In Defense of a Decent Defence Minister

In India Defence Ministers engage in some of the biggest scams ever. Multi-billion dollar deals are hijacked and loot siphoned off clandestinely. The ill gotten wealth goes all the way to some top notch Swiss bank. After a couple of years some folks raise a hullabaloo about the whole matter to earn votes and topple the Government. So that they can do the same thing. And the process goes on and on.

Our present minister Mr. A.K. Anthony is a decent man. He may have his failings, no doubt. But he is not corrupt. In a Government that has broken all records of corruption this should be a matter of pride. This gentleman has been instrumental in finalizing a number of defence deals and that too with a fair amount of transparency. He has always lead a simple and spartan life, quite like out previous Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee and so far at least has a very clean image. For this reason alone he has earned my respect.

So it is very unfortunate the the events have taken an ugly turn. India is routinely bullied by China. our thick skin has tolerated that. Nay, ignored that. But now adding salt to the injury Pakistani men, state or non state, have started hunting Indian soldiers openly and in total blatant violation of the ceasefire. Forced by the circumstances and possibly due to the prodding of the Italian mafia, he made a statement that implied that the Pakistani Army was not involved in the attack. All hell broke loose. He was called a coward and what not. The UPA Government sure does have a policy to shoot itself but this was like a bolt from the blue. Such a good opportunity was let gone and the blame put on terrorists.

Pakistan is the aggressor in this case(as usual). Instead of raising war cries it would do first to build up public opinion for this. Especially in the international arena. If we react, we would play into enemy hands. We can on the other hand wait the time out. Allow the enemy to let the guard down. Build up proper public relations regarding this particular incident and also the beheading of Indian troops for sport. After that, when no one expects, we can pounce. In any measure the armed forces may think to be necessary and/or sufficient. The choice should be to take the initiative - not to react but act. On our own terms. I hope India does not follow stupid Pakistani diplomacy and behave in a childish manner. Pakistan has worked hard to earn the title of a rogue state. We should help them in this regard. Let them start. We will finish.

Update

Salman Khurshid is not a person I really like. He has earned wrath again. He says it was army's fault. To die and complain. They should also probably grow a thick skin like shameless politicians and sit idle. Thank God they don't buy the logic.

Mr. Anthony on the other hand, with the latest information, has clarified that the attackers were Pakistani Army soldier on a hunting trip. Now it is to be seen what the hopeless Government does about it.