RAPISTS TO THE GALLOWS- WHERE IS MODERN INDIA HEADING IN GENDER JUSTICE AND EQUALITY

Nation Stirred.       It seems like yesterday when the country was jolted awake by national outcry and media frenzy seeking justice for a 23 year old girl who was brutally raped and thrown out of a moving bus in the capitals highway.  In a nation where as per government statistics, a woman is raped every 22 minutes on average, the incident would have certainly faded as just another “Indian Rape Incident” had it not been for the media that fanned the ‘collective conscience’ of the nation into a blood lust for the convicted six.

To the Gallows.     Nine-months later, after demonstrations and debates had run their course and the incident was soon becoming a proof of the public amnesia in such cases, the verdict of death penalty was declared to all the four convicts by a so called “fast track court”.

 

Political Game or Judicial Harbinger.   Was the call for sending the four to the gallows a political gimmick to quench the thirst of the all essential vote bank or is it a harbinger of justice, making the country safer for women? In the torrents of tabloid gossip, social media tweets, online polls and comments, one must pragmatically analyse whether such blaring proclamations on capital punishments in the wake of nationwide sentiments are justified in the true essence of ‘justice’.  

"In these times when crimes against women are on rise, we cannot turn a blind eye towards such gruesome crime, we need to send a message that it will not be tolerated," 

                                                                                          -  Judge Yogesh Khanna.

 

An Eye for an Eye. Promptly after the verdict was given, it was argued that a court's primary duty was to dispense justice and punish the accused, in order to bring succour and final closure to the victim’s next of kin. The punishment acting as a deterrent to such barbaric and criminal acts in future is only the second aspect to judicial sentencing. 

 In this case, the verdict surely brought solace to those near and dear to the victim. Though the deterrent effects of the verdict may take its time and may be less evident than the satisfaction seen in the family of the victim, one can say that in all likelihood that in a country

Social Values in Modern India.   Indian society has been inflicted with gender bias and other social banes since independence due to archaic mindsets and lack of holistic education. The social stigma to gender crimes have generally blamed the victim of having “loose ideals/ western culture and clothes” and had even accepted marriage to the victim as a punishment for rape. With the nationwide protests and announcement of capital punishment for the perpetrators of the heinous crime, the Indian society surely seems to be awakening to the reality that there is no place for such draconian prejudices and attitudes in a modern society and India urgently needs to uproot gender based crimes in all its forms.

Strengthening the Laws of the Land.   The Media’s explicit disclosure of the graphic details of the rape cum murder case, while the victim battled for dear life with failing internal organs -damaged in the gruesome act, had triggered nationwide protests and eventually led to the Parliament passing more stringent amendments to the rape laws. Acts from use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe, voyeurism, acid attacks and stalking were brought under the ambit of Law and death penalty granted for the most brutalized form of the crime.

Women Empowered.        The story of ‘Nirbhaya’ opened a Pandora’s Box of allegations of rape, molestations and acid attacks all over the country. It is not that such incidents have increased, but just that for a change the media seems to have found it an important issue to increase their ratings. Certain police figures have in fact show that the number of women reporting rapes has risen significantly since the New Delhi attack. This sure is an indicator that women who are victims of sexual attacks now feel more emboldened to come forward and report to authorities than they did before. This certainly is a positive change from days when a women kept her silence due to social stigma, police indifference and prejudices attached to Rape. Stringent and effective justice helps enforce the weaker sex and encourages them to come forward seeking justice. 

Iron Hand Vs Humane Justice.   A history of protracted judicial process, delayed rulings and presidential pardons in our country have hardly delivered the desired deterrent effect. Death sentences by Indian courts have rarely been carried out in the past decade with no state executions from 2004 till late 2012, when Ajmal Kasab from the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai was hanged. 

Many countries like those in the Middle East, the crime rate against women is relatively low due to harsher punishments. Among the countries that have chemical castration as punishment for rapists is South Korea. Singapore has enforced an iron hand when it comes to disciplining its citizens and today boasts of having one of the safest streets in the world. Such low crime rate and safer streets favour introduction of harsher laws as a portal to safer societies for women.

The Way Ahead.    Though Judicial changes and harsher convictions are one aspect in the battle towards gender safety and equality, much more needs to be done. First step in judicial cleansing is a higher rate of conviction rather than only harsher punishment being meted out, that too, after undue delays. Education of the rural population and under privileged also will yield positive outcomes and help change attitudes. Women safety is requires a call for judicial and police reforms for better trained police free from political interference, speedy professional investigations, quick convictions, early disposal of appeals and prompt justice.

