Who Wants Khalistan?

Vol: 28 | No. 9 | September 2020| R20

www.opinionexpress.in A MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE

Cover Story WHO WANTS KHALISTAN? While natives in Punjab have no interest in a separate nation, some vested interests are trying to reignite the issue Thank You BIPL %DODML,QIUD3URMHFWV/LPLWHG www.balaji.co.in www.dighiport.in editorial

RNI UPENG01809 Volume 28, No 9 Khalistan – An illusion EDITOR Prashant Tewari Associate Editor with no substance Dr Rahul Misra ho wants Khalistan? The native Indian Sikh community in Punjab has Political Editor absolutely no interest even to discuss the subject in their routine life. Prakhar Misra Sikh Diaspora attached with the main land has no interest in the issue. BUREAU CHIEF W Anshuman Dogra (DELHI), Diwakar Shetty But some disgruntle anti national set of people prompted by the foreign funding (MUMBAI), Sidhartha Sharma (KOLKATA), are running a futile campaign to instigate the subject with no support from cred- Lakshmi Devi (BANGALORE ) DIvyash Bajpai ible places. Sikh community in India is the most progressive and prosperous com- (USA), KAPIL DUDAKIA (UNITED KINGDOM) Rajiv Agnihotri (MAURITIUS), Romil Raj munity of the country. Independent India with majority 80% Bhagat (DUBAI), Herman Silochan (CANADA), Hindu population size has showered tremendous love and Dr Shiv Kumar (AUS/NZ), Nithya Ramesh respect to 2% Sikh community in every sphere of life. It can (Fashion & Entertainment ) be a unique case study model anywhere in the world wherein Principle Correspondent the overwhelming population majority has voluntarily of- Shakila Makandar fered respect and position to the almost dismal population Content partner The Pioneer size group. Sikh community has completely justified the faith Pratham Pravakta and they have reciprocated the gesture with full commitment Legal Advisors in every sector that it has been represented. Vishnu Sharma Adv But the tragedy of Sikhs is that they have not found a lead- Vijai Krishna Adv er worthy of carrying forward the legacy of their illustrious Gurus since Maharaja Advertisement / Marketing Director Ranjit Singh The first work of Guru Nanak who is invariably referred to asthe Diwakar Shetty Gopal Chopra founder of Sikhism, maintained, propounded original teachings, established a new Administrative Director religion and gathered round himself a following drawn from both Hindu and Mus- Amit Pandey lim. This continued for about a century till Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru whose Bal Mukund Gaur period occupies most of the first half of seventeen century adopted the doctarine Corporate Communication / PR of ‘miri-piri’ and resorted to an arm rebellion against the attempts made by Mu- Sanjay Mendiratta M M Upadhaya ghals to interfere and curb the religious rights of non muslims in India. He accordingly responded `to the Mughal threat of violent repression by arming his followers Graphics & Design Writeword Commuications (Studio 8) though nothing basic had, however, been changed. The tenth Guru Gobind Singh Photographer having observed the growing hostility of Mughal authorities reached a momentous Ratan Shukla decision to form a structured group of fighters to be named as Khalsa having mili- Overseas Marketing tary discipline. OEMCL Ltd (Mauritius), OEHCL ltd (DUBAI) The present self proclaimed leaders of the Sikh community are illiterate and Advertisement / Circulation: anti national. They have no intellect to understand the historical prospective and Delhi / NCR - Hemant Sharma: D 239 Defence Colony New Delhi 110024 INDIA the current geo political games. We are still trying to get over the fall-out from Tel – 011 49060350 the lack of vision and leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, now another “vi- Mumbai - Vijay Kalantri – Advisor: New sionary”, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, has appeared from America. He now wishes to ExcelsIor BUILDING, 6tH Floor, A.K. NAYAK lead the Sikhs by carrying forward the legacy of Bhindranwale. No one has divided MARG, Fort, MUMBAI - 400001 (INDIA). Sikhs more than Bhindrawala and also poisoned the minds of our youth who have Phone: 91 - 22 - 22019265 / 22019160 FAX : 91-22- 22019764 / 22019760 limited understanding of our faith and history but feel angry due to the attack on The magazine is published and printed by Rajiv the Golden Temple. Agnihotri for Opinion Express Communications And we in India must stop blaming Pakistan for fuelling the insurgency in the & Entertainments Pvt Ltd, from Kumpu Graphic recent times. Rather the blame must go squarely to the ignorant Sikh groups who Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow & printed at Kumpu Graphic Press 2 Ashok Nagar, Lucknow – 226001 have either no access to their own history or they are blinded by the power of for- Tele : 91-522-4060880 & eign money to destabilize their own motherland. No one has supported operation Nikhil Offset An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified Company blue star in totality but the rebel community elements must realise that the issue 223, DSIDC Complex, Okhla Industrial Area Phase is permanently dead, just to keep raking up the issue repeatedly and playing to - I, New Delhi - 110020 Tele : 91-26812316, 26810097, 26810458, FAX:91 45792362 E-Mail : the opponent gallery has discredited the entire community. India has given Sikh [email protected], [email protected] President, Prime Minster, Army Chief, top bureaucrats and prominent business Registered Office: OPINION EXPRESS HOUSE men and surely it makes the Sikh community most respected group of the country 24-A Clyde Road, Lucknow-226001 (India) Phone: 91-522-4060880 Fax: 91-522-2208242 but any activity against the strategic interest of the country used by any religious or # 24x7 mobility +91 9984437000 ethnic group must be permanently eliminated. The new offensive defensive policy email: [email protected] of the nation must send shivers to the militants and terror groups representing All disputes are subject to be under jurisdiction of any section of the society. And permanent elimination will be scripted if the larger courts in Delhi. All content published may be subject to copyright, interest of the country is hurt by any insane action conducted by them directly or seek written permission to re-produce. Opinion under the influence of the foreign forces against India. Express is trade mark brand of Opinion Express —Prashant Tewari, Editor-in-Chief Communications & Entertainment Private Limited. Opinion Express September 2020 3 A Monthly News Magazine September 2020 Cover Story Khalistan Referendum 2020 A Myth carried forward by vested interest groups ignores historical facts P 5-12 Sikhs Are The 13 Unbreakable 50 Shield Of India SSR death divides No Sikh will the glamour want lawlessness industry down the 22 in Punjab middle between insiders and Rajapaksa is outsiders 26 Commander in 42 Chief in The US Dollar, Sri-lanka the Fed and the Pretenders Emperor Xi corona 32 misadventure isolates China

4 September 2020 Opinion Express Cover story Khalistan Referendum 2020 A Myth carried forward by vested interest groups ignores historical facts

By Prashant Tewari & Prakhar Misra

ho wants Khaistan? The native Indian Sikh community in Punjab has absolutely no interest even to discuss the subject in the routine life. Sikh Diaspora attached with the main land has no interest in the issue. But some disgruntle anti national set of people prompted by the foreign funding areW running a futile campaign to instigate the subject with no support from credible places. Sikh community in India is the most progressive and prosperous community of the country. It has proudly represented the highest offices of the country – the president and the prime minister, army general, top bureaucrat, technocrats and state heads. Independent India with majority 80% Hindu population size has showered tremendous love and respect to 2% Sikh community in every sphere of life. It can be a unique case study model anywhere in the world wherein the overwhelming population majority has voluntarily offered respect and position to the almost dismal population size group. Sikhs have completely justified the faith and they have reciprocated the gesture with full commitment in every sector that it has represented.

