Monk with a Mauser- Doklam

The Doklam standoff between India-China-Bhutan has its symbolic presence here in Shillong in India's Northeastern State, Meghalaya. It’s one of the gleaming witnesses of history involving an expansionist China.

But before we get to it, there were several theories about the Doklam standoff, but truth be told – China is living in an illusory past.

Consider this: China's sole claim over South China Sea is based on assertions that its ancestors from the Ming and Qing dynasties roamed these seas, so the area belongs to China!

To further back this claim, it has shown bits and pieces of ancient Chinese artefacts retrieved from these seas and presented these as “scientific evidences.” The mineral-rich area is close to the coastlines of Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and other countries.

These countries too have countered China’s scientific evidences with their own, to lay claim over this area.  However, by 1947 China conveniently created the infamous Nine Dash Lines to mark vast stretches of the sea as Chinese Territory.

China has similarly dragged the Doklam standoff to 1890, even though recent agreements between India, China and Bhutan clearly emphasizes on status quo in this disputed area.

China disturbed that status quo. It unilaterally took the decision to build a road to connect a watch tower, which it recently built as late as 2007 in the area. Let alone discuss its plan (as a responsible neighbour,) China did not even bother to inform India or Bhutan.

So why did China take this unilateral decision? It's  because China feels no threat from Bhutan or India. Bhutan has virtually no military and India has suffered a humiliating defeat in 1962 at its hands.

Several Nations, including the US and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Hague, couldn’t do much about its unilateral decision to build artificial Islands in South China Sea. So probably according to China, India and Bhutan are just minnows and not worthy of having a dialogue with.

The tone and tenor from China’s propaganda mouthpieces only confirm this attitude about the Communist regime - none can dare question its decisions without facing consequences. The regime can’t take no for an answer either from within (read Tiananmen Square massacre) or outside its Territory.

However, what the present Communist regime in China failed to understand is that unlike the Chinese population, Indians live in a democracy – chaotic perhaps, but nonetheless a questioning and vibrant democracy.

The Government of the day in India is answerable to its people all the time, which the Communist regime does not have to. The Indian Government would have to answer to its people if it compromises the country's security.

China building the road in the Doklam plateau is a serious security threat, as it inches closer towards the Siliguri plains that connects India's northeast. Moreover, China’s strategy to corner Bhutan with such threats is to further enclose India.

Tibet is a classic example of Communist China’s expansionist attitude and blatant distortion of historical records. Coming to Tibet and the Dalai Lama, the Doklam standoff is a new chapter of the 1950's history book.

China has always felt betrayed by India standing for the Dalai Lama. His recent visited to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh and received by Union Home Minister (State) Kiren Rijiju was not to Beijing’s liking. India snubbing its offer to join the One Belt One Road, which would arrogantly pass through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, also hurt the Communist regime’s ego.

China would not like to see an assertive neighbour in its backyard, which India is at this moment, hence the bullying.

Now for some history: If history is what China is interested in, than one of the lonely witnesses of history mentioned earlier has to be seen and importantly understood.

The witness is a Mauser, a semi-automatic pistol, belonging to a Monk. It is encased in a glass box at the Assam Rifles headquarters museum in Laitkor, Shillong. 

It is one of the most attractive artifacts and the grip of the pistol is made of Ivory. The wooden holster or carrying case is embellished with Gold and Silver.

“This was the personal pistol of the Dalai Lama,” an official at Assam Rifles said. To be precise it’s a C96 broomhandle with "Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A. Neckar" embossed on it indicating the factory where it was manufactured in Germany.

The first question that comes to the mind is: what on earth a Monk, especially the Dalai Lama who received the Nobel for peace, got to do with a weapon.

More questions follow. Did anyone compel a 23-year-old Monk to pick up a pistol, instead of prayer beads? Was a shot fired from it? How was it used - as a weapon of defence or offense? These are some of the uncomfortable questions that the Communist regime in China needs to dig the history books further to answer.

According to history after China invaded Tibet in 1950, the Dalai Lama’s life was under threat. The CIA provided logistic support to him and together with his security and Cabinet Ministers the Dalai Lama escaped to India.

The Assam Tribune was one of the first Newspapers in India to inform the world about the Dalai Lama's safe passage to India in May 31, 1959.

The Dalai Lama stopped in Bhutan during his fifteen-day arduous journey on foot through the Himalayas to reach India. Therefore, in Bhutan the Dalai Lama is a revered spiritual Guru. These are well-documented history and needs no elaboration.