 Today the modern Indian society needs to be sensitive to the reality of gender equality and do much more than lip service in changing the grassroots’ mindset of an archaic social male dominated system.  

 The need of the hour is a system wherein the dignity of the victim and psychological stresses are given due cognizance. The death verdict is not just some cosmetic step to satisfy the outraged public and keep the media at bay, but an attempt to create resurgence in gender equality and justice. Though how far does it achieve its effect on the Indian male prejudices, only time will tell.

IS MEDIA FRENZY FOMENTING ANTI -CHINA STANCE WARRANTED?

Indo Chinese Standoff.    It has been a couple of month since the Daulat Beg Oldie incursions in the icy heights of the Ladakh region which triggered a brouhaha in the national news media and social network sites on the Chinese hard stance. One particular newspaper even reported that there were ‘over four hundred incursions’ in 2012 of which ninety per cent occurred in the Ladakh region. Many reports further went on to disclose that over 50 Chinese soldiers intruded into the Indian territory of Chumar in Ladakh on July 16 staking their claim over the area. The Chummar region has been the epicentre of media attention with two helicopters violating Indian air space on July 11 followed by PLA troops intruded into Indian Territory and taking away an Indian surveillance camera on June 17.

Resolution with a Sour Taste.    This flurry of military incursion was probably the first time since the 1986 Sumdorong Chu incident that the China has tried to openly flex its military ambitions. A bout of diplomatic initiatives and multiple flag meetings between local military commanders is yet to cool off the media heat created in April. As Indian Polity looks into strategic options in the aftermath of this year’s Chinese Power play, passions have been running high among the public and media alike, with many proclaiming a retaliatory action for such incidents in the future. 

Strategic Awakening.       In an uneasy way, the Chinese have given a jolt to the slumbering Indian masses and polity to now look beyond the cacophony of myopic preoccupations and attend to strategic priorities with the urgency it deserves. The landing of the newly procured show stealer, the C-130J Super Hercules at Daulat Beg Oldie at a height of 16614 feet was just one of many such nibbling actions by the Indian diplomacy to project that the nation was not cowed by such threats to its integrity by China’s muscular policy toward India.

In The Wake.          The aftermath of an ill-timed and seemingly uncalled for Chinese provocation is sure to linger for some time in Indian perceptions about its neighbor to the north. It is fair to say that the resolution of the DBO standoff after a marathon of diplomatic initiatives has come at an immense political cost to the steady progression of India-China relations which had been on an upswing for nearly a decade.

Outstanding issues.        It is pertinent to note that India is the only country which is yet to resolve its border differences with its Chinese counterparts. Other issues which have stuck out as sore thumb in bilateral cooperation are the three gorges dam and other hydro electric projects along the Bhramaputra along with the Chinese infrastructure development in Pak occupied Kashmir. Further the Tibet issue and the Chinese string of pearls stratagem and military stance in the South China Sea have put the Indian policy makers on icy grounds with no reliable strategic counter strokes. 

Growing Mutual Cooperation.    However, on the other side of the coin, both sides have been steadily making considerable progress on boundary negotiations and have increased the area of understanding between them through regular Border Personnel Meetings and other mechanisms. India and China have also witnessed increased bilateral cooperation by leaps and bounds in many areas relating to global economic and strategic alliances, counter-terrorism, anti piracy, policy planning and security, apart from increased trade with China emerging as India's largest trading partner in 2008. The stupendous growth in India and China's global diplomatic and economic sway has also increased the relevance of their bilateral relationship.

In fact things have never looked this bright between both sides since the 1962 debacle, with joint military Exercises and cooperation and Chinese support for India joining the UNSC and other global alliances. India vying for membership from an observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, are all indicators that China desires a great power status much more than fomenting external foes in the Asian Sub region. 

Indian Media Vs Chinese Media.          In a bid to outdo their competitors in the info wars on the Chinese issue after the Depsang incident, the media has been abuzz with analysis and dissections of all such previous incidents with their ire directed towards the Chinese and the Government alike. The Indian media houses and publications have made haste in trumpeting the malicious intentions behind these offensive activities in the LAC, contrary to the government’s official posture on the issue, thereby creating diplomatic uneasiness and political encumbrance.