Opinion Express September 2020 5 Off course, there are differences of of global peace and security to reject opinion and minute governance dis- forces, that are hell bent on spreading putes within the family but the two com- terror, the Chief Minister added. Sikhs munities have integrated well enough to in Punjab had categorically rejected be bifurcated by vested foreign interest. SFJ’s pro-Khalistan movement, which Desperate Pakistan led by ISI has put a the outfit was spreading at the behest of lot of stakes in abetting the Khalistan Pakistan’s ISI, he concluded. movement since the operation blue star Dejected by the stand taken by incident. There are western interest USA, Canada, EU countries to reject groups based in USA, Canada, UK are Khalistan, groups associated and funded putting up loop sided effort to flame the by anti India forces are desperate to fuel fire to keep the Indian progress in check the unrest in Punjab, three ‘hardcore and at the same time, they are keeping supporters of the ‘Khalistan movement’ the Indian government were planning to in good humor to bal- execute targeted ance the new emerging killings in several world order. Frankly, The emphasis of states of Northern the limited section of the CDS on Indian India were arrest- Sikh Diaspora aided ed by Delhi police. by western powers force being a ‘non On the KLF radar and the rouge Paki- expeditionary’ force were several activ- stani ISI have wrongly ists, politicians and evaluated the bond and restrictions of religious leaders, between the Hindu’s particularly from and Sikhs in India and deployment of its Punjab. During the surely one needs to personnel around interrogation of the spend time in India to three accused and understand the genu- the globe has raised further investiga- ine cultural integra- a new debate. In an tion, it was revealed tion between the two that they were in communities. interview, CDS said contact with Paki- Lately, the promi- stan ISI-sponsored nent countries where Indian forces have ‘to Khalistan lead- this mischief is played guard and fight only er Gopal Singh have decided to come Chawla, and lead- up with clear poli- along our borders and, ers of the banned cy of no support to of course, dominate Khalistan group Khalistan. Canada has Sikhs for Justice rejected the idea of the Indian Ocean (SFJ), based in Khalistan. In a state- Region’ Pakistan and the ment, it said: “ Canada US respectively. respects the sover- The dossier New eignty, unity and terri- Delhi shared with torial integrity of India, and the Govern- Islamabad about Khalistani anti-India ment of Canada will not recognise the propaganda led by Gopal Singh Chawla. referendum”. The Punjab Chief Minis- Pakistani intelligence agency asset Go- ter Captain Amrinder Singh said that pal Singh Chawla is the former General the categorical stand taken by the Jus- Secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara tin Trudeau government on this issue Prabhandhak Committee and Presi- is exemplary. He hopes other nations dent of Punjabi Sikh Sangat. Chawla is and governments should come out, and a well-known Khalistan element, who be against SFJ as well—which has been often spews venom against India in banned by India as a terrorist organisa- his speeches, and supports terrorism tion. The founder of SFJ, Gurpatwant in Punjab. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a Singh Pannu, has been declared as a lesser-known Khalistan group based in terrorist for actively promoting Paki- the US, which was banned by the Indian role of Khalistanis in the killing of RSS stan-backed terror activities on Indian government in July 2019. SFJ has been leaders in Punjab. “The killing of the soil. The Chief Minister added that fail- involved in several recent anti-India RSS leaders will continue in Punjab. ing to oppose the separatist SFJ organi- protests in the US, UK and Canada, RSS leaders are our very first target. We sation could set a dangerous precedent which have been indirectly sponsored don’t want any interference of RSS in for any country; this could be seen as by Pakistani agencies. our gurdwaras or in Punjab. The Indian covert support to an organisation that In October 2018, Gopal Singh government may do whatever it wants, would freely be propagating secession- Chawla, in a telephonic interview, had but we won’t tolerate interference in ist activities. This was in the interest confessed to having knowledge of the Punjab in any way,” he had told this

6 September 2020 Opinion Express journalist. On being asked about the porters of the Khalistan movement – India. Post abrogation of article 370, support of globally-designated terror- including former Army General General the terror groups in Kashmir have been ist and chief of terror group Lashkar- Hamid Gul – the Pakistani deep state at their weakest in the last three de- e-Tayyiba, Hafiz Saeed, Chawla said: seems to have now embarked on the K2 cades, with Indian security forces kill- “I have had relations with Hafiz Saeed (Kashmir and Khalistan) strategy with ing about 116 terrorists in less than six and continue even now. Doesn’t mean newfound hate and vengeance. A part months (including the top commanders we operate together. Hafiz Saeed is my of this hatred stems from the fact that of Hizbul Mujahideen who acted as the ideal person. (sic).” While several ISI diplomatically, Pakistan has failed to ground assets for Pakistani terrorists chiefs in the past have been vocal sup- gather any global momentum against infiltrating India through J&K).

Opinion Express September 2020 7 Misguided section of Sikh overwhelming ‘yes’ vote” would “start it. Analysts say support for indepen- Diaspora plans unofficial the process through which we will even- dence is more popular among diaspora vote in 2020 tually conduct an official legally binding Sikhs than in Punjab itself. In Punjab, Sikhs for Justice says poll to be orga- referendum in Punjab thereby peace- the government has been traditionally nized in Punjab and 20 countries abroad fully establishing Khalistan.” SFJ says it dominated by either the nation-wide to press for legally binding referendum on aims “to get 5 million votes in support Indian National Congress or the Shiro- India but India has categorically rejected of independence for Punjab” in the un- mani Akali Dal —a conservative, Sikh- the demand, since it is Pakistan spon- official vote, the result then “presented majority, pro-autonomy Punjabi party sored activity to disturb peace in Punjab. to the United Nations with a request currently not striving for independence, Diaspora group Sikhs for Justice for them to intervene and negotiate an despite the fact that in past times some (SFJ) argues Punjab is “currently occu- agreement between the Punjabi peoples of its leaders and factions had been se- pied by India” and vows to organize a and India for holding an independence cession proponents. And the current non-binding vote —both in Punjab and referendum in Punjab,” a legally bind- Chief Minister of Punjab Capt Amir- 20 countries abroad where Sikh diaspo- ing one this time. inder Singh of INC is the tallest nation- ras exist— on the issue of establishing The group has not disclosed how it alist leader having support of entire an independent country, which they call will be able to organize the vote in Pun- Punjab and Indian Sikh community so Khalistan. The group believes that “an jab in the face of Indian opposition to the so called vote by SFJ remains a non

8 September 2020 Opinion Express century, however, Muslim conquests in the Indian subcontinent were more successful and saw the emergence of Islamic states over Hindu-majority populations. In the early 16th century, one such state was the Mughal Empire, founded by the successful king Babur in northern India. Meanwhile, in the later 15th century in the Punjab, Sikhism had been proclaimed by Guru Nanak as a new monotheistic religion that rejected both Hinduism and Islam, and rapidly gained followers. Perceiving the growth of the Sikhs as a threat, the Mughal authorities began to persecute them, and in 1606 Sikh leader Guru Arjan was executed by Mughal emperor Jahangir,

In October 2018, Gopal Singh Chawla, in a telephonic interview, had confessed to having knowledge of the role of Khalistanis in the killing of RSS leaders in Punjab. “The killing of the RSS leaders will continue in Punjab. RSS leaders are our very first target.

apparently for helping prince Khusrau. Sikhism split into two movements: one led by Guru Arjan’s son Guru Har- gobind began to regard Guru Arjan as a martyr, became more political and militaristic, and started organising armed rebellions against the Mughals; the other led by Guru Arjan’s older starter in the mainland Punjab. blind folded power hungry traitors like brother Prithi Chand focused on peace Gopal Singh Chawla, Ranjeet Singh, and nonviolence, and rejected upris- 1947 partition to 1984 trag- Lakhbir Singh, Wadhawa Singh Bab- ings. The Sikhs first raised their weap- edy ignores history bar, Paramjit Singh with few of their ons against the Mughal Empire under The Khalistan independence move- followers are trying to defy the bare Guru Hargobind. The tenth and the last ment decries Punjab partition between fact of the history by using the bluestar Guru, Guru Gobind Singh organized India and Pakistan in 1947. Still, SFJ is operation misadventure for political Sikhs into a military sect called Khalsa merely calling for independence from purpose and by forgetting the supreme (means “pure”), in 1699, against the India, not Pakistan. Sikhs make up 58% sacrifices made by Sikh Guru’s fighting Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Before his of the population of the Indian state of Mughal rulers for the protection of their death in 1708, he sent Banda Bahadur Punjab, while they are a very tiny mi- religious rights. to lead the Sikhs of Punjab. Banda Ba- nority in Pakistan’s Punjab, after most Between the 7th and 11th centuries, hadur through his outstanding leader- of them left the area at the time of par- Islamic armies conducted several cam- ship skills weakened the Mughal grasp tition while thousands were killed in paigns into the Hindu-dominated In- over the eastern Punjab. But he was inter-communal violence. Faced with dian subcontinent, making conquests later captured and beheaded in Delhi in the choice between India and Pakistan, limited to present-day Pakistan and the 1716, during the reign of Farrukhsiyar. most Sikhs went for the former. Yet Punjab. From the 12th through the 16th Thereafter, Sikhs became leaderless

