I. How do you assess India’s level of preparedness to assume a greater role in international politics?
Let me make a general remark about historically what great powers do. Good great powers are seen as custodians of an international system from which they benefit. So they are interested in global commerce, security, and more recently, the environment. Bad great powers suffer from the strategic entrepreneurship of misguided leaders who have eccentric ideologies. Indifferent great powers suffer from strategic arthritis. Their leaders’ well-meaning attitude makes them reluctant to advance either principles or interest in international affairs.
I am sure India would be a unique great power. But India will need to develop a certain idea of what it wants to do in international affairs. At present it remains, at the highest level of formality, committed to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). But in practice it is interested in multiple alignments. It has a foreign policy that sees it want to maintain very good links with a number of different societies, cultures, countries, and people. At present the Indian leadership is interested in progressing, deepening, and managing those multiple alignments outside of its neighborhood. And yet it would not be easy to deal with a neighborhood like the one you find yourself in and at the same time conduct an extrovert foreign policy. The Indian leadership is now caught between the requirement of its neighbourhood and the ambition of being seen as a global player.
II. How do you see India’s relation with China working out in the future while it tries to project itself as a military power in the region?
Both India and China are investing substantially in defence. China more spectacularly so — 18 per cent (of GDP), by its own admission, last year. China wants to have capacities that will take it outside of its own region. India is doing the same. One sees in India’s defence diplomacy real activism towards two areas where it had little engagement before — South East Asia, where there is a great deal of interest in helping in the security of Malacca Strait; and the Persian Gulf, where India has large and expanding economic interests and where the security of Hormuz could affect its interests. It’s an objective fact that when you have three Asian powers rising at the same time, there will be competition. It will not be a competition that any of the three powers will want openly to talk about, because the nature of Asian diplomacy doesn’t permit that. But you have Japan wanting to be a more normal power. You have China wanting to be a global power and India wanting this role, too. Other countries in Asia will be playing these countries off against each other. The invitation to India to join the East Asia summit came from ASEAN states that wanted to have a diplomatic balance to Chinese presence at the summit. So it’s not only the case that India and China have border disputes and parallel ambitions but also that other regional countries perceive that and conduct their diplomacy with that perception.
Dr John Chipman, D G & Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies
Indian Express 20 April 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sikhs in other parts of the country began to feel safe, because of the Relationship with BJP Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister of Punjab
•At the Centre, there is always a fear associated with Punjab — that of Sikh politics. A tag of separatism has been attached to it.
Sikhs can’t be separatists. In our very roots, even in our prayers, we think of the whole world as a place for the entire humanity, not just this country. These are all baseless fears that the Centre comes up with to taint us.
•So, there was never a separatist mood here?
No, there wasn’t. Even when the country was partitioned, there was an offer from Jinnah, but as true patriots the Sikhs chose to stay in India.
•Tell me about your experience with the BJP leaders when you were in jail. It seems to have bridged the gap between Hindu and Sikh politics.
Yes, the divide narrowed down. The relationship with the BJP was not for a specific purpose. It was natural and Sikhs in other parts of the country also began to feel safe. They were confident that a major political party in the country was with them. This was a positive development, because earlier, they used to feel isolated.
•Why do the Sikhs distrust the Congress?
Because immediately after the country became independent, the Congress gave us step-motherly treatment or rather, deceived us. Nehru made several promises to the Sikhs. As a reminder to these promises, Master Tara Singh held a conference in Delhi and was arrested there. When Punjab became a linguistic state, they deceived us yet again. It was they who wanted to make linguistic states. The strongest case was that of Punjab. They didn’t agree to it and there was agitation and finally, we became a linguistic state. But we were betrayed. Chandigarh was not given to us; it was with its parent state and then made into a Union Territory.
•Was the Congress also responsible for the Bhindranwale phenomenon?
If the Congress had handled things properly, everything would have been fine. They have only one theory in Punjab politics — to create friction between the Hindus and the Sikhs. This has been their strategy since the very beginning and this is how they have hurt Punjab. We had always wanted Hindus and Sikhs to live peacefully, not for political gains but because everyone likes a harmonious atmosphere.
•And then you say that people developed a hatred for terrorism. How did that happen?
