MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Ram Madhav Nehru categorically stated, "Tibet, of Excelsior course, is part of China." He also said Established 1965 he many hurdles that His Holi- on another occasion that the Chine- ness overcame to make India his The Dalai Lama at 85 seoccupation of Tibet would put an end Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Thome. to the theocratic regime of the priestly The tiny village of Shaoshan in the ing at me, he asks: "Where are you There was no electricity and hence the preceded by a lot of drama. Once lamas and bring it into "the mainstream Hunan province of China is an impor- from?" But before I can answer he turns house was lit by a generator. There was before, in 1957, His Holiness was invit- of modern civilisation." Expansionist ambitions tant centrepiece of 'Red Tourism'.Bus- to my driver and, more alarmed, asks, a room with a bed for His Holiness to ed for the Mahaparinirvana-2,500 Speaking a few months after the loads of people flock to this birthplace "Are you Tibetan?" When the driver retire and another bigger room with an years of the Buddha's nirvana-celebra- arrival of the Dalai Lama in India in the must be shunned of Mao Zedong to pay their respects to answers in the affirmative, the villager- elevated podium in Tibetan style for tions at Bodh Gaya. His Holiness came Rajya Sabha in October 1959, Nehru the 'Great Helmsman', whose 36- with an obvious sense of urgency-tells him to give darshan and discourses. with an entourage and mind to use the wryly said, "Very probably, the Tibetan n an era of development and cooperation metrehigh statue adorns the village us to leave quickly because the place is Both the rooms were beautifully deco- occasion to seek political asylum in developments have angered and soured between the countries, there was no scope square. There is a Shaoshan Mao heavily surveilled. His voice is fore- rated. "Do you hope to have him back India or the USA. The two brothers of the minds of the government in China, Zedong Memorial Museum too, where boding and his jerky, hurried gestures here?" I asked in part surprise and part the Dalai Lama, who were already very likely… And perhaps they have Ior veracity for any reason whatsoever, to Mao's belongings were kept. make it clear that this is not a place to bewilderment. His Holiness' nephew sanctioned asylum by America, came reacted strongly to what we have done, nurse expansionist ambitions by any country. People are also encouraged to visit- loiter,' he writes. was affirmative. I realised that this hope down to meet him in India. However, I mean, to the asylum we have given to the birthplace of Deng Xiaoping Incidentally, I too had a similar Nehru and Zhou Enlai had left no the Dalai Lama." Era of cold war had ended and other treaties inPaifangvillage of Xiexing Town in experience when I visited this vil- stone unturned to ensure that His His Holiness has remained in India of promoting military and war interests have the Sichuan province. Although Deng lage 10 years before Robertson. At Holiness returned to Tibet.Zhou ever since. He has completed 61 years never returned to his village after ris- that time, I was probably one of the Enlai had stayed for full 12 days in of living in India. When he came, he been rendered infructuous and redundant. ing in the communist hierarchy, the very few Indians who had visited India to make sure that the Dalai was a refugee. But today, every Indian Economic interests and reforms to promote Chinese government has made sure the birthplace of His Holiness. I was Lama did not stay back in India. regards him as an elder in the family. globalisation with intent to focus on develop- that his village also becomes an impor- on a tour of China in November Ultimately, the Dalai Lama had HisHoliness jovially says that tant destination in Red Tourism. The 2008, and my itinerary included a returned to Lhasa in early 1958, only while his body was Tibetan, his blood ment, progress and expansion of trade and village was declared by the state coun- visit to Lhasa. The hosts, a wing of to return in a year's time. wasIndian since he has been eating the commerce, fighting ecological and environ- cil, the Chinese cabinet, in 2001,as a the CPC, saw the controlled visit as Nehru, although agreed to grant rice and dal of this country for the last 'Major Historical and Cultural Site Pro- an opportunity to showcase the asylum toHis Holiness this time, so many decades. He is as much a mental problems, issues of emissions and tected at the National Level' and Hu Jin- progress and development of the was not sure whether he had done revered spiritual master to Indians as fighting terrorism are getting countries closer. tao, thegeneral secretary of the CPC, Tibetan Autonomous Region the right thing or not. India was nev- he has been to many Tibetans and oth- attended the unveiling of Deng's statue (TAR) under the CPC