Opinion Express September 2020 9 10 September 2020 Opinion Express and were divided into Misls. Although destroyed the Mughal Empire, which their martial skills were enormous, their retained a small territory around Delhi. political disunity made them vulnerable This is a glorious factual chapter of Sikh to foreign attacks. In 1738, Nadir Shah history that certain so called Sikhs are of Iran, attacked India , looted Delhi completely ignores to serve their vested and Mughals were never able to recover interest. their power in Punjab. Later, Punjab was Foolishly, ISI back Chawla and nine subject to constant invasions of Ahmad designated terrorists namely Ranjeet Shah Durrani of Afghanistan, who upon Singh Pakistan based Chief of terror- hearing of the persecution of Muslims of ist organization, “Khalistan Zindabad Punjab by the invading Sikhs, took it as Force”, Lakhbir Singh Pakistan based his duty to protect the Muslims. Abdali Chief of terrorist organization “Inter- tried many times to recover Lahore but national Sikh Youth Federation”, Wad- ultimately had to return to Pashtun ter- hawa Singh Babbar Pakistan based ritories. After his final invasion of Pun- Chief of terrorist organization “Babbar jab in 1767, he left Lahore which was when it was re-captured by the Sikhs. For more than three decades, Sikhs con- The tenth and the last solidated their power in areas of Punjab. But the decisive moment came in 1790, guru of Sikhs Guru when Ranjit Singh of Sukerchakia misl Gobind Singh organised became misldar. He started uniting misls and finally took Lahore in 1799. themselves in jathas, His coronation on 12 April 1801 marked the beginning of the Sikh Empire, which who would see their went on to conquer the whole Punjab, first battle in 1621. Kangra, parts of Kashmir and briefly, the city of Peshawar. The tenth Sikh Guru The tenth and the last guru of Sikhs is remembered as the Guru Gobind Singh organised themselves in jathas, who would see their spiritual master, warrior, first battle in 1621. The tenth Sikh Guru is remembered as the spiritual master, poet and philosopher. warrior, poet and philosopher. When When his father, Guru his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded for refusing to convert to Is- Tegh Bahadur, was lam, Guru Gobind Singh was formally beheaded for refusing installed as the leader of the Sikhs at age nine, becoming the tenth Sikh Guru. His to convert to Islam, four sons died during his lifetime – two in battle, two executed by the Mughal Guru Gobind Singh was army. Guru’s mother Mata Gujri and formally installed as the his two younger sons were captured by Wazir Khan, the Muslim governor of leader of the Sikhs at age Sirhind. His youngest sons, aged 5 and nine, becoming the tenth 8, were tortured and then executed by burying them alive into a wall after they Sikh Guru refused to convert to Islam, and Mata Gujri collapsed on hearing her grand- sons’ death. Both his eldest sons, aged Khalsa International”, Paramjit Singh 13 and 17, also killed in the battle of De- Pakistan based Chief of terrorist orga- cember 1704 against the Mughal army. nization “Khalistan Commando Force”, After several decades, small Sikh states Gurmeet Singh Bagga Germany based known as misls combined to form the key member of terrorist organisation Sikh Confederacy in 1716, that jointly “Khalistan Zindabad Force”, Bhupinder fought against Mughal power. In 1735, Singh Bhinda Germany based key mem- the jathas would be combined into a sin- ber of terrorist organization “Khalistan gle army, the Dal Khalsa. Though suc- Zindabad Force”, Gurpatwant Singh cesses varied, the Sikhs contributed to Pannun USA based key member of Un- the decline of the Mughal Empire during lawful Association, “Sikh for Justice”, the first half of the 18th century. By the Paramjit Singh United Kingdom-based 1750s, the neighbouring northwestern Chief of terrorist organization “Babbar Islamic Durrani Empire and the south- Khalsa International”, Hardeep Singh ern Hindu Maratha Empire had all but Nijjar Canada based Chief of “Khalistan

Opinion Express September 2020 11 Tiger Force” have been declared ter- fighters to be named as Khalsa having funding groups to weaken Indian state rorists under the provision of UAPA. military discipline. that is likely to be the most powerful na- All of them are blind folded to read the tion in terms of military and economy script written by Pakistan to use them Indian leaders blame SFJ in the next decade. for destabilizing India. Likewise the over alleged links to Paki- It is high time that his disgruntle confused Sikh Diaspora is affluent and stan group should shed the violence and well accomplished in the academics yet Both the Indian and Punjab govern- anti India activities by collaborating some of the anti national community ments oppose referendum calls, claim- with overseas vested interest groups leaders are distorting the image of the ing that SFJ is being helped by Pakistan and seek pardon from the mighty In- community by their actions and ignor- to undermine the unity of its longtime dian state so that they can be integrated ing the history of the great Khalsa Path. regional foe. India CDS and Ex Army with the mainstream Sikh community The tragedy of Sikhs is that they have Chief General Bipin Rawat referred to of the country that remains the pride not found a leader worthy of carrying “external linkages” to “revive insurgen- of the country. The illusion of Khalistan forward the legacy of their illustrious cy” in Punjab, as Punjab Chief Minister completely ignores the history and it Gurus since Maharaja Ranjit Singh Amarinder Singh linked SFJ with Paki- misrepresents the larger interest of the The first work of Guru Nanak who is stan’s intelligence agency ISI. The row Sikh community. The glorious sacrifice invariably referred to as the founder has reached Canada, the US and the UK, made by the Sikh community for their of Sikhism, maintained, propounded where large Sikh communities live. The motherland is unparallel in the recent original teachings, established a new Indian intelligence agencies are on alert past and contribution made the com- religion and gathered round himself a keening watching the overseas foot- munity in the nation building remains following drawn from both Hindu and print of group of foreign aided vested second to none. Lastly, India is con- Muslim. This continued for about a interest to fuel the movement and cre- sidered by many as a soft state till the century till Guru Hargobind, the sixth ate unrest in the border state of India. It narrative is altered by the current gov- guru whose period occupies most of the is a shame that Pakistan society is dam- ernment of Narendra Modi hence it is first half of seventeen century adopted aging temples, Gurudawaras, Churches highly advisable for the traitors work- the doctrine of ‘miri-piri’ and resorted with impunity having full support of the ing against the interest of the country to an arm rebellion against the attempts establishment since it is a declared Is- to be on guard because Doval’s offen- made by Mughals to interfere and curb lamic state yet traitors like Gopal Singh sive defensive strategy doctrine can re- the religious rights of Non Muslims in Chawla, Ranjeet Singh, Lakhbir Singh, ally hurt them badly. As Prime Minister India. He accordingly responded `to Paramjit Singh are working against the Modi and home Minister Amit Shah has the Mughal threat of violent repression overall interest of the Sikh commu- indicated to all the disgruntle elements by arming his followers though noth- nity by collaborating with ISI and non to shun the violence and talk to govern- ing basic had, however, been changed. state players to hurt the Indian interest. ment to secure peace on all ends, this is The tenth Guru Gobind Singh having Surely, they have virtually no support in the only option left now. observed the growing hostility of Mu- Indian state of Punjab or in India but By Prashant Tewari Editor in ghal authorities reached a momentous certain section of western supported Chief with Prakhar Misra Politi- decision to form a structured group of Sikh Diaspora are fueling the fire by cal Editor: Opinion Express.

12 September 2020 Opinion Express SIKHS ARE THE UNBREAKABLE SHIELD OF INDIA By Joginder (Jo) Singh Birring of ‘Divide & Rule’. India and State of India is attacked and further weakened Punjab has suffered due to bad politi- by its neighbours (Pakistan, China) and ndia’s Independence Day since cal decisions, bad policing, broken legal warmongering western countries who 15th August 1947 has not freed systems, lack of employment, lack of wish to use India to play the “Divide Indian people completely from business trade, increased corruption, and Rule India” games against China the western clutches who are of- terrorism, religious discrimination, in- and Pakistan. The state of Punjab and tenI seen as full of greed. Even today we creased uncensored western influences Sikhs is the only unbreakable shield of have many Indian supporting this west- via many Indian MSM News, movies, India, it is high time for the Indian govern block that live overseas wishing to music and the increasing gap between ernment to give justice to the disgruntle exploit homeland with their western the rich and poor in India. The addition part of the Sikh community within the warmonger associates. This classified of the man made Covid19 virus in India laws of equal rights listen to the groups segment of NRIs/ POIs Diaspora is a and the border clash with China has based in India (even when the west sup- dangerous threat that needs urgent only increased more outside threats. ports them) and amicably agrees so that monitoring before India gets into big- The present Indian government led India remains wholly peacefully unit- ger conflicts, communal riots and in- by Narendra Modi and his BJP mined. The present youth living in Punjab creased terrorism attacks by western isters have the perfect opportunity to want jobs, more business opportuni- block by adopting the old trusted policy peacefully unite strengthen India before ties; want better health facilities, better