People started reporting about militants. They realised that it would not benefit them and now there is hardly anyone who supports militancy. Mann might call himself a champion and a good friend of the Congress, but he only got 1,300 votes. And the Congress policy of always pitting an Akali Dal rebel against the main Akali Dal to weaken it has been their biggest mistake.
"Because the people of Punjab couldn't get justice from the Congress, they thought AK-47s could help them get that. They were influenced, but gradually that influence waned off"
Indian Express- 30th June 2008
Sikhs can’t be separatists. In our very roots, even in our prayers, we think of the whole world as a place for the entire humanity, not just this country. These are all baseless fears that the Centre comes up with to taint us.
•So, there was never a separatist mood here?
No, there wasn’t. Even when the country was partitioned, there was an offer from Jinnah, but as true patriots the Sikhs chose to stay in India.
•Tell me about your experience with the BJP leaders when you were in jail. It seems to have bridged the gap between Hindu and Sikh politics.
Yes, the divide narrowed down. The relationship with the BJP was not for a specific purpose. It was natural and Sikhs in other parts of the country also began to feel safe. They were confident that a major political party in the country was with them. This was a positive development, because earlier, they used to feel isolated.
•Why do the Sikhs distrust the Congress?
Because immediately after the country became independent, the Congress gave us step-motherly treatment or rather, deceived us. Nehru made several promises to the Sikhs. As a reminder to these promises, Master Tara Singh held a conference in Delhi and was arrested there. When Punjab became a linguistic state, they deceived us yet again. It was they who wanted to make linguistic states. The strongest case was that of Punjab. They didn’t agree to it and there was agitation and finally, we became a linguistic state. But we were betrayed. Chandigarh was not given to us; it was with its parent state and then made into a Union Territory.
•Was the Congress also responsible for the Bhindranwale phenomenon?
If the Congress had handled things properly, everything would have been fine. They have only one theory in Punjab politics — to create friction between the Hindus and the Sikhs. This has been their strategy since the very beginning and this is how they have hurt Punjab. We had always wanted Hindus and Sikhs to live peacefully, not for political gains but because everyone likes a harmonious atmosphere.
•And then you say that people developed a hatred for terrorism. How did that happen?
People started reporting about militants. They realised that it would not benefit them and now there is hardly anyone who supports militancy. Mann might call himself a champion and a good friend of the Congress, but he only got 1,300 votes. And the Congress policy of always pitting an Akali Dal rebel against the main Akali Dal to weaken it has been their biggest mistake.
"Because the people of Punjab couldn't get justice from the Congress, they thought AK-47s could help them get that. They were influenced, but gradually that influence waned off"
Indian Express- 30th June 2008
Significance of the Amarnath yatra
Jagmohan
The controversy surrounding the Amarnath yatra is unwarranted. The forest land which had been allotted to the Amarnath shrine board was for a specific purpose — providing basic amenities and temporary shelter to the yatris in pre-fabricated structures. Heavy rains and sudden hostility of nature are not unusual in this area. It may be recalled that 256 persons lost their lives in a snow storm during the yatra in 1996. Of all the Indian pilgrimages, the pilgrimage to Amarnath is considered to be the most sacred.
Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s experience, Sister Nivedita wrote: "Never had Swami felt such a spiritual exaltation. So saturated had he become with the presence of the great God that for days after he could speak of nothing else. Shiv was all in all; Shiv, the eternal one, the great monk, rapt in meditation, aloof from the world." Later on, Swami Vivekananda himself recounted: "I have never been to anything so beautiful, so inspiring."
The holy cave is accessible only during a short period of time every year, usually during the months of July and August. At that time, inside the cave, a pure white ice-lingam comes into being. Water trickles, somewhat mysteriously, in slow rhythm, from the top of the cave and freezes into ice. It first forms a solid base and then on it a lingam begins to rise, almost imperceptibly, and acquires full form on purnima. It is believed that on that day, Lord Shiv revealed the secrets of life to Parvati. It is also believed that while Lord Shiva was speaking to Parvati, a pair of pigeons overheard the talk. And this pair still comes to the cave at the time of the yatra as incarnation of Shiv and Parvati.
