Freedom Under Threat

Located at the southern-most corner of the Asian continent is a country known for its diverse culture, an elaborate Constitution and friendly residents, a.k.a India. Almost as diverse are the countries that border India, fondly called ‘neighbours’. On the west side lies Pakistan – a land which burns under the terrorist groups it unwillingly(or maybe willingly) hosts and dares to desire Kashmir – the northern-most Indian state it shares borders with. On the east lies China – a country known for its copies of anything and everything that ever enters the electronic market. In recent times, neighbours Pakistan and China have become major cause of distress for India.

The year 2013 has so far been a year of tragedy and loss for the country. Earlier this year, Indo-Pak border of Kashmir came under fire following the trespassing and beheading of an Indian soldier by Pakistani counterparts. Two incidents of ambush and cross-border firing were registered in subsequent weeks in August itself, which ended up in tragic death of five Indian soldiers and one injured in separate incidents. Condition at borders continues to remain cold despite the many peace talk and treaties between the two nations.

Yet another violation comes from the other neighbour, China.  According to a latest article by a notable personality, India’s bordering states are threatened by attacks from China in the near future. The country eyes the snow-clad peaks of Ladakh along Indo-China borders. The article highlights May and June of 2014 as the most vulnerable period of attacks. This notion is supported by the following facts: 

• 2014 is of political importance as general elections are due this year, especially the months of May and June. Past incidents indicate that countries are vulnerable to foreign attacks during the election period. The reason is that the election process shifts the focus of security forces more towards securing polling booths as compared to borders. This is the much needed distraction expected by infiltrators.
• Another fact that stands in support is the ageing of various military equipment such as fighter planes and ships. India’s planes are as old as 40 years and need replacement. They are to retire in 2014 but new planes will take longer to come.
• Adding more to our woes are the hilly and stormed terrains of Indo-China border. There are two major points along the border. In case of emergency, the least expected time Indian forces will take to reach these points are 13 hrs and 5 days (approx) respectively, while the Chinese can make it there in about 3-6 hours!
• The Indo-China relations have hit a new low since the recent events of trespassing and stealing security camera by Chinese soldiers have come to light. It clearly shows that things are going downhill and chances of war are likely.

Indian military experts have been continually warning the government of the conditions at the border, bu it appears that either the government is turning a deaf ear or it is sidelining the matter in view of election campaign.

The experts suggest the following preventive measures:

• The experts advice the government to strengthen its infrastructure along the border as soon as possible. The roads to border are nothing but rocky paths, and the conditions have been such since 1962. Comparing the conditions of India and China during 1962 and now, the article says that though Indians have come a long way, the development is insufficient compared to its peer. India lacks an air force base along the disputed border. On the other hand, China has constructed eight main air force bases along major areas of border, with 14 other small bases, ready to be used for war. Definitely an Infrastructural Revolution is called for India.
• Although our planes are wearing out, there are some very good fighter planes with us which, if used wisely, can turn the winds to our favour.

India celebrates its 66^th Independence Day while war looms in the vicinity, and memories of those dreaded times of 1947 cross my mind, fresh and live. I have immense faith in my people. If and when the time comes, we shall fight together yet again to protect our glory and all that matters. Meanwhile, I pray for peace and strength...Amen.