However, there are small bits of history that needs to be retold and that is probably about his Mauser. It is a German-made pistol manufactured by Mauser Company between 1896 to 1937 and even China’s Chairman Mao Tse Tung, who ordered the attack on India in 1962, carried these weapons.

These pistols were extremely popular and leaders such as Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia and even Indian freedom fighters such as Rajendra Nath Lahiri, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan had these pistols during their time.

But for us living in the present what we need to understand is that the Dalai Lama handed over the pistol to the 5 Assam Rifles, which provided security to him, upon reaching Indian Territory in Tawang. 

Not just his personal pistol, other weapons of his security entourage were also handed over to the Assam Rifles. A handful of people know about this historical event of the Dalai Lama handing over the weapons.

Nonetheless, the Dalai Lama could have very well kept these weapons for his safety and also pursued the path of violence to fight for Tibet’s independence, but he choose the path of peace and reconciliation instead.

People also have this notion that Tibetan Buddhism advocates pacifism, so the Dalai Lama in no way could have kept the pistol or use it to defend his countrymen. Such thinking is utterly out of place and far from the truth.

Tibetan Buddhism advocates nonviolence not pacifism. This also holds true for other religions.  Krishna’s advocacy in the battlefield of the Mahabharata to Arjun is one such example of such teaching.

The Doklam standoff should be also seen in this light too; especially when China intimidates and plans to expand its Territory, be it in Tibet, Aksai Chin, Bhutan or South China Sea.

India’s security lies in having an independent Bhutan, an independent Tibet, an independent maritime route and so like the Dalai Lama, India has picked up the gun for protection of the neighbourhood.

India would put down the gun once it has the safe passage through history, but presently India would perhaps not make the mistake of 1962 by trusting China and foolishly embrace "Hindi-Chini-Bhai-Bhai" only to be stabbed at the back.

India has historically accepted the Dalai Lama with open arms and stood by him and the Tibetans all these years and also endorses his doctrine of peace and understanding and would continue to do so.

India and other aggrieved Nations in South Asia and bordering South China Sea must counterbalance China’s expansionism  with non-violence, but not  pacifism.

As the Communist regime in China threatens to move mountains and seas to have its way, India and other affected Nations must heed to the Dalai Lama's call when he said: “ If someone has a Gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun."India China Standoff Doklam

2017 MAA DURGA ARRIVES ON BOAT (FLOOD) DEPARTS ON HORSE (WAR)

DURGA PUJO 2017

Durga Maa Nowka tey aagomon. Ghatak-e gomon...” Life is a journey. A reminder of our scheduled arrival and departure. In between is Durga Puja – the festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil.

The essence of Durga Puja is the celebration of this fight and victory of good over evil – not just in physical terms, but also spiritual. The festival is observed to celebrate Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahisasura the evil Asura (demon) king.

Interestingly, the arrival of Goddess to earth each year is on a specific mode of transportation, having significance amongst the Hindus.

“Nowka tey aagomon means Durga Maa would arrive on Earth this year on a Wednesday sailing  a boat. This mode of transportation is associated with flood,” the almanac said.

Maa Durga is returning to her heavenly abode after her four-day sojourn to Earth on the Ghatak or Horse – an animal associated with War.

The mode of transportation changes every year according to the almanac. These include Dola, Goj, Ghatak (horse) and Nawka (boat.) Arrival or departure on Ghatak signifies war and drought, whereas on Nawka flood and misery. It’s not known how these beliefs took root amongst, but are taken seriously by many devote Hindus.

Durga or Shakti is also the primordial cosmic feminine energy responsible for creation and destruction.

NCC WILL RESPOND TO NATION'S MANDATE: DG NCC

Director General of the National Cadet Corps, Lt. Gen. Vinod Vashisht on Tuesday said, cadets from the NCC “would rise to the call of the Nation” if their services are required.

Interacting with the media, during his visit here at Shillong in India's northeast, Lt. Gen.  Vashisht said, the objective of the NCC is to mould the youngsters, so that they can be better citizens of the country, however, if need be they can be called in to assist the Nation.

“NCC cadets can rise for any mandate of the Nation. Not just in a war-like situation, but for any situation. The cadets are disciplined and they can take orders,” the NCC Director General said.

He was reacting to queries about the NCC cadets’ role in the event of any full-fledged conflict with China. One of the aims of the NCC is to create a human resource of organized, trained and motivated youth... and be always available for the service of the Nation.

