Restore Army Standards

The details emerging out of the inquiry by Armed Forces Tribunal in the case of Retired Brigadier Devinder Singh for his performance in Kargil War makes a distressing reading. Our Armed forces have been earning most remarkable distinctions of valour, bravery and discipline the world over since times immemorial. That it is now being infected with personal jealousies, corruption, petty mindedness is a matter of grave concern. But for personal prejudices, Brigadier Devinder Singh would have perhaps been the highest decorated officer. But alas the time lost once never comes back. In the face of such incidents the national pride in our Armed Forces gets a severe downslide jolt. There have most despicable cases of espionage for the enemy countries in the force.This calls for an immediate probe into the factors leading to the deterioration of standards. There is also a loss of interest among the country's youth to join the forces which was considered a pride of place once. These factors require complete overhaul of the training and motivational schedule on urgent basis. The Ministry of Defence should not delay the re-orientation programme by setting up time guzzling Committees and Commissions for the purpose but act immediately before it is too late.

Caste Based Census-

The proposal to have caste based census in the country is like an electric shock to the students of ancient Indian history as the caste system was he prime reason for the disintegration of the civil society which led to the fragmentation of the country as well as prime religious groups. Although in the ancient times the society was divided into professional groups with the best of intentions but with the passage of times it degenerated into water tight compartments from professional units to the so called castes and one could not move from one compartment to another. This resulted in extremes of suppressions and conflicts. It was not only confined to Hinduism but all religions like Islam, Christians etc. Were victims of superior/inferior class malady.

2. Every age produces Saviours and Saints in such situations and we had Guru Nanak, Kabir. Kwhaja, Swami Daya Nand and Mahatma Gandhi and many others who fought against Casteism and preached universality of mankind. It seems that history is now moving full circle with the proposed caste based census and the Group of Ministers is to decide the issue and not the religious saints , sages and peace loving social workers . Where have Shankara achariyas,Maulanas and Bishops and Cardinals gone?Why is there no edictor Fatwa from them against this proposal? The retrograde step to divide the country on caste basis will sow the venomous seeds of hatred and conflicts for which the posterity will not forgive us.

Sting Operations

The sting operation by Tehelka for Headlines today alleging Promod Muthalik leader of Ram Sene arranging riot groups for consideration is not only malicious but also an ex- party judgement decaring Rame Sene guilty when the State Government is yet to initiate investigations into the alleged charges. The sting operations by private parties is an assumption of extra territorial powers of investigations which is in gross violation of the State Authorities. The powers to investigate, prosecute and conduct trials are vested in the prescribed authorities as enshrined in the Constitution of India. As such no person or agency has the right or legal authority to conduct such operations. This is not to claim that Media should not expose the misdeeds of an individuals or organisation but the means adopted for the purpose should be legitimate. Recently we have have been condemning the actions of Khap Panchayats in assuming extra territorial judicial functions and on the same analogy we should disapprove the sting operations. Any latitude in these matters will dilute the authority of the Government and lead to confusion and chaos.

Pakistan's sudden love for Ajmal Kasab

Pakistan has suddenly developed love for one of the Pak sponsored butcher in Mumbai carnage as they have formally made a request to Indian Ambassador in Pakistan for his repatriation. It is the same government that had refused to accept that Kasab and his 9 accomplices were Pak nationals. The bodies of the 9 bodies have been buried in an unknown place as Pakistan refused to accept them. The trial of Kasab is at the final stage and based on unassailabe evidence he will in all probability be awarded death penalty. Should we presume that in that eventuality, Pakistan will accept his body for last rites on Pakistan soil. Pakistan government is making a mockery of international diplomacy by their dramatics. If there is some sense of shame left in them, they should hand over the conspirators of 26/11 to India as the crimes were committed by them on Indian soil.

Nuclear Security Summit

The much hyped Nuclear Security Summit in Washington,part of a series of dramatics of Barack Obama after he assumed presidency of America proved a damp squib in its objectives. It is ironic that the need for nuclear safeguards have dawned upon the developed nations after the developing nations are nearing the nuclear capabilities. Until then the monopolistic regimes did not feel the need for safeguards but on the contrary posed them as deterrent.