On one plane where the Indian Media has been delving repeatedly on Chinese incursions and offensive activities to upgrade ratings and satisfy the information appetite of the public, the Chinese media seems to be striking a balance and looking at the bilateral issue more sanely. An excerpt from a Chinese media publication lucidly shadows the media frenzy to the south of the Mc Mohan line.

“… staking claims to its borders is of crucial significance to China and peace and stability along the border are also vital to India. Current peace and status quo is not bestowed by India alone. China should firmly maintain its friendly policy toward India. However, this doesn’t mean that China will ignore provocations.”

                                                            - Communist Party-run Global Times.

In the modern scenario the influence of media can be a game changer in moulding mass perceptions and as such is unwarranted in raking issues inimical to national interests. The relation that India shares with China has very fragile contours and needs to be nurtured keeping the capability and interest of the country in mind. 

It is an open secret that many of china’s infrastructural development projects especially in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), recent military and PLA’s doctrinal shift have been India centric. The same can be said to be true of the Indian stance with the activation of air fields and allied infrastructure along the LAC and the raising of a mountain strike corps poised for a two front threat. 

Notwithstanding, the trend in Chinese political philosophy seeks to limit American influence in India and further to build on friendly external environment to nurture its economic and Great Power status ambitions. Good cordial relations with India, seems the only rational path for an emerging China in the global arena and any pin pricks at such a juncture can only cause imbalances in the region. It is thus imperative that the issue of indo China relations be handled more objectively and away from the media glare lest it prejudice mass perceptions and obligate Indian diplomacy to pursue options not in the interests of the nation. 

INDIAN ARMY FINALLY REVAMPS RETIREMENT DRILL FOR VETERANS

It is a matter of fact that the Defence organization in our country is probably the only government organization that truly takes care of its #veterans. From the continuance of their last ranks into the civilian fold, to medical facilities and close knit associations of various regiments and battalions, the veteran has an umbilical cord of sorts attached to the organization to which they have dedicated their ardous life of selflessness and sacrifice.

To add a milestone to this ethos of the men in uniform, new initiatives and trimmer procedures have been rolled out for officers before retiring. The present chief General #Bikram Singh took due cognizance of one of the most essential needs of the officer fraternity prior to their retirement and has initiated a novice system to counsel and guide them for their final documentation and resolution of observations. The new system would also incorporate talks / lectures on essential aspects like #pension entitlements, #ECHS, #AGIFbenefits, job opportunities and re-settlement avenues. This would go leaps and bounds in making the complex policies and rules easier to assimilate.

Retiring officers are entangled in traditional paper wars and red tapism and are required to submit multiple documents to various agencies just to receive their entitled pension and other allied benefits. Previously the veteran community was left in the lurch and made to fend for themselves with piles of archaic policies and complex documentation, which were not at all user friendly.

Having been isolated from the mainstream of civilian life, which shelters the Army personnel from the groping and shoveling of an endemic corrupt system, the military man is definitely found to be in need of some level of doctored guidance to acclimatize him well to the unfamiliar ‘babuji’ based culture and functioning. Lack of counseling and guidance at a very crucial juncture of their lives inadvertently has led to many officers not getting their legitimate dues and entitlements in time, thereby causing undue misgivings and resentment. 

This scheme has created the framework to provide the necessary information and guidance needed by veterans to enable them to settle well in their post retirement life. The establishment of the #Pensioncell at Adjutant General’s Branch also is a well thought out and much needed initiative which could become the core for addressing veteran’s grievances. The move will ensure that every officer gets an opportunity to clarify all doubts about pension complexities and other aspects of retired life thoroughly, before stepping out of the organization, besides catering to his esteem needs.

The next step for the Army should be creation of a user friendly online system for the veterans, where their personal issues can be voiced and addressed without having to come to Army Head Quarters. Or is it asking for too much?

AFSPA DEBATE : CAN THE ARMY FIGHT WITH ITS HANDS TIED

INDIAN ARMY TROOPS IN COUNTER TERRORISM OPERATIONS

NORTH EAST TERRORISTS

We have all been overloaded time and again by media zealots trumpeting the call for removal of the #AFSPA by the Kashmir fraternity, or the brutal media hype on the Manorama Devi fiasco by the Assam Rifles, which sent the entire north eastern state to unify for repeal of the so called ‘Draconian Act’. The image created by some sections of the media trumpeted sheer neglect of human rights by Army in these parts. But come to think of the way the media reacts to things that ‘SELL’, one starts to wonder as to what is the real story and as to why the Army needs the AFSPA act so much.