regime. The er there to support the Tibetan cause ers. If any country believed that its die hard old in 2004. visit to Lhasa was to start from Xin- during the fateful years of the '50s HisHoliness has regarded Hin- state policy to usurp neighbours' land would Far removed from these villages, ing, where I was made to board the despite repeated requests by the duism and Buddhism as twins, follow- get any sort of support or any stamp of legiti- which have become important land- recently started train service of the Dalai Lama for support at the UN. ing identical paths, one with the con- marks in China tourism, is the village Qinghai-Tibet Railways. The 26- Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime ception of Atma and the other with macy, it was only day dreaming and at least, of Taktser, in Qinghai province,once a hour train journey was a memorable Minister of Malaysia,was flabber- Anatma. should not dare to do it with a country intrinsi- part of the former Tibetan kingdom. one. The train practically runs on a gasted by India's reluctance to sup- Once he narratedto me his conver- Taktser is the birthplace of His Holi- glacier, and doubtless, is a techno- port the Tibetan cause and sorely sation with Prime Minister Morarji cally believing in and pursuing policy of peace ness,the fourteenth and the current logical marvel. complained that, "Twice Malaya Desai: "We are two branches of the and friendship. The crux or kernel of the Dalai Lama. Unlike Shaoshan and But the most memorable part of raised the Tibetan question in the same tree of Dharma," Desai toldHis Paifang, Taktser doesnot appear any- the trip was my impromptu visit to UNO and twice India refused to sup- Holiness, to which His Holiness impressive speech of Prime Minister Narendra where on the China tourism circuit. The Taktser. His Holiness is loved by 6 mil- is what drives the 6 million Tibetansin port us… we knew what was going to promptly responded saying,"You are Modi which he delivered during his unan- village remains backward, nondescript lion Tibetans. One of them informed preserving their religion, language and happen when China took Tibet. They the tree, and we are the branches." and forlorn. nounced visit to Ladakh recently revolved me in Xining about the village which culture against heavy odds. had their eyes on India and wanted to This humility is the hallmark of His 'Beijing obviously doesn't want was just90minutesaway. My protocol His Holiness had left Lhasa in 1959 get nearer to your borders." Holiness. In fact, at the Emory Univer- around these facts. Taktser becoming a pilgrimage site for officer, an official from the CPC, was and ended up in India as a refugee. Over Even the Dalai Lama had cautioned sity, where he was an honorary profes- A historic and memorable visit of the PM in Tibetans; the Dalai Lama represents a obviously uncomfortable. He pleaded 80,000 Tibetans followed him subse- Nehru about the same and said, "If you sor, His Holiness has described the challenge not to Chinese power per se, helplessness as it was not a part of the quently. The expatriate Tibetan com- deny sovereign status to Tibet, you essence of his philosophy in four the middle of a highly tense situation due to but to its national(ist) narrative,' writes itinerary provided. But I could per- munity is about 150,000 today.He was deny the validity of the convention,and words-humility, honesty, transparency belligerency of China was not without a pur- Tim Robertson, an independent jour- suade him for a quick evening visit to received by Jawaharlal Nehru and therefore, the validity of the McMahon and compassion. His Holiness is the nalist and writer, in Diplomat in 2018. that village. Few miles from the city, granted asylum in India.His Holiness Line." Instead of making sense of the living manifestation of these supreme pose of its peculiar nature as he echoed in no What happens if someone, by chance roads were bad, and by Chinese stan- and his followers have since been stay- Dalai Lama's caution, Nehru got angry qualities. Compassion, the essence of ambiguous manner that era of expansionism or by effort, visits that village? Robert- dards, they can be described as non- ing mainly in Dharamshala and also at with the statement. "What good will it Buddhism, has taken a human form in son narrates his own experience when was over and that the era of development had existent. It was obvious that the village a few other places like Uttarakhand, achieve?" was Nehru's rhetoric when His Holiness; he is compassion-incar- he made a visit to this village about 30 and its surroundings were subject to Darjeeling, Mainpat in Chhattisgarh asked for the support to the Tibetan nate. attained due importance and centre stage of miles away from Xining, the capital deliberate neglect and disinterest. and Mundgod in Karnataka, where cause at the UN in the '50s. (The article was originally published by OPEN city of the Qinghai province. all the countries' policies. He also lauded the When I visited the house where His they were provided land by the Indian Nehru always held the view that Magazine on July 5, 2020. Views expressed are per- In the desolate village, Robertson Holiness was born, I was greeted by a Government for their livelihood. Tibet was an integral part of China. In sonal.) valour and professional spirit of fighting back finally finds an old Tibetan man. 