2. One fails to understand as to why India participated in such a meet whose inherent objective was solely American selfish interests and display of hostility towards Iran. Not that Iran 's past record towards India has been favourable and supportive but nevertheless, why should we succumb to the bullying tactics of Obama to act against Iran or for that matter any other country. The real apprehensions of nuclear weapons falling into terrorists hands emerges from Pakistan which is a hatchery of terrorism, a fact known to the entire world. Obama has been playing dubious games by dumping money and weapons in Pakistan ostensibly to eliminate Talibans fully conscious that bulk of it is being used against India. Not only that Obama has been instrumental in diluting our humanitarian and development works in Afghanistan to please Pakistan. It is obvious from the past many actions of Obama regime and Hillary Clinton's stance to equate Pakistan with India in Nuclear Treaty that we should keep a distance from them and follow independent course of actions in our foreign policies. Obama has proved an unreliable ally and we should not be under any illusions.

Haryana's Kangaroo Courts

The news about Caste Courts plan to march to the Capital against the award of death sentence to 5 persons accused of murdering a young couple who married within the same gotra is indeed disturbing. It is not only a demonstration of the open defiance of the established judicial process of the country but also justifying the extra constitutional authority of dispensing kangaroo type justice. This type of behaviour is nowhere prevalent in the globe and can hardly be accepted and tolerated in a civilised society. It is also a fact that every community has its distinct set of codes of conduct for its members and violation of which can at best invoke ex-communication which is the extreme punishment. No community or a social group can award corporal punishement.

The State of Haryana where such incidents have taken place recently is proudly known for its progressive farmers and patriotic youth who have been decorating our Armed Forces with their legendary tales of bravery and supreme sacrifices to uphold the integrity of the nation. It is, therefore, unexpected and unacceptable that they should take the law in their hands for a limited social issue.Even if they need to maintain their social traditions, this should be done through social reforms by persuation and goodwill and not by force. The proposed protest March is ill timed and ill conceived as they will not only lose public support and respect but also come in conflict with the established law of the land.Let Swami Ramdev and Swami Agnivesh spare time from their TV programmes and instill sense of responsibility in the minds of misguided Khap activits.

Naxal Menace

The brutal murder of above 80 of our highly trained patriotic Jawans by the treacherous Maoists in Chhatisgarh has shocked the entire nation. This has also shaken the faith of the people in the competence of the Government to handle the security issues under political framework. Home Minister Chidambaram who has been making tall claims every day to annihilate the Maoists in Chhatisgarh and terrorists in Kashmir stands exposed and has lost the right to the Home Ministry. He is adept in shifting the blame to State Governments for every security lapse as if he is in charge only of his personal security and that of his home.


2. The insurgency in parts of India has developed and progressed because the agencies responsible for handling have neither been given free hand nor involved fully in strategic planning to combat. This movement is like a war like situation challenging the integrity and sovereignty of India and it is the Armed Forces and para military organisations which have been raised and trained to handle these types of situations. They require full powers without any interference or restraints from any source whatsoever. It is unfortunate that in a sensitive issue of national integrity, political groups within the country under the garb of human rights have been indirectly and directly thwarting the efforts of our dedicated forces to contain militancy. The Armed Forces given full powers (in fact additional powers) and control will smash these anti-national elements within a week or two.

Congress Allergy towards Amitabh Bachan

One is really bewildered to find the extent of degeneration in our political organisations these days. There is no room for decency or etiquette left and the only yardstick is to condemn and criticise the opponents or those who try even a courtesy handshake with the opposing political leader. The recent reactions of Congress Party leaders towards Amitabh Bachan is a classic example of their childish Behaviour. That the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was snubbed by the Congress leadership for sharing the stage with him has not brought any laurels to the party but has in fact lowered its image and respect in public mind. The real reason for this being cold personal relations between the Gandhi family and Amitabh. All other reasons being advanced in defence are fictitious. Is it a democratic party or dictatorial organisation where all the members are to follow the personal likes and dislikes of the head of the party? Even the most dictatorial regimes in the world do not go that extent.

2. Amitabh Bachan is a living icon of Indian Entertainment industry who has become immortal in his life time by virtue of his achievements like Lata Mangeshkar and few others. He is not only Brand Ambassador of Gujarat but the entire country. In fact he is equally popular and respected in other parts of the Globe where people even do not understand our language. He, therefore, deserves utmost respect and honour even more than the seasonal politicians who have neither the calibre nor the stature to equal him. Amitabh has no political ambitions and poses no political threat to the Congress Party. As such, they should act responsibly and with maturity.