Opinion Express September 2020 13 educational institutions, a corruption free Punjab police and more farming loan waivers assistance from the In- dian Government. The state of Punjab requires more government funding than the state of Gujarat and state of Maharashtra. If India’s northern land borders with Pakistan are breached by neighbouring countries (Paki- stan and China), it will be the State of Punjab, Punjabis and Sikhs in Punjab that will suffer the most NOT Delhi, Gujarat or Maharashtra. The World Homeland Security fully supports and encourages peace without bloodshed and without any discrimination first before resorting to merciless actions that top the threats posed against innocent people no matter which country, culture or religious beliefs one has. And it is for the sake of all innocent people; the self centric politicians start becoming and behaving more humane. The nepotism and corruption has given birth to active groups who are in many ways right in rebelling fighting against the unfair systems and simultaneously many political parties have countered this by creating their own groups which they discreetly fund to let them break country laws, fight their opponents, create communal riots and who in turn get them more votes at election time. The man-made Covid19 virus which is spreading in India and across the World will escalate more terror threats and increased crimes internally. The world is fully waking up in regards to India, Indian politics and its destruction of millions of people’s peaceful lives because of religious beliefs pitted against each other in communal riots. DENYING THE TRUTH DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACTS The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its annual report said that Hindu nationalist groups and their sympathisers perpetrated numerous incidents of intimidation, harassment, and violence against religious minority. “National and state laws that restrict religious conversion, cow slaughter, and the foreign funding of nongovernmental organisations and a constitutional provision deeming Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains to be Hindus helped create the conditions enabling these violations,” it said. “While Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke publicly about the importance of communal tolerance and religious freedom, members of the ruling party have ties to Hindu nationalist groups implicated in religious freedom violations, used religiously divisive language to in- flame tensions, and called for additional laws that would restrict religious freedom,” it alleged. These issues, combined with longstanding problems of police and judicial bias and inadequacies, have created a “pervasive climate of impunity” in which religious minorities feel increas- ingly insecure and have no recourse when religiously motivated crimes occur. “Based on these concerns, in 2017 (and 2020) USCIRF again places India on its Tier 2, where it has been since 2009,” it said. The USCIRF urged the US government to integrate concern for religious freedom into bilateral contacts with India, including the framework of future Strate- gic Dialogues, at both the federal and provincial levels, and encourage the strengthening of the capacity of state and central police to implement effective measures to prohibit and punish cases of religious violence and and protect victims and witnesses. USCIRF report recom-

14 September 2020 Opinion Express The World Homeland Security fully supports and encourages peace without bloodshed and without any discrimination first before resorting to merciless actions that top the threats posed against innocent people no matter which country, culture or religious beliefs one has.

Opinion Express September 2020 15 The proposed state would consist of land that currently forms Punjab, India and Punjab, Pakistan, as well as other areas of both countries, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh in Pakistan; and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan in India. Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan, according to Jagjit Singh Chohan, had proposed to make Nankana Sahib (currently in Pakistan) the capital of Khalistan during his talks with Chohan following the conclusion of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

16 September 2020 Opinion Express mends the US government to urge the Indian the massacre was organised. The collusion of government to publicly rebuke government political officials in the violence and judicial officials and religious leaders who make de- failure to penalise the perpetrators alienated rogatory statements about religious commu- Sikhs and increased support for the Khalistan nities. movement The Akal Takht, Sikhism’s govern- Khalistan Movement: Historical pro- ing body, considers the killings genocide. In spective & zero roadmap 2011, Human Rights Watch reported that the The Khalistan movement is a Sikh sepa- Government of India had “yet to prosecute ratist movement seeking to create a home- those responsible for the mass killings”. Ac- land for Sikhs by establishing a sovereign cording to the 2011 WikiLeaks cable leaks, state, called Khalistan (‘Land of the Khalsa’), the United States was convinced of Indian in the Punjab region. The proposed state National Congress’ complicity in the riots and would consist of land that currently forms called it “opportunism” and “hatred” by the Punjab, India and Punjab, Pakistan, as well Congress government, of Sikhs.[ Although the as other areas of both countries, including U.S. has not identified the riots as genocide, it Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh acknowledged that “grave human rights viola- in Pakistan; and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh tions” occurred. In 2011, a new group of mass and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Raj- graves was discovered in Haryana and Human asthan in India. Prime Minister of Pakistan Rights Watch reported that “widespread anti- Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan, according to Sikh attacks in Haryana were part of broader Jagjit Singh Chohan, had proposed to make revenge attacks” in India. The Central Bureau Nankana Sahib (currently in Pakistan) the of Investigation, the main Indian investiga- capital of Khalistan during his talks with tive agency, believes that the violence was Chohan following the conclusion of the Indo- organised with support from the Delhi police Pakistani War of 1971. and some central-government officials. In The Khalistan movement was established early 2018, some militant groups were arrest- in the wake of the fall of the British Empire. ed by police in Punjab, India. Chief Minister In 1940, the first explicit call for Khalistan of Punjab Amarinder Singh claimed that the was made in a pamphlet titled “Khalistan”. recent extremism is backed by Pakistan’s In- With financial and political support of the ter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and “Khalistani Sikh diaspora, the movement flourished in sympathisers” in Canada, USA, Italy, France, the Indian state of Punjab—which has a Sikh- Germany and the UK. Many in the MSM Me- majority population. There is some support dia news throughout the world have twisted within India and the Sikh diaspora, with and turned words to suit their narratives to yearly demonstrations in protest of those brain wash messages to the public. killed during Operation Blue Star. Operation This was the case in regards to the Middle Blue Star was an Indian military operation East and their freedom fighters who were carried out between 1 and 8 June 1984, or- (some still are) protecting their Country, their dered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to re- Communities and their cultures from/against move militant religious leader Jarnail Singh the western invaders namely the USA,UK Bhindranwale and his armed militants from and The British created Illegal State of Israel the buildings of the Harmandir Sahib com- (Created by stealing the land of the Peace- plex in Amritsar, Punjab. Bhindranwale died ful Palestine People). The State of Punjab and militants were removed from the temple is a part of India, already it has suffered the complex. The military action in the temple “dividing state” land loss because of previous complex was criticized by Sikhs worldwide Indian governments and their lack of true who had interpreted it as an assault on Sikh justice decisions in the rightful favour of Pun- religion. Four months after the operation, on jabi Sikh people. If the Indian government of 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi was assas- the past and present do not listen or abide sinated in vengeance by her two Sikh body- by true International human rights law than guards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, who the present Indian government should not be shot Indira Gandhi 33 times. surprised by the blossoming of the Khalistan Public outcry over Gandhi’s death led movement and groups who are galvanising to the killings of Sikhs in the ensuing riots. support and unbiased justice from the West- Even the so-called bollywood superstar Am- ern World to give them the true justice they itabh Bachcan shamelessly was inciting vio- and Punjab Sikhs deserve. We at the WHS lence, revenge and death against the Sikhs. Group of Companies agree with this as long In the aftermath of the riots, the government as it is peacefully resolved and solved without reported that 20,000 had fled the city; the any more bloodshed so that the Sikh Punjabi People’s Union for Civil Liberties reported and Punjab gets the justice they truly deserve “at least” 1,000 displaced persons. The most- and are entitled to. I, Joginder (Jo) Singh Bir- affected regions were the Sikh neighbour- ring will lead and attack without any mercy hoods of Delhi. Human rights organisations with my fearless forces and destroy anyone and newspapers across India believed that and anything that is Anti-Sikh, Anti-Punjab

Opinion Express September 2020 17 and Anti-India. We support NO Politi- solve this mess permanently. every day at the local refugee centres. cian, NO Political Party. The best of the A new hub: ITALY - KHALISTAN And all of them declare to be ‘persecut- west with the egoless east so that more In Italy Intel our WHS Group C8I ed in India’, and claim to be members of peace prevails without any more blood- IND Humint teams with trusted L.T.I the ‘Khalistan Movement’. shed so that innocent children grow into (Local True Intelligence) Sources have • Many Sikhs in Italy, for at least more sane sensible adults taking care confirmed the following: ‘Khalistani’ the past two years, have regularly been of this World without anymore wars asylum seekers are reportedly arriving joining demonstrations organised by or racial discrimination. The selfish in hordes in Italy, claiming ‘persecution Pakistan in support of Kashmir, or sim- politicians around the World come into by India’. ply against India, carrying placards with power for 4-5 years and destroy the fab- • Earlier, Sikhs would mainly come ‘Khalistan Khalsa’ written on them. rics of peaceful peoples and their chil- as economic migrants or to join their Naples, Italy: According to our WHS dren’s lives and unbiased justice filled families already working and living in Group C8I IND Humint squad and lo- societies. The blossoming of Khalistan Italy. cal L.T.I (Local True Intelligence) Unit Movement and groups is solely the re- • Our WHS Group C8I IND Local teams, since the last couple of months, sponsibility of the previous Indian gov- sources in Italy claim that since the last a steady stream of Sikh asylum seeker ernments and Modi’s BJP Government couple of months, a steady stream of has been arriving every day at the lo- has a chance to peacefully and lawfully Sikh asylum seekers have been arriving cal offices. They arrive mainly by boat,