When some people talk of Kashmir’s relationship with the rest of India only in terms of Article 1 and Article 370 of the Constitution, I am surprised at their ignorance. They don’t know that the relationship goes deeper. It is a relationship that has existed for thousands of years in the mind and soul of the people, a relationship that India’s intellect and emotions, its life and literature, its philosophy and poetry, its common urges and aspirations, have given birth to. It is this relationship which inspired Subramania Bharati to perceive Kashmir as "a crown of Mother India, and Kanyakumari as a lotus at her feet", and also made him sing that "She has 30 crore faces, but her heart is one."
The separatists' argument that the Government is planning to settle outsiders, one the pattern of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, to change the demographic character of Jammu & Kashmir, is baseless. It is still more intriguing that mainstream political poarties, including the People's Democratic Party, the National Conference have also demanded revocation of the land transfer order RJ Khurana, Bhopal
Asian Age - 30th June 2008
Jagmohan
The controversy surrounding the Amarnath yatra is unwarranted. The forest land which had been allotted to the Amarnath shrine board was for a specific purpose — providing basic amenities and temporary shelter to the yatris in pre-fabricated structures. Heavy rains and sudden hostility of nature are not unusual in this area. It may be recalled that 256 persons lost their lives in a snow storm during the yatra in 1996. Of all the Indian pilgrimages, the pilgrimage to Amarnath is considered to be the most sacred.
Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s experience, Sister Nivedita wrote: "Never had Swami felt such a spiritual exaltation. So saturated had he become with the presence of the great God that for days after he could speak of nothing else. Shiv was all in all; Shiv, the eternal one, the great monk, rapt in meditation, aloof from the world." Later on, Swami Vivekananda himself recounted: "I have never been to anything so beautiful, so inspiring."
The holy cave is accessible only during a short period of time every year, usually during the months of July and August. At that time, inside the cave, a pure white ice-lingam comes into being. Water trickles, somewhat mysteriously, in slow rhythm, from the top of the cave and freezes into ice. It first forms a solid base and then on it a lingam begins to rise, almost imperceptibly, and acquires full form on purnima. It is believed that on that day, Lord Shiv revealed the secrets of life to Parvati. It is also believed that while Lord Shiva was speaking to Parvati, a pair of pigeons overheard the talk. And this pair still comes to the cave at the time of the yatra as incarnation of Shiv and Parvati.
When some people talk of Kashmir’s relationship with the rest of India only in terms of Article 1 and Article 370 of the Constitution, I am surprised at their ignorance. They don’t know that the relationship goes deeper. It is a relationship that has existed for thousands of years in the mind and soul of the people, a relationship that India’s intellect and emotions, its life and literature, its philosophy and poetry, its common urges and aspirations, have given birth to. It is this relationship which inspired Subramania Bharati to perceive Kashmir as "a crown of Mother India, and Kanyakumari as a lotus at her feet", and also made him sing that "She has 30 crore faces, but her heart is one."
The separatists' argument that the Government is planning to settle outsiders, one the pattern of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, to change the demographic character of Jammu & Kashmir, is baseless. It is still more intriguing that mainstream political poarties, including the People's Democratic Party, the National Conference have also demanded revocation of the land transfer order RJ Khurana, Bhopal
Asian Age - 30th June 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
SIGNAL FROM THE BORDER
India, wants to maintain good relation with her neighbours. Our armed forces are not provocative. India never tried to enter into any confrontation with any country. We always try to develop friendly relations with our neighbours. Off late, certain tensions are mounting on the borders. We can not ignore our neighbouring country's army personnel crossing our border and making incursions. We have to be alert, ever vigilant and our armed forces must be fully prepared to face any eventuality at any time. We share a border of 1000's of kilometers with China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. World knows that Pakistan is encouraging the Cross Border Terrorism to create tension on the day to day basis.
In spite of our along history of continuous friendship with the people of Nepal, developments during and after elections draw our attention. The track record of the Maiosts who have staked their claim to power in Nepal is not positive. Attacks in the past by them on Indians and Indian interests in Nepal, their leader's open warning to India after the elections, the violation of Indian borders by their cadres give cause for concern.