'Look- close relative, who took me around. However, this asylum issue was an interview to RK Karanjia in 1954, [email protected] by Indian soldiers and paid rich tributes to the soldiers who attained martyrdom while resist- Dr. Sudershan Kumar in a nutshell we can say that the face off at Sikkim, Galwan valley, Demchok and Pangong Tso lake ing and giving a bloody nose to the Chinese ince time immemorial, the Dragon has been was pre planned well thought of strategy to cre- on 15th of this month by what he said as the raising it's sinister eyebrows and following Containing Dragon ate disturbance along LAC and also to send sig- Sit's expansionist mission along the line of nals across the world that the conditions in India actual control. Consequently time and again, the design of Dragon along the LAC. To get answers Similarly the present stand off in Ladakh sec- enemies of India had seen their "fire and fury". are not conducive for investment. Further, Indian army has had to tackle these excursions to this, one needs to analyse the cause of Chinese tor also reflects the nefarious designs of Chinese India of the present era, especially of 2020 through this aggressive and hardened posture from the Chinese side. Once again this time also, expansionist and aggressive manoeuvers and aggression towards India and also its intention to Chinese leadership is keen to convey to world would never allow or tolerate any misadven- our army proved its indomitable might when on their mind set. Firstly, it is a well acknowledged unilaterally alter the status quo on LAC. A multi- particularly to small countries to fall in line. This the night of 15th June 2020 at point No.14 in Gal- fact that the Chinese have a long history of occu- tude of factors can be seen to facilitate and fuel ture of transgression of its territory. It has to be never ending volatile situation needs careful wan valley in Eastern Ladakh, its brave hearts pying and annexing the areas of neighbouring the execution of this mischievous plan of China strategic outlook in the future also and short com- underlined that the weak could never succeed killed nearly 35 to 45 Chinese soldiers in a hand countries using by all means including physiolog- against India ; First and the foremost is the mak- ings of the past need to be addressed. As per the to hand combat.The Chinese side although ical warfare. As on date, the people's Republic of ing of Ladakh a Union Territory and revocation in building a lasting peace and it was only the available data there were around 1100 incur- remained in a denial mode but did admit to the China has around 9.597M kms area, the third of Article 370 from the erstwhile Jammu & Kash- sions by PLA in three years from 2014 onward powerful and the brave which could do it. In causalities inflicted upon them by us. If the Amer- largest in the world. This also includes nearly mir state (now Two Union territories Jammu - and nearly 380 face off between the patrols of other words, he reiterated that India's strength cian agencies are to believed, the no. of casual- 4.076 M kms territories of Inner Mongolia, East Kashmir, and Ladakh).The Chinese side some- two armies. This has come despite the fact that should never be underestimated or underval- ties on the Chinese side stands at around 35. Sad- Turkestan,Tibet, Akasi chin area of erst while how have not been able to assimilate the above ly, in this hand to hand scuffle, 20 of our brave Jammu & Kashmir ( now Union Territory of development. Secondly, India's building up of two countries have signed number of agreements ued which was seen in symbolic display of hearts also attained martyrdom but their martyr- Ladakh),Shaksgam valley and many other small massive infrastructure along the line of actual for maintaining peace and tranquility along LAC. Notably among them are 1993, 1994, 2005, 2011 bravery of our forces on June 15. India was dom will not go in vain. This incident has surely pockets and Islands in South China sea'. Inner control for effective patrolling and quick deploy- nailed the iron rod into the PLA and has taught Mongolia with an area around 1.183 M kms was ment of additional troops at the time of crisis has and 2013 agreements. But Chinese never adhered making no bones about its high military pre- them a lesson to remember for years. Moreover annexed by China immediately after World War also not gone down well with the Chinese. to these agreements. They spread their wings paredness and acquiring