18 September 2020 Opinion Express the North, and in the Agro Pontino area near Rome, soon becoming essential for the production and development of many ‘Italian excellences’, including the production of Parmesan cheese. Many representatives of the Sikh community, for at least the past two years, have regularly been joining demonstrations organised by Pakistan in support of Kash- mir, or simply against India, carrying placards with ‘Khalistan Khalsa’ written on them. And members of Sikh organisations banned in India, like ‘Sikhs for Justice’, advocating a separatist referendum, are now very active in Italy. REFERENDUM 2020: Myth or Substance? A US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has planned Referendum-2020 in support of a separate state of Khalistan, throwing the Indian establishment in panic. According to SFJ legal adviser Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, they will certainly build Khalistan. Reports have revealed that most gurdwaras in the US and Canada have started campaigns for the referendum. Pannu, as per the Indian media, says that the SFJ would hold an unofficial referendum in 2020 and would follow the matter after taking into account the response it gets. If required, the SFJ will seek the United Nation’s intervention to help the community conduct a referendum for a separate Sikh state. “If Scotland can have a referendum to stay with Britain or not, why can’t we have one for Pun- jab?” questions Pannu. Asked about the boundary of the separate state, he said it would be the present boundary of the state of Punjab in India. On the other hand, Dr Amarjit Singh, the president of the Khalistan Affairs Centre, wants the new state at all costs. He stated: “Why are we giving the option by way of a referendum? We need Khalistan because the Sikhs have been suffering since the in most cases already carrying a peti- cepted by the Italian authorities, but rule of (Maharaja) Ranjit Singh (the last tion written by a local lawyer. And all of most likely, they will accept almost all Sikh ruler) got over.” them declare to be ‘persecuted in India’, requests – mainly because in Italy, the “The referendum asks Sikhs living being members of the ‘Khalistan Move- concept of ‘Sikh militancy’ is widely un- across the world to build a consensus in ment’. known. favour of Khalistan and sign a declara- According to our same local L.T.I Sikhs in Italy: A Traditionally tion for the formation of a sovereign and (Local True Intelligence) Unit team, it Well-Integrated Group independent country in India-occupied is a totally new phenomenon. Earlier, In Italy, there are about 70,000 per- Punjab on the basis that Sikhs are the Sikhs would mainly come as economic sons of Sikh religion, mainly coming indigenous people of Punjab and have migrants or to join their families al- from Indian Punjab: the biggest minor- a historical homeland, are a separate ready working and living in Italy. The ity community in Europe after the Sikh religion and have the right to self-de- stream of asylum seekers in the past few group in the UK. They settled in Italy termination.” The referendum also asks months is big enough to have been no- mostly during the ‘80s and ‘90s, when Sikhs to reject article 25(b)(2) of Con- ticed by the people working every day at the lack of local workers for the agricul- stitution that says Sikhs are a part of the refugee offices, and to puzzle them. tural and food sectors had deeply affect- the Hindu religion. The Indian security There are no official data yet about the ed many local companies. The commu- establishment is deeply worried as the number of requests being actually ac- nities settled mainly in the Po Valley in Khalistan idea is generating deep in-

Opinion Express September 2020 19 Opinion Express against the wishes of the Indian govern- News has reached out ment that’s how India pushed Trudeau to Conservative Leader by saying that Canada will lose econom- Andrew Scheer and ically if they support the referendum NDP Leader Jagmeet campaign.” Pannun said the Khalistan Singh to request com- campaign is justified because it seeks ment on how they would simply to re-establish a state that ex- handle the matter if they isted from 1799 to 1849, when it was find themselves in the annexed by the British. prime minister’s seat The Punjabi Sikhs have always come 2020. Gurpatwant fought, died and lived for truths so for Singh Pannu, SFJ’s legal them these wise words flow in their adviser, said his group bloodstreams for generations. The pres- is indifferent to how ent Indian government should lawfully the Canadian and In- peacefully and truthfully solve the local dian governments view Punjab issues. A more united people of the referendum. “We’re India will raise the flag of India with not asking any political more peaceful pride across the World. party or any Member We can only express, serve and deliver of Parliament for their our best to peaceful innocent people ir- support, “This referen- respective of one’s country culture or dum is not for the po- religious beliefs as the true universal litical leaders, this is for forces bless and guide us forward. We the Punjabi community. only lose 100% when we stop breath- “The [Indian Prime ing, however our wise words, breaths of Minister] Narendra peaceful true life and fearless fighting Modi government or the warrior ways still will be in the air of this Canadian government World and will be understood/read and can agree or not, but breathed by good people who believe as we have a right to voice well as treasure Humanity which they terest in East Punjab mostly inhabited our concerns. We have a right to ask for will pass on to their innocent children, by Sikhs. It believes there is a wave of our rights to self-determination.” The the next generation on this Earth. It is radicalization among young Sikhs, who Indian government has been steadfast a utter shame that human beings of to- are moving towards another indepen- in its opposition to the creation of an day have lost touch with the teachings dence movement since 1984. The In- independent Khalistan, and has been of peaceful sages, spiritual leaders and dian security agencies have claimed of particularly vociferous in trying to cur- the great true teachings of essence of busting six Khalistan terror modules tail SFJ’s activities. In early August, the peace love life and the planet. The Sikhs and arresting 23 terrorists with a small country’s minister of external affairs have always fought, died and lived for arsenal of weapons. They believe that asked U.K. authorities to deny SFJ per- truths so for them these wise words flow the Khalistan movement was regener- mission to hold a gathering in London’s in their bloodstreams for generations. ated following the desecration of the Trafalgar Square. The U.K. rebuffed the India united peacefully is the only path Guru Granth Sahib in Faridkot’s Bar- request, however, and SFJ held an Aug. forward if India is to survive in 21st cen- gari village on October 12, 2015. More 12 gathering in which it issued its so- tury without being invaded or destroyed than 150 such incidents of desecration called “London Declaration” demand- by the western funded enemies “Trojan of Guru Granth Sahib have occurred ing a Khalistan referendum. horse” groups in India that we at The in East Punjab, deeply upsetting the The Indian Ministry of External WHS Group of Companies know of population. The consequent protests Affairs described the campaign as “a which are supported by the NRIs/POIs and demonstrations have been poorly separatist activity which impinges on individuals and their western based tackled by the police and agencies, in- India’s territorial integrity” and “seeks companies operating in India. creasing the chasm between the Sikhs to propagate violence, secessionism The Punjabi Sikhs are Fearless Li- and Indian state. and hatred.” Pannu urged Canadian ons, Peaceful Warriors and Firm Be- Other reasons why Sikhs support political leaders to resist caving into lievers in the Guru Granth Sahib. They Khalistan is the Anand marriage act that any pressure from the Indian govern- believe in and live by the peaceful wise is still not applied on Sikhs, who are still ment to stifle the Khalistan movement. words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji - “Before forced to marry under Hindu marriage “The United Nations Covenant on Civil becoming a Muslim, a Sikh, a Hindu act, Sikh political prisoners are not re- and Political Rights gives all people the or a Christian let’s become a Human leased even after they have completed right to self-determination. The Cana- first”. It is not hard to make a decision their punishment and police injustice. dians have given that right openly to when you know what your “True” Val- The police are accused of killing hun- the Quebecois, the British have given it ues are!! dreds of innocent Sikhs extrajudically, to the Scottish,” he said. “They should The Global Chairman Group whose mass graves were also found. It not [compromise] their principles and President of The World Home- is also advocated that the majority Sikh human rights values because they’re land Security/Smartechno Group state would foster Sikhism in a better afraid of economic sanctions if they of Companies. www.worldhome- manner. stand with the Sikh community or go landsecurity.one

20 September 2020 Opinion Express Opinion Express September 2020 21 No Sikh will want lawlessness in Punjab Sikh community yet to have a true leader after Ranjit Singh