The NCC was raised through an Act of the Parliament, 1948. After the 1962 war with China, NCC training was made compulsory in schools and colleges in 1963, but in 1968 it was again made voluntary. NCC is for students of schools and colleges and there are over 13 lakh active NCC cadets in the country.

Lt. Gen. Vashisht also informed that Youth Exchange Programmes of the NCC with foreign Nations have now been confined to 11 countries. All these exchange programmes are with regional countries and other countries where “India’s National interests lie.”

For example, he said, there is an exchange programme with Russia and one with Kazakhstan. Other exchange programmes are with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and others.

“The exchange programme with Canada is no longer available. We don’t have a youth exchange programme with China. Perhaps in the future we would have one,” he stated.

Lt. Gen. Vashisht said that efforts are on to broaden the reach of the NCC in the remote corners of the northeastern region. Out of the 108 districts of the region, six still do not have any NCC activity.

In this regard, a unit of the NCC has been opened recently at a remote area bordering Tibet. “We are trying to open more such NCC units in the northeast so that the youths of the region can take benefit,” he informed.

He further informed that the air wing of the NCC in the region would be getting micro-light aircrafts and other new aircrafts for their training. Moreover, the naval units in Sibsagar, Assam would also be getting the necessary assistance for their trainings.

Farrago(ed) narrative of a Rocket Scientist

One of the most abused words in the English language is...? You don’t need to be a Rocket Scientist to know that. Personally, I am exasperated with this abuse. A college punk with flared nostrils admonishes the nerd with a randomly hurled “Rocket Scientist” into the sentence in the college canteen debate.

Then there is the NGO leader with his impeccable trimmed beard to a length where time and space ceases, closing his eyes into a trance, takes a deep breath and drops the Rocket Science bomb to demolish his opponent’s arguments into ruins. Utopia!

Anyone who wants to project himself as intellectual uses it. Anyone who wants to identify himself as smart, cool or chic uses it. Anyone who doesn’t want to be anyone of these afore-mentioned categories uses it.

Even our Aunties use it with a blush and an elbow nudge to the coy adjacent aunty: “You don’t have to be a Rocket Scientist to know how to please him with just Sarsoo de Saaag.”

Or “it’s not Rocket Science Betaaaa...” She rubs in the humiliation-masala with scrunched eyes and nodding her head sideways: “Areehh....NoRocketScience.” In moments like these you almost see a halo, which also sways with the head. 

But, of late another word that has given me cold sweats during unending nights – and you don’t need to be a Rocket Scientist to know that - is “NARRATIVE.” Uhhhh...eeeee...

You switch on the Indian News channels and you will find some TV anchor, a panellist, a WhatsApp Warrior, a Facebook fighter, a columnist all milking the word. Most with a smirk and garlanded with certificates from self-certified intellectuals!

Narrative is yours...Narrative is theirs...Narrative is ours... Narrative is different... “What is the narrative?”...  

I am upset that this narrative would soon enter into the bedrooms and kitchen where one of the aunties, with hands on her hips, ask a trembling Uncle: “SO WHAT IS THE NARRATIVE IN THE KITCHEN TONIGHT, HA!?

Later in the night, the Uncle begging to the aunty in the bedroom: “will the narrative change tonight Pumpkin....eh... pie?”

There is a herd mentality into these usages where my waterhole is being muddied. These are “exasperating farrago of bleats.” Oops! I said it; hope farrago is not the proverbial sacrificial lamb next in line. We have to pray for now.

But no matter what, I will never tire in this life of a narrative of a person who comes close to my understanding of a rocket scientist when he said: “ARE YOU SERIOUS? If you know what I mean you must have also noted the modulation. 

It goes from a high pitched modulation to a soft echoing whisper that caresses your cheek with a Zarda Pan-induced warm breath of a chronic-seducer: Are you S e r i o u s? Are you S e r i o u s? Are you S e r i o u s..........?

Damn it of course I am not stay away... neither are a 100 million Mango-men! 

MAMATA'S LAST LESSON

This is a quiz question for Mamata Banerjee. When is the International Mother Language Day observed and why?

Now if Banerjee’s ill-tempered mind doesn’t have the answer, she can consult her quiz master, Derek O Brian. In the meantime, some basic historical background related to these questions.

World over freedom struggles were mostly fought against imperialism, racism, militarism, cultural chauvinism etc. 

But, the only freedom struggle of a country in the world that triggered from the forceful imposition of a foreign language on the natives was in Bangladesh - then East Pakistan.