military hardware of the casualties suffered by them were beyond their II with Soviet support and established it as an Ironically, this is being opposed by the Chi- slowly and steadily and occupied Indian territo- expectation. Moreover,this unprovoked barbaric autonomous region in the year 1947. Initially Chi- nese, even though they themselves have built on ry on the name of perceptional difference on line latest technology to be used on ground, in the attack on the unarmed Indian soldiers has one nese occupied the Hulunbuir region but subse- their side. Third, and the most significant aspect of actual control at certain locations.Parellelly air and in seas only to defend its territories. again proved that the country like China and its quently they expanded towards West words and is the Prime Ministers' big push for "Aatam Nirb- with eye on Siachen glacier region PLA is reg- communist party leadership has double standards. annexed five out of six original leagues over a har Bharat" i.e. buy and produce Indian goods. He ularly holding joint exercises with Pakistani The PM while addressing the soldiers told that They are dicey, untrustworthy and unpredictable span of ten years. Similarly East Turkestan also has time and again laid emphasis on Make in India army in this high altitude region since 2011 “your bravery and valour are echoing in every and there have been innumerable past incidents known as Uyghuristan with an area of around and also has endorsed with a constant thrust for onward.This makes localized two front war a reality.There fore , India has to be prepared for house across the country.” He made it clear reverberating the tails of deceit by the Chinese. 1.665 M kms which was earlier occupied by Qing innovative start ups and revamping of supply Their actions do not commensurate to their com- dynasty in eighteenth century also became a part chain. The Chinese have developed a psycholog- future two front war with its Northern and West- that Ladakh is the crown of India and that “we mitments. Henceforth, it is imperative for those of People Republic of China(PRC) in the year ical fear that this Indian move may affect their ern neighbour. Needless to mention here that know how to defend our land”. The PM did not who are at the helm of affairs in India, to be much 1949. PRC also annexed Tibetan plateau with area economy in the long run and this repercussion is future war is going to be intense, short and high- more vigilant about them. We must adopt an around 1.228 M kms in the year 1959 and deprived inevitable. This can be attributed to the fact that ly technology oriented. Technology will dictate lose the opportunity in praising the valour and aggressive calibrated and a balanced strategy to peace loving Tibetans from their home land. But their economy is largely based and thrives on the terms.Keeping this aspect in mind PLA has contribution of ITBP, BSF, BRO and other out smart Chinese expansionist and aggressive Chinese lust for annexing neighbours area did not export to other countries.It is a known fact that enhanced its non kinetic capability through manoeuvers. It is not out of context to mention stop there and had an eye on Aksai Chin area. So annual bilateral trade between India and China is Strategic Support(SS) comprising of cyber , para-military forces. here that whatever happened in Galwan valley in 1950's China had surreptitiously built nearly around 100 billion US $ with trade deficit of space electronic and management of electromag- As is often noticed that the PM usually high- was not incidental, but it was a well thought of 179 km long road in Indian territory of Aksai chin around 48.7 billion US$.As a result Chinese com- netic spectrum for disrupting and paralysing lights India's great traditions and legacy and pre planned strategy to secure an edge over Indi- and later on started laying claim on that strategi- panies are annually earning nearly huge profit in adversary's strategic assets. As per available an troops in the forward locations and also was cally important area of erstwhile Jammu and from Indian market. Even the total turn over of information Western Theatre Command is regu- analogically connects those with day to day planned to demonstrate their might , forcibly to Kashmir State (Now Union territory of Ladakh). Chinese electronic in India in the year 2019 was larly practising its manoeuvers in advanced elec- happenings to bring home India's high ideals bring the Indian side onto the negotiation table as Finally they occupied Aksai chin having area around 1.4 lakh crore of rupees. tronic environment. There fore, in the event of per their terms and conditions. As per reports the around 38000 sq km after 1962 war with India. Fourthly, India's growing foot prints into Indo- war with India they may use this non kinetic which were meaningfully relevant to resolve plan was hatched by Chinese military Comman- Parallelly on the