Lord Ranger CBE of an unelected, self-appointed leader thers. We all know the death and de- who claimed to get the Sikhs more struction that this caused in the country rights than the elected Chief Minister where people once lived side by side of Punjab and what Sikhs were entitled in perfect harmony regardless of reli- to in a secular and democratic country, gion. They had shared history, heritage, India. folklore, food, language etc. The same Mr Pannu’s vision is to go against people have become arch enemies and that of the Sikh Gurus by contradicting have had four bloody wars since their their philosophy. Where the Sikh Gurus division with further loss of precious believed in the oneness of the human lives. Who knows if the area becomes a race, Mr Pannu believes that the Sikhs nuclear flashpoint someday such is the are a different race and also have a dif- hatred that religious disharmony can ferent DNA to that of the rest of Indians. cause. he tragedy of Sikhs is that they Sikh Gurus dedicated their lives and Our illustrious father Shaheed have not found a leader worthy paid supreme sacrifices to unite us with Nanak Singh www.shaheednanaksingh. Tof carrying forward the legacy of their illustrious Gurus since Maharaja Ranjit Singh. We are still trying to get Mr Pannu’s vision is to go against that of the Sikh over the fall-out from the lack of vision and leadership of Jarnail Singh Gurus by contradicting their philosophy. Where Bhindranwale, now another “visionary”, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, has ap- the Sikh Gurus believed in the oneness of the peared from America. He now wishes to human race, Mr Pannu believes that the Sikhs are a lead the Sikhs by carrying forward the legacy of Bhindranwale. No one has di- different race and also have a different DNA to that vided Sikhs more than Bhindrawalaand of the rest of Indians. Sikh Gurus dedicated their also poisoned the minds of our youth who have limited understanding of our lives and paid supreme sacrifices to unite us with faith and history but feel angry due to the rest of humankind, there Mr Pannu is trying to the attack on the Golden Temple. Sadly, the attack led to the assassination of divide us by paddling hatred against non-Sikhs of the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi and her death followed Punjab. Sikh Gurus gave us a faith which is based anti-Sikhs riots in India. Thousand in- on interfaith teachings to demonstrate that we are nocent Sikhs were massacred in the communal riots. It is unfortunate that all equal. a so-called ‘Saint’ a man of peace and harmony could inflict massive damage to the image of Sikhs in India by considering himself to be over and above the the rest of humankind, there Mr Pannu com was a visionary and could foretell rule of law. is trying to divide us by paddling ha- the consequences of religious dishar- Ironically, Mr Pannu, unlike Bhin- tred against non-Sikhs of Punjab. Sikh mony. He pleaded with the then Mus- drawale, carries an American Passport Gurus gave us a faith which is based on lim leaders not to cut and run and fall and Citizenship, and yet he feels for the interfaith teachings to demonstrate that for the British policy of ‘Divide & Rule’. Sikhs of Punjab. Should he not come to we are all equal. Mr Pannu’s ideology is He said that after independence, In- Punjab and lead the Sikhs personally as to deny non Sikhs of Punjab equality by dia would be a secular and democratic our Gurus did when they were fighting proclaiming that Punjab only belongs country with one person one vote, and against the tyranny of Mughals? I am to the Sikhs. In other words, he wishes as a result, together we would make our sure he will find out that the Sikhs of to repeat what the Muslims of India did destiny. He further warned that a coun- Punjab do not have the appetite to once in 1947 by declaring Hindus, Sikhs and try created artificially with the help of again bring lawlessness into Punjab. Christians second class in the country bloodshed would continue to generate They are still suffering the consequence of their birth and that of their forefa- more hatred for its very survival. In the

22 September 2020 Opinion Express words of our father, “India’s diversity is defended”. Air Force, Navy, Police, etc.? like the colours of a rainbow, its charm Mr Pannu believes in destroying the I can guarantee that Mr Pannu can will diminish if one is removed”. diversity of Punjab by making Sikhs expect to be arrested the minute he lands Mr Pannu does not believe in learn- superior to the rest of the Punjabis just in India. Instead of ruling Khalistan, he ing from history and would like to re- because they follow a different faith. will end up spending the rest of his life peat the mistakes of the past. He seems He will one day advocate the removal in a prison somewhere in India. He will content to see the death and destruction of teachings from the Granth Sahib of be lynched by the Sikhs who are suffer- of 1947 happen once again in Punjab non-Sikhs to make it written by only the ing because of his anti-India rhetoric. and Sikhs massacred outside Punjab Sikhs. He cannot imagine how people As they say, “common sense is not so just as we witnessed in 1984. He also abandoned Pakistan when the major- common”, and Mr Pannu certainly has does not seem to care what happens to ity population of Muslims made them no common sense to realise that he has the Sikh holy shrines outside Punjab as, second class to Muslims. People left become a foolish friend of the Sikhs; a according to him, the Sikhs should be their every possession to move to In- friend we rather not have. He does not confined to Punjab only. Does he think dia, where the constitution gave them appreciate how less than 2% of Sikhs there will be no reaction in the rest of equality. Mr Pannu thinks no Hindu in have given India, with a population of India against the poisonous ideology of business or Industry will leave Punjab over a billion, a President, Prime Min- the Khalistanis in Punjab? when he arrives with his team of lack- ister, Army, Air Force and Navy Chiefs; It is worth remembering that the lustre Sikhs to proclaim Khalistan and how Sikhs have businesses across India Sikh Gurus never stood for any single to make them inferior. Once there is an and how Sikh farmers are in UP, Guja- community not even for the Sikhs as exodus of people leaving Punjab for Ra- rat, Tamil Naidu, Haryana and Rajast- Mr Pannu does. The Sikh Gurus al- jasthan, Haryana or UP, then what will han and how Sikhs have transport and ways stood for humanity and as a re- remain in Punjab? Sikhs will be treated freight businesses across India. sult, are revered by the people of every as second class in the rest of India, the I hope and pray that a good sense faith. Guru TegBhadur Ji paid the ul- very country their Gurus and followers will prevail and Mr Pannu apologises to timate sacrifice to uphold the religious help to preserve as we see it today. I the Sikhs Gurus for embarrassing them freedom of Hindus in India, and Guru hate to imagine if Sikhs are thrown out along with their followers for pursuing Gobind Singh Ji established the Broth- of the rest of India, how Mr Pannu and an agenda alien to them. erhood of Khalsa to defend the religious his gang will accommodate displaced freedom of every Indian. According to Sikhs in Punjab and provide them suit- (Writer is chairman of The Brit- Guru Gobind Singh Ji, “diversity must able jobs. How will he be able to look ish Sikh Associations) be accepted, respected and if need be, after the Sikhs from the Indian Army, www.britishsikhassociation.org

Opinion Express September 2020 23 Captain Amarinder Bitta deplore Singh dares SFJ’s Pannu for Pannu to come defaming Sikh to Punjab community unjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh ap- olitician and chairman of All India Anti-Terrorist Front pealed to youngsters not to get swayed by the vicious (AIATF), MS Bitta has come down heavily on the legal Ppropaganda of anti-India elements like terrorist Gur- Padvisor of Sikhs for Justice (SJF), Gurpatwant Singh patwant Singh Pannu and his Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). “You try Pannu, alleging him for bringing disgrace to the Sikhs. US- to come to Punjab and I will teach you a lesson,” The Chief based Pannu, who runs a pro-Khalistan campaign called Minister urged all youngsters to not pay any heed to Pannu. ‘Referendum 2020’, is engaged in radicalizing, funding and “Some get emotionally swayed by such vicious propaganda,” motivating gullible youths of Punjab into committing acts of he cautioned. Reacting to Pannu’s call for raising black flags arson and violence. He is alleged to be backed by Pakistan’s spy to mark India’s Independence Day, the Chief Minister said the agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Punjabis in India were prosperous people and were not inter- Bitta accused Pannu of collecting funds at the behest of Is- ested in indulging in such acts at the behest of someone sitting lamabad and using it for spreading venom amongst the Sikh in Canada or America. “Why should they (the people of Pun- Diaspora. He, however, said that all of their anti-India agenda

jab) do it, if you have the guts you come and do it,” he dared had suffered a massive failure. “They could not manage to gather Pannu, adding that if the SFJ leader wanted he could make his even a thousand people (at Trafalgar Square) while I demon- Khalistan at the place where he was hiding out. “Pannu does strated outside their embassy with 12,000-13,000 Sikh youths. not even look like a Punjabi, and does all this only for extract- I dare you to come to India. You are an ISI agent collecting fund ing money,” he warned youth. from them. He is misleading innocent people there. People like Congratulating the people on the eve of Independence him are bringing disgrace to Sikhs across the world,” he said. On Day, Captain Amarinder said the unparalleled sacrifice and being asked about Pakistan’s agenda on Kartarpur corridor, Bit- valour of Punjabis and Sikhs was acknowledged by the whole ta said that Islamabad cannot indoctrinate loyal Sikhs of Punjab world. The tales of their bravery could be found everywhere, and no pure devout can be lured into its sinister designs. “If you he said, adding that the Andaman Islands’ `Kaala Pani’ was are sincerely devoted to Guru Kartarpur, then you will never get replete with their examples, and the Jallianwala Bagh mas- enticed by Pakistan and the pro-Khalistan leaders and will never sacre also bore testimony to the sacrifice of Punjabis. Nobody provoke the people of Punjab. You will never betray your devo- knows how many people died at Jallianwala Bagh, he said, tion towards the Guru,” he remarked. “There are no Khalistanis adding that there was need to ascertain the number. in Pakistan but they are the agents of ISI. Today, Punjab is in a After Independence too, Punjabis have always led from the very good state. There are no signs of disturbance in the state. front in all the wars fought by India, be it 1962, 1965, Bangla- Punjab police have been phenomenal in their work. There are desh war, or Kargil or even the recent skirmishes with China, no elements of terrorism,” Bitta stressed. Pakistan-sponsored Captain Amarinder said, recalling that Punjab’s brave son militancy in the late 1980s and early 1990s claimed hundreds from Mansa Gurtej, of 3 Punjab, was brutally attacked but he of innocent lives in Punjab. However, extraordinary efforts of took down 12 Chinese before making the supreme sacrifice. government and security forces succeeded in restoring peace There is no region or state in the country where Punjabis have in the state. Since then, it is on the path of development and not excelled, be it industry, agriculture or services, said the has become one of the most prosperous states of India. Chief Minister. Report filed OECEL News Services