Equality before Law

The conduct of Narendra Modi the first Chief Minister to have appeared before the Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate the communal riots in Gujarat in the year 2002, has raised his respect and stature in the minds of people. True to his words, he s proved that no one is above the law. The way he maintained his grace, dignity and poise in answering the long list of questions posed to him is praise worthy.

2. In contrast, those accused of more heinous crimes of 1984 in which more than three thousand innocent Sikhs were butchered in cold blood and burnt alive in Delhi and elsewhere are making mockery of the justice apparently with political support. The people are therefore, right when they view the interrogation of Narendra Modi as a political vendetta directed against the opponents of the ruling regime . If law and justice is equitably applicable to all citizens then the culprits of 1984 riots particularly the then Home Minister and other accused political leaders need to be subjected to detailed investigations and judicial scrutiny. But unfortunately that is not being done and thus losing people's faith in equality before law.

Need for Review of Indo-U.S. Bilateral Relations

That Pakistani-American LeT operative,David Coleman Headley the mastermind of brutal 26/11 Mumbai massacre will plead guilty to the charges framed against him by American authorities in order to get lighter punishment was a forgone conclusion known to every one in this country. This has exposed and confirmed the duplicity and insensitivity of the American authorities towards India. A man accused of massacre of more than two hundred innocent lives has been allowed to barter his nefarious crimes against humanity deserves strongest condemnation against the US regime and a re-assessment of future Indo-US relations.


2. Headley was a CIA agent engaged in drug smuggling activities who double crossed to Pak terror groups sponsored by Pak authorities. His numerous visits to Pakistan, Dubai and India could not have escaped CIA notice.CIA was also aware of the Mumbai attack plans and did not inform the Indian authorities. Even after he was nabbed by CIA authorities, they refused to allow Indian Investigators to interrogate him. Imagine a situation where an accused having committed crimes in America and India is caught and prosecuted in India and American Investigators are refused to interrogate him. The arrogant and unethical attitude of U.S. regime has not only antagonized and angered the common man in India but also generated a strong public demand for a review of bilateral relations. U.S.A should realize that it is facing similar reactions in Afghanistan and Pakistan due to its selfish policies.It seems they have forgotten the lessons learnt in Vietnam War. Barack Hussain Obama seems to be bent upon tarnishing the image of America world wide.

Resumption of talks with Pakistan

The announcement by the Government of India about its intention to resume talks with Pakistan has taken the nation with mixed reactions. In normal circumstances this move would have been appreciated by all peace loving people.But given the past experience and history of that country in regard to relations with India, one wonders whether it is a wise move. So far the stand has been to refuse any talks till the culprits of 26/11 massacre in Mumbai were booked. Pakistan has been dilly dallying the issue on various ridiculous pretexts viz. denying that the militants including Kasab were Pakistanis, proof about the attacks, DNA tests etc. So much so that they rejected the findings of the CIA investigations(who incidentally is ruling Pakistan by proxy).

2. It is,therefore, natural to feel surprised by the Indian offer for talks and the general impression is that it is under American pressure. The futility of the proposed talks is obvious as we do not know as to who is ruling Pakistan. At present it is neither the civil government nor the army. The ink has not dried from the Indian offer of talks that Pakistan is issuing conflicting statements about the contents and conditions. Simultaneously the militant groups have openly held a meeting at Muzaffarabad not without the official patronage and approval and declaring a so called holy war(unholy indeed) against India. So what talks and with whom and with what results?

Fall from Grace

The sordid story of Andhra Pradesh involving an octogenarian Governor of the State alleged to have sexual exploits in return for material favours has not only lowered the image of political big wigs but has put to shame the ethical norms of our society as a whole. We seem to have accepted that in order to meet our selfish ends it is perfectly fair to offer any type of temptation. So it is not that means should justify the ends but the opposite. What ever may be findings of the investigations, if any, the fact remains that there were two parties in this episode. Whereas the focus of the media has been the Governor and his alleged deeds, there has been no condemnation of the provocateur of this episode. The media perhaps seems to be interested only in the salacious part of the story. The story was broadcast after the alleged promise of mining lease was not fulfilled. Had it been met then there was no problem and story.

There is need for serious consideration of the fact that in such type of incidents both the bribe giver and the receipient should equally receive public attention and condemnation.