INDIAN ARMY TROOPS IN ACTION

 To start, one needs to ask some very relevant questions in this crossroads of humanity and the arduous task of running a democracy.  Can the Soldiers continue maintaining a sway on the terrorists without the AFSPA? Is AFSPA a necessity as claimed by the Army for subduing the terrorists might or can some other milder measures be incorporated? And if yes then what measures? How will it affect the whole spectrum of Terrorism and Indian relations within the region of global politics, if the act is withdrawn?

The Chief of the Indian Army has rightly brought out that, ‘This decision (on AFSPA) has to be taken in the backdrop of violence profile, in the backdrop of what can happen in future, in the backdrop of futuristic contours. We have to be very confident that it does not relapse. We shall not be left in a position of disadvantage.’

            Let us remember as to when and why is the Army called out in the first place to combat insurgency or deteriorating law and order situations. It is only when the situation goes out of hand of the existing law and order machinery and the existing government agencies are not able to function independently, is the call made to requisition the help of Indian Army. Have the states crying hoarse for withdrawal of the act returned to a state of normalcy? I guess not, they sure have come a long way, but there is more work left to do.

This is rightly not the time for the act to go, what with beheadings and bomb blasts happening frequently in Kashmir and our neighbour Pakistan still “religiously” (pun intended) pushing infiltrators all across the Line of Control conveniently labeling them as freedom fighters. The day the CRPF, local police and state government is able to take over the reins of operations from the Army and effectively handle the internal security issues, should be the day to remove the AFSPA, and not before that.

Any Change in the act at this stage when the security forces have only started bringing normalcy in the valley and the east would be a blunder with disastrous effect. The terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (#LoC) is still intact. After the US and NATO exit from Afghanistan this threat will loom larger as Islamabad and the ISI puppets-aka Taliban/ Jihaadi groups will focus their efforts and attention completely on Kashmir.  The surplus Taliban is bound to flow into ‘HINDU’ Kashmir to ‘LIBERATE’ it- ofcourse with political diplomatic and material support of Pakistan who would be more than glad to rid themselves of this menace.

            Today the Indian Army has a mature demeanour in a media centric world where every action of theirs is analyzed and made available to the public en masse. The Indian Soldier fights the government’s battles, without a thought to own safety and in complete good faith that they are fighting the war for the nations eventual good. The Army well aware that  good public reach and relations also provide good and timely intelligence without which security force operations can seldom succeed. AFSPA therefore has not made the Army lose sight of its obligation towards upholding the essence of Human Rights and has in fact created more awareness in handling the situation better.

The Army has been losing numerous soldiers in its several decades old Counter Terrorism operations in the valley and North East and would be more than comfortable with no insurgency or proxy war to fight. Without AFSPA an Army Soldier would inevitably get shackled to cumbersome and frequent Court appearances just because when bullets were flying he did what was absolutely necessary as per his mandate to protect the Nations Interest.

This aspect needs to be analysed in the light of the fact that our Indian Military has always maintained a sublime stature above the grime of politics and has never been pushy with the Government like our neighbours Pakistan or even America. Nor has the Army done a counterinsurgency campaign with attack Helicopters, tanks and machine guns  like the Americans in Iraq, (which was opened like a can of worms by wiki leaks) or even encourage a military abetted genocide like many other nations fighting similar insurgencies in Asia. Thankfully the Indian Army still holds on to high ideals and has quite a fairly clean record for a nation ensconced in corruption and underhand dealings. The soldier won’t be fighting his case for arming him with the basic necessity of #AFSPA. It is us the public which needs to be proactive in working out a amicable solution to the issue without fore thought and in a politicized manner. 

THE COUNTER MAOIST STRATEGY NEED OF THE HOUR TO ADDRESS THE RED CORRIDOR

 “Only through the Protracted People’s War, with people’s army as the highest weapon, the Party will carry out the task of seizure of political power by overthrowing the present reactionary state power which represents the interests of imperialism, feudalism and comprador big bourgeoisie and thereby establish a new democratic state.” - Article 54 of the constitution of the #CPI (M)

This #Maoists ideology, propagates through the adoption of violent means with a complete disregard to human life, which has resulted in inhuman attacks and causing serious loss of lives to political and government workers, security forces and innocent civilians. Presently, thirteen states in the country have seen the rise of the red revolution ensconced by unabated violence and sabotage of the authority of the Government of India.

