Doklam and beyond Amar Ujala (Hindi) 03 Sep 17
The Doklam standoff is finally over. Media on both sides will claim victory for their nation, stating national objectives have been achieved. In reality, it has been success of diplomacy and a mature approach to resolving contentious border issues. In logical terms, it has been a win-win for all nations involved.
India and Bhutan were only seeking status quo. The road, if constructed, would have enhanced vulnerabilities for both, as also cemented Chinese claims to the area, making any future talks irrelevant. There was no ego involved, even if India withdrew first, after all the territory was disputed between Bhutan and China.
For China, they have controlled and patrolled the area and would continue to do so, until a solution is arrived at in talks between Bhutan and them. The only loss for them has been the decision of not constructing the road. The road if even constructed away from its present alignment may not have faced any major objections, as it would not have threatened the security of both nations.
The issue was too small for a prolonged standoff and worsening of relations, including threats of war, especially as the nations have closely interlinked economies and face greater challenges. Credit should go to the perseverance and maturity of both governments, which quietly negotiated a settlement, despite media glare and pressures, which have been face and ego saving.
The commencement of the standoff, which was a physical scuffle, videos of which were released in the public domain, was the first of its kind. Recently was the release of another video, of an incident near the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. This incident though shorter was more violent than Doklam, where in addition to pushing and jostling, was the use of stones and sticks, by soldiers of both sides, causing minor injuries. Both nations blamed the other for commencing the violence and trespassing into disputed territory.
Ladakh has witnessed regular standoffs over the years. In most cases, troops of both nations set up camp, hold placards and banners, demanding withdrawal of the other. Standoffs have generally occurred in Daulat Beg Oldi, Depsang Bulge and around the Pangong Lake. Military sources state that normally six to seven minor incidents occur each month. None of the incidents generally involve physical contact or violence. Some standoffs have even extended to a few weeks.
Presently, peaceful standoffs are moving towards more aggressive ones, though short of firing, but enhancing border tensions. Doklam has changed the manner in which the two nations would handle border disputes in the future. There would have been jostling in encounters earlier too, however, there was no public release of videos of the incident, nor were they overplayed in media circles.
Physical contact was generally avoided, however, everything changed with Doklam. Is this the future and what needs to be done to ensure that peace and tranquillity remains in place, despite incidents in some sectors.
Earlier, there was mutual respect by soldiers on both sides, where they displayed placards and banners claiming it was their territory, insisting on the other to withdraw. One side set up a barricade, both moved a respectable distance and held their ground. Tents were pitched and troops camped. Though standoffs continued, however, remained peaceful with troops on both sides maintaining distance and avoiding personal contact.
These were invariably followed by Border Post Meetings (BPMs) at appropriate levels, where disputes were amicably settled and troops withdrew, generally simultaneously. There are also regular movement of patrols upto respective claim lines, where they would leave tell-tale marks to indicate their presence, prior to withdrawing back into own territory. These tell-tale marks included repainting border pillars in national colours, discarding used packets of food items, locally manufactured products to indicate presence of force and at times even old uniforms. Post Doklam, solely due to differing perceptions, Indian calls for BPMs were refused by China. To further show its anger, traditional BPMs held on 01 Aug, Chinese PLA day and 15 Aug, Indian Independence Day, were not held.
A border which has witnessed no aggressive action, solely other than seeking to indicate claim lines, by generally peaceful means is now becoming active, with physical violence on both sides becoming the order of the day. Many China watchers would still view these two incidents as isolated, claiming Chinese display of hegemony, however, it needs to be addressed prior to it becoming the norm. Violence levels can escalate without warning, leading to embarrassment to governments, hence need to be curtailed.
The problem with escalation is that one mistake during violent standoffs, leading to a fatality, can make border tensions flare up to undesirable levels. Therefore, it becomes essential for military commanders on both sides to pass clear directions to their troops to maintain peace and tranquillity, alongside firmness and politeness. While India continues to state that it has no offensive designs, however, pushing by China can always alter status quo and convert peaceful protests into violent ones.
Media attention on both sides of the border, places governments in awkward situations. Neither can be seen to be backing down, without stating its position clearly and ensuring that its concerns are met. Doklam has proved the impact of media in moulding government reactions. While Indian reactions have remained muted, Chinese rhetoric has been continuous. Such intense media glare, especially when the border has numerous contentious points and has yet to be demarcated, can impact government actions.
The escalation in standoffs is clearly a warning to both nations to seek measures to restore confidence in diplomacy and speed up border talks. While both nations remain firm in their beliefs on respective claim lines, however, talks to curtail standoffs and limit patrolling would move a long way in rebuilding confidence. Doklam has proved to the Indian soldier that the days of 1962 are well past and the nation is prepared to counter Chinese hegemony.
Peace and tranquillity must remain along the border and talks should be a continuous process. Senior military leaders on both sides should pass directions to forces to avoid physical contact and restore confidence between respective forces. Neither desires a standoff to escalate to levels resulting in diplomatic embarrassment, making peaceful resolution difficult.
Modi travels to Beijing for the BRICS summit in the coming days. Re-establishing peace and understanding along the border, rebuilding trust and avoiding violence, must be on the agenda in talks between the two leaders. The border has generally witnessed peace and tranquillity, despite differences in perception on the definition of the border for four decades and it should continue. Violent standoffs should be brushed under the carpet.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army