Unholy alliance in Jharkhand

It is a sad day in the political history of Jharkhand where no single party has emerged in majority after elections. This has resulted in proverbial commercial sale, purchase ,mergers,acquisitions and auctions for Government formations. The most distressing fact is that an accused charged with murder,corruption and money laundering will head the state. Most abominable fact is that of BJP which claims to be party with a difference lending support in this unholy alliance with an eye on the piece of cake. Has the greed for power overtaken the ethics, objectives and principles which were hall mark of BJP. After the series of set back this party received in the past one or two years. One expected it to have learnt lessons for its down fall. But they seem to be on self destructive path. It is known to all that this Government will not survive long as Shibo Soren is a maverick unfamiliar with loyalty and principles in life. There is a need for amendment to the law that in similar situations when no single party is in majority, President Rule should be imposed whatever be the cost. People pay heavy cost under the rule of a corrupt and unstable Government than otherwise/

What is David Headley's real story

THE SENSATIONAL disclosures by Indian authorities of the nefarious roles of David Coleman Headley and the U. S. Investigative agencies in the 26/ 11 massacre are a matter of grave concern for our country.

Headley was allegedly a CIA agent engaged in drug smuggling who is later stated to have double- crossed with the Pakistan terror groups sponsored by the Pak government agencies.

This reflects not only Headley two- facedness but also that of US administration. If true, then it is horrifying that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI) was aware about the impending attack in Mumbai but did not sound out the Indian government.

Further, they refused to allow Indian investigation team to examine Headley. The numerous visits of Headley to India, Pakistan and Dubai and the source of finance could not have escaped the notice of CIA/ FBI as he was their paid agent. They willfully ignored these facts which would have saved hundreds of lives and precious property. If such a conspiracy been hatched against US on Indian soil or within the knowledge of Indian investigation agencies, wouldnt the US have behaved differently? The common man in India is, therefore, bewildered about the real design and sincerity of the US, a country that is neither reliable nor dependable and is concerned with purely selfinterest.

Their unusual doles of money and arms to Pakistan a perpetrator of world terrorism is indicative of their Mindset.

Should India have alliance with such an unprincipled regime?

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visits America

"Values bind us" said our honest and kind hearted Prime Minister when he gave this message to the American President during his recent visit to that country. However, this failed to cut much ice with him as the sequence of events illustrates. That the head of Democratic party in United States one of the largest democracies in the world preferred the autocratic and dictatorial regimes of China and Pakistan over India the largest democracy is indicative of the Obama's Mindset and future relations with India. Both USA and India have been victims of Pak based and engineered terrorism but Barack Hussain Obama blatantly ignored to confirm that US financial and arms supplies to Pakistan will not used against India. It is not unfair to conclude that "values are behind us" and not bind us any more.

There has been no worthwhile gain of the present visit as America neither agreed on nuclear issues nor on terrorism related matters. This attitude was became clear to the common man in India when our investigation team that went to examine the terror suspect Hadley but was unceremoneously ejected out. That our Prime Minister has returned empty hands needs no more mention. There were achievements though of red carpet, being the first state guest, glittering state dinner and best of rehtorics. Now India has to decide that it has to tend its field itself with expectations of outside sources.

Pakistan Rulers lose Balance of Mind

Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik's ridiculous accusation of India giving financial aid to Talibans is a joke of the century. It demonstrates the frustration of Pak rulers in meeting the situation of their own creation. The entire world including people of Pakistan know as to who and for what purpose the monster of Talibans was created. As the well known saying goes "as you sow, so shall you reap". The disintegeration of Pakistan is in the least interest of India for maintaining stability in the region. But if rulers of that country are bent upon self destruction by promoting violence,hatred and fanaticism, who can help them. This unfortunate and irresponsible statement of Mr. Malik has come at a time when India has been making out of the way overtures to build bridges between the countries. It is ironic that when India tries to move one step forward the powers in Pakistan move two steps backwards.It is time that people of Pakistan should throw out such organisations out of power who have not allowed them to keep pace with the changing times and taste peace and prosperity.

Austerity. Security and Publicity

It is unfortunate to note that a very serious issue of austerity in these times of economic crisis has become a subject of frivolous comments and ridicule. The journeys undertaken by Sonia Gandhi by Economy class by Air and that of by Train by Rahul Gandhi were at first given undue publicity and subsequently twisted as security risks. No one denies the security angle attached to both these leaders, but was not the security breached by giving advanced publicity to these events?

