&K by the political leaders. Pakistanis have made their intentions clear so many times in the past in their talks; at all levels, about the Kashmir problem. Our armed forces should have no doubt that J&K problem will have to be fought out, whatever else may happen at the political level or any other level. For last 10 years the Pakistanis have kept up a low-intensity war in the area. They are not going to give up. Our road from Srinagar to Leh has been under threat from Pakistan for so many months now, but no effective steps had been taken to ensure safe passage. Neither the area was reinforced by troops nor was an ultimatum given to Pakistan to stop the interference or face the consequences. It was a command failure on part of the Army with casual political leadership which couldn’t care less if the border was being violated here or anywhere else. The leadership has got so used to border violations that it does not seem to matter beyond a few statements by the Home Ministry.

It is not the time for political parties to score points on TV debates. It is time to stand by these who are fighting and laying their lives for the country and let the ministers show some respect to the dead by being present at their funerals.

Lt-Col K.S. Kalha (retd)
SAS Nagar

* * * *

Let sanity prevail

The news-item “PM clears Aziz’s visit” (May 30), may bring relief to at least the sincere citizens in India and Pakistan. Due to the existence of a long era of deception, the doubt in the minds of innocent public cannot be ruled out. Yet I feel there is no harm in treating the offer of the Pakistan Prime Minister, of mutual peace talks by the Foreign Ministers, and acceptance thereof by the Indian Prime Minister, as “positively progressive”, especially in the prevailing turbulent times at the border. However, the role of the USA in instigating the Pak forces to compel India to sign the CTBT is unfortunate.

It needs to be appreciated that neither India nor Pakistan can afford such huge expenditure on defence and continuing friction. Moreover, the genuine citizens on both sides would ever crave for brotherly relationship. The pleasant memory of bus service from New Delhi to Lahore has not faded from our minds. When the majority is craving for excellent friendly relationships, I wonder why the agenda is dictated by warmongers. Let the genuine feelings of innocent citizens prevail in the region. I feel the citizens should come forward with open and clear hearts to curb the zealots. Would we rise?

M.P.S. Chadha
Chandigarh

* * * *

Utter neglect

It is rather strange that the ex-servicemen are a neglected lot and are used for the benefit of all political parties. The government is shying away from its unfulfilled promises and has started withdrawing all facilities, which were earlier given to them.

A glaring example is that of Hony Capt Paddhuman Singh, Asian medalist in shotput and discus throw. Now a paralytic his condition is pathetic. So far he has not received any financial or medical help from the Centre or the State Government.War Jagir is still to be paid.

If at all widows are given jobs these are well below their husband’s rank and status and that too at a premium.

Reservations are not being given to the children of ex-servicemen with gallantry awards.

Bus route permits and reservation quotas are not met with or are stopped and given to men with muscle power and money.

I appeal to all ex-servicemen to get together under one banner and form a forum. They should decide to fight all the political parties, which have been plundering the country.

Major K. S. Sidhu (Retd)
Ludhiana