Somehow, the haphazard and hasty policies favouring economic liberalisation have not catered to the ordinary people and have inadvertently allowed the corporate leeches to make monstrous profits thereby giving the Maoist struggle added legitimacy as a “Gandhians with a gun” movement by fledgling “Arundhati Roys” in the making and self proclaimed “Humanitarian messiahs”.

Alright, so we do have a problem gnawing at the very fabric of democracy and development. And with the tenacity and audaciousness of the brazen attack in #Chhattisgarh, which left more than 30 dead in its wake, wiping out the complete top brass of the congress regime, it wouldn’t be too far from the truth to state that our governments half hearted measures to plug the red menace have failed miserably.

So what measures does a nation, at the threshold of global recognition as an emerging economic giant with immense potential, adopt to frustrate all efforts by such negative forces trying to sap the essence of a great democracy that India is? I have a few suggestions and options which could be a workable recipe for countering the Maoist menace.

 Good Governance.           It goes without saying that the Maoists often occupy remote and backward areas with an absolute administrative vacuum and as evident in history, degradation of democratic politics plagued by poor governance has always preceded the rise of Left or #fascist forces.

The local administration and elected representatives in these tribal belts do not accommodate the voices and aspirations of people which would thwart any fascist tendencies and end their exploitation and misery at the hands of corrupt local State Police, Corporate bigwigs, forest contractors and who have pillaged local resources and deprived ordinary people of their livelihood.

  What the Government needs to do is to find ways and means to revive the sagging political process in these parts and empower them to provide tangible results in terms of civic amenities, development and employment.It is thus obvious that the real answer lies in having elected, well-funded panchayats in tribal areas and stop alienation of tribal people.

Infrastructure Development- Increase Reach.           One of the solutions to countering the spread of Maoist leanings in these remote densely forested areas is to bring about speedy infrastructure development to enable the tenets of civilisation and good governance to seep into the lives of such people.

The setting up of an intensive road network in these jungles, of the four worst-affected districts, will help security forces dominate presently inaccessible areas and bring about some semblance of law and order and go a long way in maintaining political sway over the jungle belt.

These roads will not just help sprout new police stations, but aid in establishing the full range of government offices and services including irrigation, schools and health clinics, and welfare services. A well established local government kept safe by a strong security cover will give locals the confidence that the state government is there to fight with them to the finish.

NGOs: Sowing Seeds of Self Help Small Scale Business and Handicrafts.      The role of NGOs focusing in economic aid and development of small business and handicraft industries will go a long way in providing gainful employment opportunities as well as increasing the income bracket of the population. Such self reliant projects will rake in the tenets of money based economy and bolster overall growth, education and development. The efforts to encourage such participation by indigenous and international agencies need to be done on a sincere and concerted way to bring about some tangible results in adequate time.

Centralised Strategy Rather Than State Vs Centre. The central government controls the Paramilitary forces while the state government controls the Police. This disparate interest and clash of entities groveling on petty issues like interstate rivalry and “not my jurisdiction” attitude have crippled the overall effort in combating the Maoists.  The Central Government cannot banter on that law and order is a state subject and needs to contribute sincere efforts to address the issue as unified problem- sans borders, so as to proliferate development plans and execute coordinated operational thrusts of varied security forces operating in multiple state jurisdictions.

Empowering the Security Forces.         Success can be surely achieved, through a well-trained and empowered Police Force coupled with intelligent diplomacy. This would essentially call for additional staff in the police forces, superior tactical training, specialised arms/ vehicles and robust communications.

Also, training at various esteemed training institutes of the Army like the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Meghalaya could help train the central/ state police forces in Jungle Warfare drills and give their bite the much needed fangs.

#Ceasefire- But Who First?  Again, one needs to coerce the Maoists to sit on the negotiating table for any meaningful discussion to take place and to work out any frame work for peaceful solution to the menace. This would be a feasible possibility only when the killings on both sides come to an end.

As such, it is imperative that the Home Ministry trumpets a call for ceasefire from both sides in all the affected areas till a workable forum for peaceful dialogue with the “Red Regime”  think tanks is mutually created.