The border between India and China is currently defined by a 4,056 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) which is neither marked on the ground nor on mutually acceptable maps. Efforts to have a recognized LAC since the mid 1980s through a joint working group (JWG) of officials and experts have made little headway.
China is still holding a large chunk of territory in Kashmir, 38000 sqkm (14,670 sqmiles) of Aksai Chin, which it seized after the 1962 blatant invasion, and claims more.
Another 5,180 sq km (2000 sq Miles) of northern Kashmir was given by Pakistan to Beijing as price for an all weather friendship pact signed in 1963. China had already built a road through Aksai Chin linking Tibet with its Zinjiang province before it laid an aggressive claim on it. Now it seeks a political solution, not a technical one, to the border problem.
Chinese soldiers were coming deeper into out territory, Inside Arunachal Pradesh. There had been 270 incursions last year alone.
The Chinese were preventing locals from going up to regions where they had been taking their animals for Grazing.
There was a statue of the Buddha well Inside Indian Territory. Local inhabitants used to go upto it and make their prayers and offerings. The commander of the Chinese troops had asked Indian soldiers to remove the statue. Our soldiers had pointed out that he statue was well within Indian Territory. And so there was no question of removing it. The Chinese had come and blown off the statue. China has developed several launching pads by Land Sea and air to strike at the enemy country's targets. In this background we must be truly prepared to deal with Chinese incursions, simultaneously we have to counter Pakistan's Proxy War.
We need to develop a strong and modern armed force to protect our Border. Our Armed Forces must be ever ready to face any eventuality.
We have approximately 11,00,000 Army personnel. 140 Sukhoi aircraft is getting added to the Indian Air Force presently. INS Jalashwa has been purchased. Moderanisation of the Army, the Navy and Air Force must be the top most priorities.
Along the Border States infrastructure must be developed on an emergency basis. Most modern Roads, Railway lines, Air fields are necessay to be built along the Border areas of J & K, Arunachal Prades, Sikkim and the states bordering Myanmar.
Our Defence Forces are facing several problems. There is a shortage of officers in all the three services. The Army is still holding obsolete Air Defence Equipment and needs to make its deficiencies to manageable levels. The Air Force is much below its minimum holding of 39.5 squadron of combat aircraft. The Navy is at a low of 131 ships against a minimum holding of 140.
We still have neither a clearly enunciated National security policy nor a Defence policy document.
There should be a comprehensive Defence Review based on " Thereat Perception".
The perspective plan should be based on an analysis likely to be reviewed in future with evaluation of options and alternatives.
The 'Tehalka episode' and accusation of kickbacks have created caution and reluctance of taking any deep interest in defence deals. The problem is our faulty acquisition plans and system where a lot of reforms are necessary.
Defence material is generally not available on the shelf. Moreover, technological advances are quite rapid and by the time an equipment or weapon system, gets out dated when it actually arrives after purchase deal. Thus its effectiveness or usage gets marginalized. Defence actuations have to be planned in advance, taking into consideration our planned capabilities and modernization plans ahead.
Our R & D constitutes a mere 6.1 % of the Defence Budget. But of this, a mere 7 to 10 % is spent on fundamental research whereas the bulk goes for the import of foreign technologies. We need to provide sophisticated weaponry to our infantry battalions. This is possible only when we make sufficient allocation for defence.
While making allocations to our defence forces, we need to consider the amount that our potential adversaries are spending on Defence and their state of preparedness and capabilities.
A quick look of Pakistan and China defence spending for the year 2008-09 would show that their enhancement of capabilities is much higher that oours. Pakistan allocated 3.5% of the GDP on Defence by the year 2008-09, where as China has allocated 4.3% of GDP foe Defence.
In terms of GDP allocation, there has been a downward trend in the lost five years, that is, from 2.14 percent in 2004-05 to 1.99 percent in 2008-09. In our country, Rs 1,05,600 crore was allocated for defence during 2008-09.
Apart from the allocation of funds, and availability of modern weapons, the support the countrymen gives more encouragement and increases the morale of the armed forces. Our Indians Army is known for its 'will to succeed' with discipline, dedication and determination. Kargil was the first, war victory of Indian Army in the full glare of Television. The battle of Monte Casino fought during the Second World War, said to be one of the toughest of mountain warfare. That success appears to be dwarfed before Kargil Victory. The war at the peak of kargil displayed the most conspicuous bravery of the Indian Army personnel. But do the framers of the defence strategy match the holder of the bayonet at the border?