24 September 2020 Opinion Express ZZZWUDQVJOREHDGYLVRUVLQ

Opinion Express September 2020 25 9HQWXUH&DSLWDO_0HUJHU $FTXLVLWLRQ_/HJDO6HUYLFHV Rajapaksa is Commander in Chief of Sri Lanka

o describe Sri Lanka as Sri stitutional amendment that made the Rajapaksa may be just apt for prime minister of Sri Lanka more pow- the leader who changed the erful than the president. Rajapaksa re- destiny of the island country. shuffled the cabinet tightening his grip TThere are few international leaders in over the small nation, PM Mahinda contemporary global polity that have Rajapaksa, 75, brought two relatives to successfully changed the war torn coun- the Sri Lankan Cabinet, which means try in a vibrant progressive democracy there are four Rajapaksas in the 26- in their life time. The charismatic lead- member Cabinet now. Mahinda will be er accelerated the pace of development in-charge of the Ministries of Finance, of the island country by pushing vari- Urban Development and Buddhist Af- ous infrastructure projects that trans- fairs, Gotabaya will retain the portfo- formed the growth rate and GDP of the lio of Defence Minister. Additionally, country from 2009 onwards. Mahinda eldest brother Chamal Rajapaksa has Rajapaksa, served as the sixth Presi- dent of Sri Lanka from 19 November 2005 to 9 January 2015. A learned law- The most challenging yer by profession, Rajapaksa was first elected to the Parliament of Sri Lanka phase of Mahinda in 1970, and he served as prime minis- Rajapaksa’s political ter from 6 April 2004 until his victory in the 2005 presidential election. He career has arrived was sworn in for his first six-year term after he took the Prime as president on 19 November 2005. He was re-elected for a second term Minister of the country. on 27 January 2010. However due to international and domestic reasons, he After all, it was PM was defeated in his bid for a third term Rajapaksa who, as Sri in the 2015 presidential election by Maithripala Sirisena and left office on Lanka’s president, began 9 January 2015. Several months after to obtain heavy loans leaving office, Rajapaksa unsuccess- fully sought to become prime minister from China, paving the in the 2015 parliamentary election, where the United People’s Freedom way for Beijing to take Alliance was defeated. He was, how- control of the strategic ever, elected as Member of Parliament for Kurunegala District. On 5 August Hambantota Port in 2020, the Rajapaksa brothers emerged December 2018 by then as the island nation’s most powerful duo, making Sri Lanka a “one-family Prime Minister Ranil state”. Sri Lanka People’s Front, the Wickremesinghe. party led by the Rajapaksa brothers, won 145 seats in the 225-member parliament in the election. The victory been named the Irrigation Minister brought the Rajapaksa brothers very and Mahinda scion Namal Rajapaksa close to the two-thirds majority re- is the new Youth and Sports Minister. quired to make constitutional changes The most challenging phase of Ma- that could strengthen dynastic rule hinda Rajapaksa’s political career has in the country. Mahinda Rajapaksa is arrived after he took the Prime Minister presently serving as Prime Minister of of the country. After all, it was PM Raja- Sri Lanka. paksa who, as Sri Lanka’s president, be- After becoming Prime Minister of gan to obtain heavy loans from China, Sri Lanka for the fourth time, Mahinda paving the way for Beijing to take con- Rajapaksa has focus on the 2015 control of the strategic Hambantota Port in

26 September 2020 Opinion Express December 2018 by then Prime Minister Minister in the coming days. once in power by forging an alliance Ranil Wickremesinghe. Unable to pay Historical prospective: Raja- with the Sinhalese nationalist Janatha off the debt to the Chinese, the previous paksa political skills, diplomacy, will Vimukthi Peramuna and the Jathika Sri Lankan government handed over power and military acumen were tested Hela Urumaya. The JVP had opposed the Hambantota Port on a 99-year lease by the most horrific ethic conflict that the original 2002 peace process as trea- in lieu of about $1.1 billion, keeping at his country had witnessed. Although sonous. The agreement made with Raja- stake the country’s sovereignty. The fis- styling himself as a man of peace and a paksa included provisions which called cal challenges will test the political skills willing negotiator, Rajapaksa signaled for a revision of the ceasefire agreement and experience of newly elected Prime his intention to end the peace process to give the military broader powers

Opinion Express September 2020 27 against the LTTE, as well as ruling out of any sions that increased the president’s power to act devolution of power to the Tamil people. without oversight removing an independent ad- Immediately following his election victory, visory council that the president currently must a series of mine blasts blamed on the LTTE in consult before appointing people to important the country claimed the lives of many off-duty nonpartisan posts, like Supreme Court judges servicemen and civilians, pushing the country and members of the human rights and electoral back to the brink of war. Following the closure commissions. A Parliamentary Council without by the LTTE of a reservoir supplying water to veto power and with only two opposition mem- 15,000 people named “Mavil Aru” in govern- bers was created in its place. ment controlled areas on 21 July 2006, the Sri The domestic politics of India in Tamil Nadu Lankan military launched an offensive against has compelled India to take an arm distance ap- the LTTE, bringing the entire reservoir under proach with Rajapaksa that forced Rajapaksa government control. Further military engage- to tilt towards China during his second term of ments have led to the LTTE been driven out of Presidency. In fact, Sri Lanka government did the entire Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and offer preferential infra projects to India but it loss of 95% of the territory they controlled. The received lukewarm response from the Indian Sri Lanka government declared total victory on side. It was alleged that President Rajapaksa, 18 May 2009. On 19 May 2009 President Ma- during the 2015 presidential campaign and elec- hinda Rajapaksa delivered a victory address to tions received large payments from the Chinese the Parliament and declared that Sri Lanka is port construction fund that flowed directly into liberated from terrorism. It was a near miracle campaign aides and activities. The perception achieved by the Rajapaksa led team and in- was created that Rajapaksa had agreed to Chi- stantly he became national hero and darling of nese terms and was seen as an important ally in the masses in Sri Lanka. China’s efforts to tilt influence away from India His presidency after ending the Civil war in in South Asia. It is after his unsuccessful bid for 2009 is known for the initiating the large scale presidency in 2015: Rajapaksa adopted a more infrastructure projects. Sri Lanka also made it anti-China policy opposing major development into the “high” category of the Human Devel- projects such as the Southern Economic Devel- opment Index during this time. Initiating, com- opment Zone in which China planned to invest pleting and development of many Highways, over 5 billion USD. During the opening cer- Roads, Colombo beautification project, rural emony protesters led by Joint opposition MPs infrastructure development projects are some ignored a court order banning protests in the several major projects. However the roadways area violently opposed the projects at the event are known for extremely high costs and are sus- in which the Chinese envoy claimed that China pected of corruption and the large amount of will ignore “Negative forces”. Chinese loans tripled the country’s foreign debt But the road to recovery for Rajaspksa has and created an economic crisis. But Rajapaksa started with his proxy Sri Lanka Podujana Pera- claimed that under him Sri Lanka started to ex- muna won a landslide victory in the 2018 local perience a rapid economic growth and the GDP authority elections. They were able to secure growth rate reached over 7%. However this has staggering 239 Local Government bodies out of been disputed and after his fall the successor 340. The SLPP have called for the resignation of government revealed that GDP growth was in- the government and for fresh general elections flated by using the year 2002 as the base year; to be held. Mahnida Rajaspaska has realized which is usually revised once in five years. GDP that his Chinese misadventure was the princi- growth for 2013 and 2014 which was 7.2% and ple cause of electoral debacle and he is gradual- 7.4% using 2002 as base year was reduced to ly tilting towards India for subsequent political 3.4 and 4.5 percent respectively. line up. The people of Sri Lanka have realized Capitalising on the end of the Sri Lankan Civil that without Rajaspaska in power, the prestige War in May 2009 and coming off an election win and economic development of the country is in January 2010 and with the near-collapse of not possible. And finally in 2019-20: the son the opposition United National Party, President of soil has secured the victory that brought Mahinda Rajapaksa rallied more than the two- the Rajapaksa brothers very close to the two- thirds majority in Parliament necessary to pass thirds majority required to make constitutional an amendment to the constitution removing changes that could strengthen dynastic rule presidential term limits. On the 9th September in the country has secured power to serve his 2010 the Parliament passed the amendment to countrymen. Activists, already alarmed by the remove presidential term limits from the Con- diminishing space for dissent and criticism in stitution. This amendment allowed Rajapaksa the island nation, fear such a move could lead to run for a third term and cement his grip on to authoritarianism. power. The move came just a day after the Su- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first preme Court ruled that a referendum was not foreign leader to call his Sri Lankan counterpart required to make the change. The amendment Mahinda Rajapaksa, followed by Dr Subrama- had even more even more far-reaching conse- nium Swamy and host of world leaders and quences than just term limits, including provi- statesmen.