The brutal West Pakistan dictators forcefully tried to impose Urdu on the Bengali-speaking population through legislation in 1947. There was widespread protest and the West Pakistan regime outlawed public meetings and rallies.

Students from Dhaka University defying the order held protest rallies and on February 21, 1952 several students were killed in police firing. The rest is history.

Bengalee was not only given official status but the movement germinated into Bangladesh’s freedom struggle from West Pakistan’s – now Pakistan- and Bangladesh was born with of course India's assistance.

So Banerjee-Brian, the International Mother Language Day is observed every year on February 21 to honour this struggle because you surely don’t have the answers or why the Darjeeling imbroglio.

It is now clear that Mamata has anger-frustration management issues. However, it is ironic that ultra-left and so-called intellectual-Bhadrolok in West Bengal are silent with the “compulsory” imposition of Bengalee on a Nepali-speaking population. 

Although both the struggles (Bangladesh and Darjeeling) have their own contrasts in several ways, but Bengal’s ruling class trying to impose a language – even though remotely - on the majority population is deplorably sick.

Banerjee may argue that Bengalee is not being made the sole official language in Darjeeling, as was the case of West Pakistan which imposed Urdu as the sole official language.

But, even making Bengalee “compulsory” as one of the subjects in schools for the native Gorkhas is the last thing you would expect from a person whose mother tongue is Bengalee - after we have been through the language movement ourselves.

It should be a matter of choice left to individuals if they wish to dive into the vast ocean of Bangla literature.

The present imposition of the language in Darjeeling came through a diktat from the education department in Kolkata, just like in the case of West Pakistan in which an education summit held miles away in Karachi proposed that Urdu be made the sole official language in East Pakistan.

The demand for Gorkhaland is nothing new. Will the State be carved out of West Bengal is a different subject matter altogether, but Mamata-Brian and all the conveniently silent Bhadraloks, here is your last lesson:

Little Fanz wondered aloud in Aphonse Daudet’s classic The Last Lesson when the Germans banned French from schools: “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” The simple answer is: NO!

The pigeons have again flown happily over France and Germany and would do so over Darjeeling and the walls  would be painted: “Viva la Gorkhaland.” Class dismissed. 

MODI DRUMS UP SUPPORT IN MEGHALAYA

IIt might not be music to the ears of his political opponents, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi did manage to get some rhythm on the drums and cymbals at Mawphlang on Saturday.

Taking time off from his busy schedule, Modi played traditional musical instruments from Meghalaya. He tried his hands on the Khasi drum known as Ksiang and Nakra Bom at the Mawphlang heritage village, about 25 kms from here.

Not satisfied with just the drum, he tried his hands at the hand-held cymbals much to the amusement of the traditional dancers, while local musicians played the drums.

Visibly impressed with his  effort and also  the colourful dance and attire of the troupe, Modi then clicked pictures of them. He later happily chatted with locals sipping a hot cup of tea to beat the chilly weather in the area, which is home to the famous sacred grooves.

The Prime Minister was also shown around the village where the artists showcased some of the local artifacts and the traditional methods of tool making. The Prime Minister also took a keen interest at the locks made by the local locksmiths.

Modi was accompanied by Governor, V Shanmuganathan, Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma and Union Minister DoNER, Jitendra Singh.

Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister went to Mattilang Amusement Park in Upper Shillong and visited the Elephant falls.

He took some pictures of himself with the falls at the backdrop. The falls is one important tourist spots of the State where the cascading water is said to give the impression of the head and trunk of an Elephant’s, hence the name.

Modi who stayed overnight here at the Raj Bhavan witnessed a cultural show at the State Convention Centre last evening. The Shillong Chamber Choir performed before the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.

The North East Zone Cultural Centre presented “Colours of the North East,” a cultural dance show of the eight north-eastern states.

The Prime Minister was scheduled to visit the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre at Quinton road here and the Catholic Cathedral Church at Dhankheti, but these itineraries were cancelled.

Later in the afternoon, the Prime Minister took an Air Force chopper from the Eastern Air Command’s helipad and left for Guwahati.

Badlu Ram and Assam Regiment

What does Badlu Ram, who is dead and buried cold from World War II, got to do with 295 recruits of 315 batch of the Assam Regiment (AR)?