India, wants to maintain good relation with her neighbours. Our armed forces are not provocative. India never tried to enter into any confrontation with any country. We always try to develop friendly relations with our neighbours. Off late, certain tensions are mounting on the borders. We can not ignore our neighbouring country's army personnel crossing our border and making incursions. We have to be alert, ever vigilant and our armed forces must be fully prepared to face any eventuality at any time. We share a border of 1000's of kilometers with China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. World knows that Pakistan is encouraging the Cross Border Terrorism to create tension on the day to day basis.
In spite of our along history of continuous friendship with the people of Nepal, developments during and after elections draw our attention. The track record of the Maiosts who have staked their claim to power in Nepal is not positive. Attacks in the past by them on Indians and Indian interests in Nepal, their leader's open warning to India after the elections, the violation of Indian borders by their cadres give cause for concern.
The border between India and China is currently defined by a 4,056 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) which is neither marked on the ground nor on mutually acceptable maps. Efforts to have a recognized LAC since the mid 1980s through a joint working group (JWG) of officials and experts have made little headway.
China is still holding a large chunk of territory in Kashmir, 38000 sqkm (14,670 sqmiles) of Aksai Chin, which it seized after the 1962 blatant invasion, and claims more.
Another 5,180 sq km (2000 sq Miles) of northern Kashmir was given by Pakistan to Beijing as price for an all weather friendship pact signed in 1963. China had already built a road through Aksai Chin linking Tibet with its Zinjiang province before it laid an aggressive claim on it. Now it seeks a political solution, not a technical one, to the border problem.
Chinese soldiers were coming deeper into out territory, Inside Arunachal Pradesh. There had been 270 incursions last year alone.
The Chinese were preventing locals from going up to regions where they had been taking their animals for Grazing.
There was a statue of the Buddha well Inside Indian Territory. Local inhabitants used to go upto it and make their prayers and offerings. The commander of the Chinese troops had asked Indian soldiers to remove the statue. Our soldiers had pointed out that he statue was well within Indian Territory. And so there was no question of removing it. The Chinese had come and blown off the statue. China has developed several launching pads by Land Sea and air to strike at the enemy country's targets. In this background we must be truly prepared to deal with Chinese incursions, simultaneously we have to counter Pakistan's Proxy War.
We need to develop a strong and modern armed force to protect our Border. Our Armed Forces must be ever ready to face any eventuality.
We have approximately 11,00,000 Army personnel. 140 Sukhoi aircraft is getting added to the Indian Air Force presently. INS Jalashwa has been purchased. Moderanisation of the Army, the Navy and Air Force must be the top most priorities.
Along the Border States infrastructure must be developed on an emergency basis. Most modern Roads, Railway lines, Air fields are necessay to be built along the Border areas of J & K, Arunachal Prades, Sikkim and the states bordering Myanmar.
Our Defence Forces are facing several problems. There is a shortage of officers in all the three services. The Army is still holding obsolete Air Defence Equipment and needs to make its deficiencies to manageable levels. The Air Force is much below its minimum holding of 39.5 squadron of combat aircraft. The Navy is at a low of 131 ships against a minimum holding of 140.
We still have neither a clearly enunciated National security policy nor a Defence policy document.
There should be a comprehensive Defence Review based on " Thereat Perception".
The perspective plan should be based on an analysis likely to be reviewed in future with evaluation of options and alternatives.
The 'Tehalka episode' and accusation of kickbacks have created caution and reluctance of taking any deep interest in defence deals. The problem is our faulty acquisition plans and system where a lot of reforms are necessary.
Defence material is generally not available on the shelf. Moreover, technological advances are quite rapid and by the time an equipment or weapon system, gets out dated when it actually arrives after purchase deal. Thus its effectiveness or usage gets marginalized. Defence actuations have to be planned in advance, taking into consideration our planned capabilities and modernization plans ahead.
