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South and Central Asia: Issues of Peace and Development THE Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID) has been doing commendable work since 1982 on studies relevant to development of regional cooperation and peace in South and Central Asia. In this connection, a seminar was held in March 2009 which dealt with the development, peace and security issues relating to South and Central Asia. This book is the result of the deliberations in that seminar. The quest for cooperative development, peace and security should be seen in a wider context, for developments in any country affect neighbouring countries as well. However, the book contends that cooperative development leads to a peace dividend and, therefore, should be planned for.
The book contains 12 useful articles by eminent experts from various countries of South and Central Asia which deal with wide ranging issues. Tariq Karim’s Rethinking Regional Cooperation in South Asia particularly addresses issues of cooperation and development in Bangladesh, Bhutan, North-East India and Nepal sub-region. He recommends changing the paradigm regarding development from the regional framework to what he terms as integrated sub-regional development. He has in fact suggested that for better development of the SAARC region, this region should notionally subdivided into three sub-regions, one the South Asian subcontinent, eastern flank embracing Bangaldesh, Bhutan, North Eastern India, including West Bengal and Nepal, a middle zone consisting of Southern India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives and a Western sub-region comprising west and north-western India, Pakistan and Afghanistan for region-based development. This innovative proposal means India as such being considered as composed of three parts for purpose of better development of SAARC. It is a matter of opinion whether any government of India or its citizens would agree to such a proposal in the present scenario. C.M. Shafi Sami while agreeing with the above proposal has emphasised a slightly different approach to regional cooperation by stressing the restoration of mutual trust amongst SAARC countries with bilateral disputes, which seems to be a more logical and pragmatic approach. He aptly summarises that one may occasionally fail in the negotiations, but one should never fail to negotiate. Lopunda Bandopadhyay and Suddhir Naskar in their article on Al-Qaeda’s infiltration in Central Asia from the late 1970s onwards have logically discussed the reasons for Al-Qaeda’s interests in the region, its pursuits and how its actions have affected the political situation and internal security in the countries concerned. Bainazarova Elnara elaborating on the above theme of internal security has correctly remarked that illegal migration is one of the major non-traditional security challenges faced by Asia. She has suggested useful measures to tackle illegal migration. Raza Ailelieva has also elaborated on enhancing security in Central Asia, which is essential for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to fight terrorism and separatism in the region, particularly Krgystan’s interest infighting terrorism. P.J. Jacob in Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean has remarked that maritime security in the Indian Ocean can create better climate in the political and economic spheres, which could be a solution to the problems of South Asian countries. Paramjit Sahai has contributed a thoughtful paper on the Media’s role as an image builder, as images impact the conduct of human relations as well as domestic and foreign policy. Saleem and Arjuna in their paper have emphasised that satisfied citizens prefer democracy as has happened in Sri Lanka. Elaborating the above theme, Dalem Chandra Barman has stated that democracy and development are indeed complementary in which women can also play useful role. He regrets that in Bangladesh, women are less privileged and lag behind men. Rural Tareak rather highlights the discontent in Uzbekistan due to the neglect of agriculture, healthcare and education, which has affected its development. Nepal is strategically important country for India and Indra Nath Mukhbirji deals with Indo-Nepal relations, which need to be improved in the interests of both the countries. He has particularly emphasised on building confidence between the two countries by deepening trade and investment linkages as both the countries have deep-rooted historical, cultural and geographical ties. He has emphasised the close linkage between security and economy. Cauvery Ganapathy and Sayantani Sen have written an insightful paper on Talibanisation keeping in view the present scenario in South Asia. They deal with Afghanistan, Pakistan and India in particular, which are mainly affected by Talibanisation. The book is a useful compilation form eminent experts, with alternative approaches being stressed, which should be of great value to those interested in this vital sector.
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While South Asia has
some of the most densely populated countries in the world which are
developing industrially, Central Asia has some of the sparsely
populated areas. However, the countries of Central Asia posses mineral
wealth, especially gas and oil, which are required by the
industrially-focused countries of South Asia. These regions and
countries can be complimentary to each other in multiple fields. But
barriers such as serious transportation links and lack of trust
amongst the countries need to be overcome before a meaningful
interaction fructify.