pretext of settling boundary dif- Pacific strategy and the quadrilateral security dia- capability against Indian army and air force.To contagious issues. That Indians were worship- der of Western theater command to infuse confi- ference with Pakistan, China acquired strate- logue(QSD) commonly known as quad to contain counter Dragon, India needs to have a multi prong dence among Chinese soldiers and also to bol- gically important Shaksgam valley( 5000 sq km China and other host of bilateral issues, where India approach.First and fore most is aggressive diplo- ping the flute of Lord Krishna symbolic of ster the image of PLA and Chinese leadership area) from Pakistan. This paved the way for exe- has acted against the interests of Chinese compa- matic approach against aggression on LAC.Let peace, love and compassion were also ardent among its masses.It is a hard known fact that, cution of their ambitious plan of resurrecting the nies keen to do business in India . Also refusal to the world know that China is aggressor and try- worshippers of his Sudarshan Chakra denot- the ruling communist party of China (CPC) and ancient trade/ routes to Middle East by construct- join Xi Jinping's one of the most ambiguous and ing to change Status quo of LAC unilaterally. its leadership after attaining Independence has a ing Karakoram Highway which now connects cherished " one belt and one road dream project. Secondly, to inflict dent to Chinese economy ing fighting the evil to its finish. So the ardent long standing mission of becoming world's mili- Xinjing province of China to Gwadar port of Pak- These steps by India to contain the Chinese Indian masses must boycott Chinese goods.Chi- principle of peace to which this country was tary and economic power. As a result they have istan under one belt one road projects. Besides onslaught can have implications on China. nese companies should not be allowed to do busi- been indulging in various expansionist manoeu- China is also laying debit trap for cash strapped Lastly, the Covid-19 pandemic has also seg- ness in Indian markets. Third, the psychological traditionally and culturally wedded to should vers not only on Western, Central and Eastern sec- weak and smaller nations by offering them loan regated China in the international arena.As a war fare through military manoeuvers. Fourth, never be construed as India's weakness. It tors of LAC but they are bullying smaller nations as per its own terms and conditions on the name result most of the international companies are the last one is localized high tech war keeping like, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philip- of infrastructure development. In the event of non pulling out of Chinese cities and are looking for in mind Chinese capabilities in electronic envi- may be noted that even during the intense pines in South China sea . payment of installments, the assets created by alternative destinations in other countries. India ronment. There fore short term and long term standoff at the LAC, India has been getting Therefore in the present day context it is very Chinese companies are ultimately taken over by is seen as one of the lucrative destination for their aggressive pre calibrated and balanced strategy increasing international support which was a important to understand what provoked China to China on 99 years lease. The taking over of Han- production. Hence through these manoeuvers is the need of the hour. shift its strategy towards India? Also what sort bantota port in Sri Lanka by Chinese authorities along LAC, Chinese leadership wants to send (The author is former Director General & Special Secretary message to China that unprovoked and illegiti- of strategy Indian analysts authorities are required on non payment of loan installment is a glaring clear message for those countries who want to DRDO, MoD GoI) mate hostilities with ulterior motives to usurp to adopt to counter aggressive and expansionist example of their expansionist mind set. shift their companies from China to India. Hence [email protected] and nibble others' territory would never ever Sohail Khan * Projects to have strategic status : get any type of support from any country. The Environment Impact Assessment Draft 2020 Through the draft notification, the Cen- ecently, the Ministry of Environ- tral Government gets the power to cate- injured soldiers also were inquired about their ment, Forest and Climate Change gorise projects as "Strategic".Once a proj- wellbeing by the Prime Minister by meeting R(MoEFCC) has proposed a draft Compilation of violations ect is considered as strategic, the draft noti- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) fication states that no information related to them at Leh hospital, and were recovering fast. notification 2020 , that seeks to replace the (EIA) process scrutinises the potential envi- Streamlining the EIA process and ects concerning environment, decisions