Our R & D constitutes a mere 6.1 % of the Defence Budget. But of this, a mere 7 to 10 % is spent on fundamental research whereas the bulk goes for the import of foreign technologies. We need to provide sophisticated weaponry to our infantry battalions. This is possible only when we make sufficient allocation for defence.
While making allocations to our defence forces, we need to consider the amount that our potential adversaries are spending on Defence and their state of preparedness and capabilities.
A quick look of Pakistan and China defence spending for the year 2008-09 would show that their enhancement of capabilities is much higher that oours. Pakistan allocated 3.5% of the GDP on Defence by the year 2008-09, where as China has allocated 4.3% of GDP foe Defence.
In terms of GDP allocation, there has been a downward trend in the lost five years, that is, from 2.14 percent in 2004-05 to 1.99 percent in 2008-09. In our country, Rs 1,05,600 crore was allocated for defence during 2008-09.
Apart from the allocation of funds, and availability of modern weapons, the support the countrymen gives more encouragement and increases the morale of the armed forces. Our Indians Army is known for its 'will to succeed' with discipline, dedication and determination. Kargil was the first, war victory of Indian Army in the full glare of Television. The battle of Monte Casino fought during the Second World War, said to be one of the toughest of mountain warfare. That success appears to be dwarfed before Kargil Victory. The war at the peak of kargil displayed the most conspicuous bravery of the Indian Army personnel. But do the framers of the defence strategy match the holder of the bayonet at the border?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Treat GITA as Rashtriya Dharma Shastra
Allahabad High Court
Hindustan Times 11/9/2007
The Allahabad High Court has expressed the view that it is the duty of the State to recognise the Bhagwad Gita as the Rashtriya Dharma Shastra, which inspired our national struggle for freedom and also all walks of life.
"As India has recognised national flag, national bird, national anthem and national flower, the Bhagwad Gita may also be considered as the Rashtriya Dharma Shastra."
"It is the duty of every citizen of India under Article 51A of the Constitution of India irrespective of caste, creed or religion to follow the 'dharma' propounded by the Bhagwad Gita," the High Court observed.
The view was expressed by Justice S.N. Srivastava while deciding on a write petition filed by priest Shyamal Ranjan Mukherjee of the Gopal Thakur Mandir of Varanasi, challenging the sale of temple properties.
The court also directed the state government, not to permit alienation of any property attached to any temple and other religious institutions (mutts, temples, specified endowments and samadhis) without prior permission of the district judge concerned.
Allahabad High Court
Hindustan Times 11/9/2007
The Allahabad High Court has expressed the view that it is the duty of the State to recognise the Bhagwad Gita as the Rashtriya Dharma Shastra, which inspired our national struggle for freedom and also all walks of life.
"As India has recognised national flag, national bird, national anthem and national flower, the Bhagwad Gita may also be considered as the Rashtriya Dharma Shastra."
"It is the duty of every citizen of India under Article 51A of the Constitution of India irrespective of caste, creed or religion to follow the 'dharma' propounded by the Bhagwad Gita," the High Court observed.
The view was expressed by Justice S.N. Srivastava while deciding on a write petition filed by priest Shyamal Ranjan Mukherjee of the Gopal Thakur Mandir of Varanasi, challenging the sale of temple properties.
The court also directed the state government, not to permit alienation of any property attached to any temple and other religious institutions (mutts, temples, specified endowments and samadhis) without prior permission of the district judge concerned.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
INFILTRATION FROM BANGLADESH
Pressure of Public Opinion Urgently Needed Against Illegal Immigration
• Assam is facing "external aggression" and "internal disturbance" on account of large scale illegal migration of Bangladeshi Nationals.
• It, therefore, becomes the duty of union of India, to take all measures for protection of the state of Assam from such external aggression and internal disturbance as enjoined in article 355 of the constitution.
• These are the observations of the Supreme Court of India, which recently declared the provisions of IMDT Act ( Illegal Migrants- Determination by Tribunals Act) of 1983 and illegal migrants rule 1984 to be ultra virus of the constitution of India and therefore struck them down.
• The provisions of IMDT Act were heavily tilted in favour of illegal immigrants.
(a) Every application made against any person was to be accompanied by affidavits sworn by two people.
(b) It should be accompanied by prescribed fee.
