Bhai-Bhai or Bye-Bye

Bhai-Bhai or Bye-Bye?

One vividly remembers how the Indian media tore apart the then Defence Minister George Fernandes when he dared to term China as India’s enemy number one. Recent incursions by Chinese troops all along the Sino-Indian border, Beijing’s proximity to Pakistan, its increasing presence in Nepal, statements by its think tanks supporting India’s balkanization are all indicators of the Dragon’s plans to contain India at any cost.

Poor Fernandes, whose residence has been a refuge for Burmese and other students, was too well aware of our neighbour’s not so friendly intentions. Yet, we continue to be in the denial mode like the pigeon who wishes away the cat before it by simply closing its eyes. We have seen the plight of the Tibetans. We have experienced the Chinese betrayal in 1962. Yet, we refuse to learn. We still have not facilitated easier access to our border outposts, we still do not have effective monitoring and surveillance mechanisms in place.
We forget that those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WOES

Two Indian priests at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu were at the receiving end of the Maoist ire in Nepal recently. The incident is not an isolated one. Ousted from power, the Maoists have found India to be favourite whipping boy to stoke Nepalese sentiments and project the existing regime as an Indian stooge. Wittingly or unwittingly, the Maoists are falling into the trap of the Chinese, who are slowly but steadly increasing their presence and influence in the Himalayan state.

While one appreciates the Nepalese concerns over India’s alleged ‘big brother’ attitude, one would also expect them to look at and ponder over the fate of their Tibetan brethren, who have been reduced to a minority in their own country by the Han Chinese.

The Maoist attack on Indian priests is not an attack on India but an assault on Nepal’s own culture and traditions. The sooner the Nepalese realize it, the better for them.