2. Travel expenses is not the only area of austerity in Government expenses. There is over staffing, wasteful office expenses, uneconomic and redundant schemes and hospitality expenses which need to be pruned. Mere issue of instructions .Circulars and Orders have not yielded any result in the past nor will it bear any fruit in future. What is required is sincere will and determination to enforce these measures. Look at the publicity mongers politicians and Government Ministers holding Iftar parties at public expenses in a Secular State, not out of anyrespect for the faith but out of sheer publicity appetite. How do we propose to manage austerity. security and publicity at the same time?




( O.P.Tandon)

If asked to resign, I will kill myself

"If asked to resign, I will kill myself: Buta Singh" is a most irresponsible and desperate attempt to blackmail the process of investigation and justice. Buta Singh 's love for power is well known as he has switched political loyalties to cling to power. His aforesaid statement perfectly proves this. Buta Singh is holding a constitutional Office and the involvement of his son in a criminal case directly concerning his official functions is a cause for concern and suspicion. All dignitaries are supposed to ensure that their wards and relations do not exploit their official positions. However. Buta Singh has not only been claiming his personal innocence but also that of his son.

2. He has been Home Minister of India and knows the working of CBI and it does not behove him to cast aspersions on its working. As the can of worms is opening up against his son, the best he could have done was to keep his mouth shut or chant the proverbial "Let the law take its own course."He seems to be committing Harakiri by issuing public statements in nervousness.

Religious Blackmail of an Indian Actor

It is unfortunate to observe that Media is becoming a party to exploitations by individuals to meet their narrow personal needs by hook or by crook. The recent case of Actor Emraan Hashmi in claiming with the active and direct support of particularly the visual media that he was denied the purchase of a flat by the Co-operative Society on grounds of being a Muslim is pure and simple blackmail. By projecting it on TVs again and again this will have negative impact and widen the communal bias.

2. It is no body's case that such incidents do not happen in India or other parts of globe. However, India has diverse cultures and traditions which have bearing on social structure of each group. And we cannot force any one to break them to satisfy the ego of a particular person or section of society. For instance no Jain landlord will accommodate a Non-vegitarian tenant or member of their Housing Society irrespective of whether he is a Hindu or Muslim. Like wise, landlords are reluctant to accommodate single females, advocates, Doctors, event managers etc for various valid or invalid reasons. No one can force them to this type of blackmail as Hashmi has tried to play. There are many Group Housing Societies et up by religious groups under many names viz.Islamia, Brahman,Shiva. Then there are Societies based on regional bases, Kangra, South India, Malalyam, Uttarkhand, Gujarati etc. In Delhi we have Societies based on professional links like Press Enclave, RBI Colony, Swasthya Vihar and Nirman Vihar, AGCR colony etc. These groupings were set up as a matter of convenience , cohesiveness and more importantly as a filter to ward off undesirable element. By playing the religious card, Hashmi has adequately proved himself as an undesirable and unwanted person for the Society in question. It is regrettable that media went beyond its brief in this case.

Murky Politicians of Kasmir

The recent events in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly have exposed the lowest level to which PDP leaders can stoop down for their narrow political ends. The role of a vigilant opposition in a democratic regime is to corner the Government in power on national and administrative issues and not personal character assassination. PDP was sharing power with Congress till a few months ago and the said Sex scandal happened during that period. At that time they never mentioned about the the name of Omar Abdullah in the list of accused or suspected persons.

2. Now that they are out of power and have no issue to remain in public lime light, they have chosen this irresponsible and detestable path to malign a popular young dynamic leader of the State. The conduct of Mehbooba in throwing microphones on the face of the Assembly Speaker and later on tearing the report of the CBI in House illustrate her desperate frame of mind. It is a dangerous trend to whip up street passions which will sometime boomerang on them. The role of PDP was exposed when they remained silent when a three year old child and his father was brutally murdered by the terrorists but were very vociferous about the death of two girls with questionable circumstances. It is the same party which had pleaded for common currency in Kashmir as well as Pak occupied area. This party with a anti national agenda deserves to be treated with utmost severity under the law so that they do not pose threat to peace stability and tranquility in the State