(c) The onus of proof was to lie with the complainant.
• An immigrant got so much time at various stages that he could conveniently disappear whenever be found that action was going to be against him. Detection and deportation under the Act became extremely slow process.
• The present Congress Government of Assam, however, filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court to the effect that the IMDT Act was not protecting the interests of Bangladeshis as perceived by the former AGP regime., The submission was a masterpiece of hypocrisy. It was mainly to gain short term political mileage without national interest.
• The massive illegal immigration poses a grave danger to our security, social harmony and economic well being.
• The salient features of the Supreme Court judgement are:-
1.The influx of Bangladeshi nationals has changed the demographic character of the region and the local people of Assam have been reduced to a minority in certain districts.
2.The presence of such a large number of illegal migrants amounts to an 'aggression' on the state of Assam.
• The phenomenon affects the sister states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland etc.
• The Bangladeshi nationals, who have illegally crossed the border and have trespassed into Assam are living in other parts of the country have no legal right of any kind to remain in India and they are liable to be deported.
• The Government of each state has always the right to compel foreigners, who are found within its territory to go away, by having them taken to the frontier.
• But there are serious doubts about Assam, where the congress government's attitude and policies are influenced by vote bank considerations.
Beware:- Mujibur Rehman said openly in a meeting "East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, must have a significant land for its expansion and because Assam has abundant forest and mineral resources, coal, petroleum etc. East Pakistan must annexe Assam so that EAst Pakistan is financially and economically strong".
Thinks:- King of Bhutan, with great personal courage, with the help of India drove out ULFA from his country. Can we drive out illegal immigrants from our soil?
Act:- In a democracy, much will depend on the pressure built up by the masses on the ruling government.
Pressure of Public Opinion Urgently Needed Against Illegal Immigration
• Assam is facing "external aggression" and "internal disturbance" on account of large scale illegal migration of Bangladeshi Nationals.
• It, therefore, becomes the duty of union of India, to take all measures for protection of the state of Assam from such external aggression and internal disturbance as enjoined in article 355 of the constitution.
• These are the observations of the Supreme Court of India, which recently declared the provisions of IMDT Act ( Illegal Migrants- Determination by Tribunals Act) of 1983 and illegal migrants rule 1984 to be ultra virus of the constitution of India and therefore struck them down.
• The provisions of IMDT Act were heavily tilted in favour of illegal immigrants.
(a) Every application made against any person was to be accompanied by affidavits sworn by two people.
(b) It should be accompanied by prescribed fee.
(c) The onus of proof was to lie with the complainant.
• An immigrant got so much time at various stages that he could conveniently disappear whenever be found that action was going to be against him. Detection and deportation under the Act became extremely slow process.
• The present Congress Government of Assam, however, filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court to the effect that the IMDT Act was not protecting the interests of Bangladeshis as perceived by the former AGP regime., The submission was a masterpiece of hypocrisy. It was mainly to gain short term political mileage without national interest.
• The massive illegal immigration poses a grave danger to our security, social harmony and economic well being.
• The salient features of the Supreme Court judgement are:-
1.The influx of Bangladeshi nationals has changed the demographic character of the region and the local people of Assam have been reduced to a minority in certain districts.
2.The presence of such a large number of illegal migrants amounts to an 'aggression' on the state of Assam.
• The phenomenon affects the sister states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland etc.
• The Bangladeshi nationals, who have illegally crossed the border and have trespassed into Assam are living in other parts of the country have no legal right of any kind to remain in India and they are liable to be deported.
• The Government of each state has always the right to compel foreigners, who are found within its territory to go away, by having them taken to the frontier.
• But there are serious doubts about Assam, where the congress government's attitude and policies are influenced by vote bank considerations.
Beware:- Mujibur Rehman said openly in a meeting "East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, must have a significant land for its expansion and because Assam has abundant forest and mineral resources, coal, petroleum etc. East Pakistan must annexe Assam so that EAst Pakistan is financially and economically strong".
Thinks:- King of Bhutan, with great personal courage, with the help of India drove out ULFA from his country. Can we drive out illegal immigrants from our soil?
Act:- In a democracy, much will depend on the pressure built up by the masses on the ruling government.
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