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 […]
Trump lambasted Pakistan during the recent announcement of his government’s South Asia policy. He openly blamed Pak for supporting and providing bases to terror groups operating in Afghanistan on its soil. It was holding Pak responsible for the failure of previous US policies on Afghanistan. Pak support was neither a new discovery nor did it require rocket science, it was […]
Friday 25th Aug, a black day, when the Haryana government writ collapsed in the state. It was the day, when Ram Rahim, a self-styled godman was to be sentenced for alleged rape in the Panchkula CBI courts. For a week, Lakhs of his supporters had been entering the city, jamming sidewalks and parks, creating confusion amongst residents, conveying the message […]
er trained, nor motivated nor even equipped to challenge the might of the army, hence are being eliminated rapidly. If this also has to reduce then the government needs to act. This is the time when the government machinery should have begun to regain control over the districts and towns. Interactions between elected representatives and the public, to explain government […]
As Pakistan’s interference in Kashmir rises and ceasefire violations increase, rhetoric for teaching Pak a lesson, gain ground. Even veterans on TV discussions resort to warmongering, seemingly to enable channels to enhance TRPs. The recent standoff with China at the Doklam plateau resulted in China raising the war cry. Its former Consulate General in Mumbai, Liu Youfa, stated that Indian […]
President Trump recently announced with much fanfare his new policy towards South Asia, concentrated on US commitment in Afghanistan. It was eagerly awaited and when it was finally announced, it had all ingredients which were expected, with no new surprises. The policy, which had been under debate for months, was expected in Jul, but finally released a month later. In […]
Lt Col Prasad Srikant Purohit was released on bail after nine years in custody for the Malegaon blasts of Sep 2008, which killed seven and injured over a hundred. Initial investigations led to the involvement of a hard-line pro-Hindu group, Abhinav Bharat. Subsequent investigations led to arrests of Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retired) and Lt Col Purohit, a […]
Extremism and violence is a latent quality in every individual, which remains subdued, unless ignited by an external force. This force may be an extreme belief in religion or an orator with the ability to mould his audience by the power of his speech or a violent incident which impacts the individual. The most dangerous orator is one who invokes […]
The Doklam standoff has been ongoing for almost two months. What commenced on 18th Jun, shows no signs of abating. Rhetoric continues in Chinese media almost daily, threatening India with war, with occasional comments from their defence ministry and foreign office. Indian response has remained matured, seeking a diplomatic solution, neither escalating nor threatening. Bhutan, on whose behalf India interceded […]
Doklam is a narrow plateau which lies near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China. The plateau is at the base of the Doka La, a pass China claims and is located on the watershed. The plateau is fifteen Kms from Nathu La, the border trading post between India and China. It was through this post that Indians participating in […]