Nothing much, only that Badlu Ram’s body draws ration for the recruits of AR. So every year new recruits march and dance into the Indian Army, singing: “Badlu Ram ka Badan zameen ka neche hai, to humko uska ration milta hai…Shabash Hallelujah…!” (Badluram is buried, so we get his quota of ration, well done…)

The story is interesting behind the regiment’s song. It is said that one soldier, Badluram died in action during World War II from one of the AR’s platoons. 

However, the quarter master erred in striking out his name from the list and therefore ration was drawn in the name of the dead soldier and therefore there was surplus ration.

https://youtu.be/LQrS50Q6MLA

So when the supply route of this platoon was cut off by the Japanese, the extra ration of Badluram proved to be a lifesaver during this crucial period. The song therefore praises that legacy.

The song was composed by Late Major Proctor in 1946 and is a take on John Brown’s body which was popular marching song during the American Civil War.

Apart from the Badlu Ram song, the recruits also sang and danced other songs of the regiment, in this unique attestation parade, of one of the best fighting regiments of the Indian Army.

Each year this induction parade, held at the Parson Parade Ground of Assam Regimental Centre Happy Valley, is a treat to watch for the people of the State Capital. This year, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Subrata Saha reviewed the parade.

Lt. Gen. Saha during his address to the new recruits recounted the contributions of the North East and Assam Regiment towards nation building.

Raised on 15 June 1941, AR has earned several laurels including seven Battle Honours, three Theatre Honours, Nine Chief of Army Staff citations, 23 Army Commanders citations and two United Nations citations.

The regiment would be celebrating the platinum Jubilee year of the regiment from 16 to 19 November 2016 here in the State Capital.

“The Army Chief would be present during the platinum jubilee celebrations.   Colours will be presented to 16 and 17 Assam and 1 and 2 Arunachal scouts at the Assam Regimental Centre during the occasion,” Lt. Gen Saha informed.

NINE FOOT CHINAMAN AND NEHRU

After the humiliating defeat at the hands of Chinese in 1962, the image of the "nine foot Chinaman overrunning the country,” was created by then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to hide his follies.

Military historian and documentary filmmaker, Shiv Kunal Verma who penned the book “1962 -The War that Wasn't,” says the image of the “invincible Chinaman” was created by Nehru to exonerate himself and others from the humiliating defeat and his book exposes that.

 

This phobia about the “mighty Chinese” still persist to this day in some measures, despite India having one of the best armed forces in the world now and are no push-overs, Verma said.

“The nine foot Chinaman did not overrun parts of northeast India during the 1962 war. It was Nehru and other bureaucrats who lost the war for India,” the author emphasized.

Verma who has filmed the Kargil War and has authored several other books like the Northeast Trilogy recently handed a copy of the book to Eastern Air Command chief, Air Marshal, C Hari Kumar here in Shillong, Capital of Meghalaya, India.

According to Verma, Nehru committed one of the biggest blunders before the war by putting up political appointees in the armed forces, who lacked battle experience.

Nehru in fact “handpicked” Lt. Gen. B M Kaul – know to be close to Nehru- to lead the war who had no experience, the author pointed out in his book.

“Right up to the rank of the Brigadier, before the 1962 war, there were mostly political appointees, who lacked experience of war,” Kunal said, who detailed these findings in his book.

 

Nehru, moreover, overlooked warnings from different eminent personalities and committees of a Chinese build-up along the borders and of an imminent attack.

Then Home Minister, Sardar Patel and also the Himmat Singh and Kulwant Singh committees gave adequate warnings to Nehru about China’s intent. “Sardar Patel had in fact written a letter predicting about this fallout (China attacking,) but unfortunately 38 days later he died,” Verma said.

The reason for overlooking the advice of the experts was because Nehru considered himself a historian and viewed China favorably from history’s perspective. He further had defense Minister, VK Krishna Menon, with Communist leanings, to guide him.

Despite these, much could have been salvaged had the Assam Rifles postioned at the forward posts to slow down the Chinese advances.

“It is still a puzzle why the Assam Rifles were not put up at the borders. The Assam Riflesw had the experience fighting the Japanese during World War II and also fighting with the allied troops in the First World War,” Verma said.

Another blunder was not deploying the Air Force to stop the Chinese. “The Air Force was not deployed because of fear the Chinese Air Force would bomb our towns and cities. But at that time China did not have ATF (jet fuel.) They couldn’t even fly within China,” the author said.

Meanwhile, Verma believes there is little possibility of a war between India and China in the near future. But border skirmishes would continue.

“They don’t want the border settled. They want the borders to be alive based on Mao Tse-Tung’s theory. The Chinese have an expansionist mindset,” he said.