Military Action? To Be or Not To Be.    Hot blooded factions suggest an all-out, at-any-cost fight to the finish by employing the army to crush left-wing rebels. One has to essentially understand that the problem is not military, and has no military solutions. Although Military action may be necessary to subjugate those who raise the banner of armed revolt against the State, any Military action in internal conflict zones will drastically affect the population on the whole and further escalate the alienation of the locals from mainstream governance.

Though the air force has already deployed its choppers in the ‘Red Zone’ for surveillance and logistics based sorties for catering to ground forces, any further Military ambitions in this area would be short sighted and will wean away our military might from our conventional tasks into another protracted #insurgency.

Fortunately, it is good news that sense has prevailed with the army very prudently staying away from being drawn into this murky internal war over fundamental rights and livelihoods.

Covering the whole state with good infrastructure and services will take time. So will getting complete domination of the Maoist movement. But a start in time in the right direction in all earnest should pave the way for a final solution to the “Red Menace”.

PML (N) VICTORY BRINGS HOPE IN INDO PAK RELATIONS

Since #Nawaz Sharif's decisive victory in the 11 May 2013  Pakistan elections, he and Dr #Manmohan Singh, have conversed amicably by phone and have invited each other for visits and interactions. #Indo-Pak relations, which has been fraught with tension, mistrust and hostility for decades, appears to have received a positive boost from this stunning electoral comeback. Going by Pakistan’s track record, of playing the “victim” while sponsoring an “open secret” proxy war against India, critics will be quick to highlight that Mr Sharif has once had a reputation for being soft on militants as he was one of the world's only political leaders to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan eight months after the Islamist group seized power. 

 

However, there are two areas which make Nawaz Sharif stand out as a pacifist: his continued emphasis on need to have better ties with India; During his last stint as Prime Minister, from 1997 to 1999, he talked with his Indian counterpart, PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, about possible solutions to the #Kashmir dispute and inaugurated a "friendship" bus line from the Indian border to Lahore. Secondly Mr Sharif has nurtured a hard stance towards Pakistan Army. Sharif has been "punished" in the past by the Pak Army for his soft stand towards Kashmir and India.

Cognizant of the fact that any growth in #Indo -Pak #friendship will actually render Pakistan’s overly high defence expenditure as unnecessary, the Pak army has always tried to sabotage such noble efforts, especially those from the civil polity. Will these hopes be a false alarm with the Pak Army trying to cripple the Political setup in Pakistan once again or stall any peace initiatives with aggressive posture at the borders/ line of control with India similar to the #beheadings.

Fortunately, what is of interest in the #Pak Military and Political nexus is that in reality, The Pak Army’s strength is relative. It will be able to wield greater power only if the civilian setup under Sharif shows incompetence. Strengthening the hope towards a better governance is the indication that there was very little influence or interference of the Pak Army in the recently concluded elections in Pakistan. Perhaps for the first time, improving relations with India was a positive issue in the Pakistan elections with the Kashmir issue taking a back seat. 

The book “between mosque and military” by Hussein #Haqqani bluntly brings out the truth about Pak politics out of the cupboard and highlights the role of the #ISI and the Pak Military in steering Pak internal Politics in their favour. What needs to be seen is whether an army which has been at the helm of power and decision making waits and watches or seeks an opportunity to ambush the new government using the islamist card.

Mr Sharif, being a wealthy steel magnate, understands the importance of opening Pakistan's crippled economy to trade with India, a South Asian economic powerhouse and one of the world's leading emerging markets. Dr Manmohan also being an economist first understands the benefits of increasing trade with Pakistan as a pathway towards improving relations on the whole ambit of Indo Pak relations.

Pakistan is experiencing democracy on a new level with even the Judiciary openly challenging the authority of the country’s leaders and the military. With the ex Pakistan President Musharraf scuttling from court room to Advocates after returning to his homeland, things definitely seem to be improving in the right direction accross our western borders. Surely the change of Premiership to Mr Sharif’s hands would only add to the chances of fostering a better tranquil atmosphere among the two enemy states.

But I Guess for the UPA, any desires of better relations can only be a reality, if Mr Sharif lays out a clear and strong policy on export of #mujahedeen’s and terrorist organizations. All said, India should definitely rake in this opportunity and work out an environment for progress towards better relations. I for one am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for a sunset to the age old tiff between two nations which were once one.