are such projects shall be placed in the public However, the present leadership in China current notification which goes back to ronmental impact and negative externali- bringing it in line with recent judgments are made through public hearing and public domain . This could be a huge protection to stepping up its aggressive postures against 2006.The draft notification is issued under ties of a proposed project. It also determines the reasons given by the government for lat- consultation is an integral part. In EIA2006, unethical industries, mining and irrigation the powers vested in the Central Govern- whether the project can be carried out in the est notification. But Draft EIANotification the time for public hearing was 30 days but projects. They are free to hide information this country has attracted worldwide attention ment under the Environment (Protection) form proposed, or whether it is to be aban- disables it, shrinks its scope and removes in EIA 2020, an amendment is made and from the people under this rubric especially in constantly avoiding or resisting Act, 1986, to take all such measures for “pro- doned or modified .The assessment is car- what teeth it did have .It is completely con- time is cutdown to 20 days. There is no CONCLUSION tecting and improving the quality of the ried out by an Expert Appraisal Committee trary to the principles of environment pro- enough time to study the case and for proj- Environmental regulation must balance India's continued efforts to honour the LAC environment.According to the Govern- (EAC). EAC consists of scientists and proj- tection .The most devastating blow to the ect-affected people, who are frequently for- damage to the environment with sustain- that could ensure a lasting peace. Back home, ment, the new notification is being brought ect management experts. The EAC frames EIA regime is the creation of an ex-post- est dwellers or otherwise do not have access able development and possible benefits but in order to make the process more transpar- the scope of the EIA study and a prelimi- facto clearance route: to information and technology & this will the new notification lays more emphasis on those of his critics who took a jibe at the Prime ent and expedient by the implementation of nary report is prepared .That report is pub- * Ex Post Facto clearance : It applies make it harder to put forth representations. the benefits and so must be Minister that during his address to the nation an online system, further delegation, ratio- lished, and a public consultation process to ongoing or completed project for which * Compliance Report Issue : In 2006 reconsidered.The ministry, instead of two days back in respect of announcing free nalisation and standardisation of the takes place. Objections can be heard includ- no prior permission was sought or granted, EIA, industries and projects have to submit reducing the time for public consultation, process. However, draft notification has ing from project-affected people.The EAC and the construction of the project took a project report to the Government in every should focus on ensuring access to infor- ration to the poor, he did not make any men- come up with lot of exemptions. It propos- can then make a final appraisal of the proj- place regardless. This is the most absurd six months but in EIA 2020, report has to mation as well as awareness about the pub- tion about China when the standoff with that es to ease process for businesses , bolster the ect and forward that to the regulatory amendment in EIA 2020 according to me. be submitted once a year. A year is a lot of lic hearing and its impact upon the whole Government’s discretionary power while authority: Ministry of Environment and You first start a project, clear acres and acres time for irreversible environmental ,social EIA process. With the EIA, we also need country was peaking in eastern Ladakh, got a limiting public engagement in safeguarding Forests (MoEF).The regulatory authority is of forest land, bring about irreversible and health consequences to be done. It is Social impact assessment to achieve sus- resounding response from the PM by his virtu- the environment. ordinarily obliged to accept the decision of social, economical, environmental and ridiculous that Government is trusting or tainable development in true sense. UNDERSTANDING THE EIA the EAC. health risks and then apply for environmen- choosing to trust these companies that have (The author is an environment activist & member of ally landing at the front at an altitude of 11000 PROCESS DISCUSSION : EIA 2006 VS EIA tal clearance. Wow! You are good to go. a track record of violating environmental JKIFTS) feet and sending message loud and clear to The Environmental Impact Assessment 2020 * Public consultation diluted : In proj- regulations [email protected] China though not naming it directly. (The views expressed by the authors are their personal)