28 September 2020 Opinion Express Opinion Express September 2020 29 Q. H.E. Your election for a sec- appointed the ambassador to Rus- five months of your Presidency, ond term of office in the Presiden- sia. Daily Telegraph UK has pub- from barely two weeks after his tial Election, held on January 26, lished a story ‘Sri Lanka: a country election, with the separatist Lib- 2010, saw the Sri Lankan elector- ruled as a family business by four eration Tigers of Tamil Eelam ate freely participating in elec- brothers’, how you react to it? (LTTE) launching attacks on the tions after more than two decades A. I think the narrative build is com- security forces and civilians. From of turbulence of unrest and war; pletely false, all of the above are elected early December 2005 until mid- you are termed as the messiah by popular votes is their respective con- April 2006, you showed consid- who liberated the country from stituencies and all of them have won the erable patience and forbearance, the terrorism of the Liberation elections by largest margins in various for which you won international Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), elections. Surely if the people like them, admiration, in the face of pro- and set the country on the path how can they be ignored? However, I vocative violence by the LTTE that to peace, stronger democracy and had appointed Gotabhaya Rajapaksa killed nearly 600 people. You al- rapid economic development. by executive order because I thought lowed limited attacks on LTTE There is no leader worshiped by he was the right person to deliver what positions only after it carried out native population more than you we wanted at that time. And my stand is a failed suicide-bomb attack to as- in the recent past, but what went vindicated when he displayed tremen- sassinate the Army Commander wrong in 2015? dous skills to eliminate terrorism dur- in April 2006. You demonstrated A. It was an international conspira- ing our arm struggle against LTTE. commitment to peace and negoti- cy against my government that was suc- ation by re-opening talks with the cessfully implemented by certain politi- Q. H.E. You won the Presiden- LTTE, which it had unilaterally cal opponents to capture the power in cy of Sri Lanka on a wide-ranging walked away from in April 2003. 2015. I will not reveal the name of the policy, which was largely people- But the LTTE did not reciprocate countries involved but I will be cautious oriented and was laid out in the your moves for peace. How diffi- in the future. The opponents have suc- “Mahinda Chinthana” – The Con- cult it was to push for the military cessfully alienated minority community offence knowing the importance from SLFP to facilitate consolidation to defeat of the LTTE and its ter- against us. However, everyone has real- rorism, taking firm stand against ized the bad governance of the current Q&A western powers and international government and the gimmicks played institutions that pressured you by them. I am sure the trends of the lo- cepts of Mahinda – which prom- to have a ceasefire with the LTTE cal elections clearly indicate that SLFP ised, among others, the defeat during the last stages of the battle. is on its way back to power in the next of terrorism and the advance of You rejected those pressures as general elections. democracy. It also offered social interference in the sovereignty of democratic approaches to eco- Sri Lanka, and was not swayed by Q. H.E. The rare criticism that nomic and social issues, the con- threats of economic and other re- can be made out of your political tinuance of social welfare policies prisals by western forces that were career is that you promoted nepo- such as free education and free supportive of pro-LTTE expatriate tism, appointing three brothers health, an end to privatisation of Sri Lankans in those countries? to run important ministries and the State sector, a huge commit- Please narrate the experience of other political positions for rela- ment to infrastructure develop- dealing with international com- tives, regardless of their merit. ment, strengthening of the rural munity in emergency situation so Your brother Gotabhaya Raja- sector of the economy, protection that many countries battling ter- paksa, who was given the post of of the environment and the up- ror can be inspired by your story? Defence Secretary, he controlled holding of traditional values such A. To be honest, we knew that to the armed forces, the police and as the humane treatment of ani- wipe out terror will take tremendous the Coast Guard and immigration mals. You almost achieved every pain and stress for us but we wanted to and emigration. You appointed promise made to the people, how live in peace permanently. The main is- your brother Basil Rajapaksa as satisfying has been your experi- sue was India because Tamil Nadu is an minister of Economic Develop- ence of governance? important state for India and the sentiment. Your oldest brother, Cha- A. Mahinda Chinthana means good ments were flared up by certain vested mal Rajapaksa, was appointed governance for all. We have drafted it interest against the probable action. the Speaker of the Parliament of to incorporate desire of every section of We created TRIOKA plan wherein three Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2015, and the society in the political mainstream high officials of each side were deputed has held many other posts before. so that nobody is left unattended. Our for regular exchange of information to Others includes nephew, Shashin- concept is rooted in the soil, the gover- facilitate proper coordination. And it dra Rajapaksa, who served as the nance that springs from the bottom of worked because it removed the chances Chief Minister of Uva from 2009 pyramid. Yes, we have achieved most of any wrong information dissemina- to 2015. Some of his cousins were of our promises but we have to travel tion on either side. Finally we offered given ambassadorial positions: miles ahead to fulfill aspiration of our the peace option to LTTE or face a war Jaliya Wickramasuriya was ap- native people. and they opted for the later. We did face pointed as Sri Lanka’s ambassa- tremendous pressure from all UN orga- dor to the United States, as well as Q. H.E. You went through a nizations, certain pockets of Tamil influ- Udayanga Weeratunga, who was most trying period during the first ence countries and local pressures but

30 September 2020 Opinion Express you, then anything is possible in democracy. We invested over billion dollars in the northern part of the country to build infrastructure and better living conditions for our countrymen so their love and affection was reciprocated in my next presidential elections of 2010 that I won by huge margins.

Q. H.E. At the young age of just 24, you were elected to Parliament as an SLFP member from the Beliatta elector- ate in 1970. Even after five decades, your Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka H.E. political journey Mahinda Rajapaksa with continues unabated. Opinion Express Editor Off course, it has in Chief Prashant Tewari taken many decades of service to the we were resolute to solve the terror issue Reconciliation. The remarkable people, demonstrating an unfail- permanently. Many European countries transition from a war torn country ing loyalty to your political party and their leaders visited our country to to a peaceful nation was achieved and leadership, and boldly facing mediate in between the war but I have by you within no time, we have the rough and tumble of politics. made it a point to stick to my original de- seen many Middle East countries Today when you look back to the cision of wiping out terror from the soil going through the similar trauma history, you are satisfied with the of Sri Lanka. Today, we are one of the but ended up as a failed state after efforts put up by you to serve your most peaceful democratic country in the the war but Sri Lanka and Rajas- country or there are some unful- world and I can take immense proud to paska did impossible, we would filled dreams left? say that I was always right in the conflict be keen to know – how? A. Yes, till 2015: the direction of the that was forced on us by LTTE. A. Thanks for informing me about country and the pace of development this remarkable fact of history that even were fantastic but I was forced out of Q.H.E. You are one of the few I have not realized during my fight with the office due to international conspir- exceptional leaders in the mod- terror. It is now after taking to you I do acy. I want to bring the country back on ern era who have successfully agree with the fact that entire effort by track so that people of my country can transformed a war torn country me and my team was exceptional. We live in peace and prosperity. in a vibrant democracy in his life have taken huge risks in the process time. Speedy action was taken to like releasing twelve thousand prison- Q. How do you see the present restore democracy to the region ers in 2009 immediately after the war state of India Sri-Lanka relation- with the holding of local Govern- was over. It could have gone wrong but ship? ment elections there and elec- we fought the war with humanitarian A. All is good but we have to strength tions to the first Eastern Provin- approach. We realized that the people it further. We have to continue the dia- cial Council, all within one year of fighting are misguided by vested inter- logue with Indian government on regu- clearing the region of terrorism. ests and they are our own people. The lar basis on economic, fisheries, free The Provincial Council elections entire war was fought keeping our coun- trade agreements etc for build more fo- saw the emergence of a former try’s interest first. The Defence forces of cused mutual relationship. I appreciate child soldier of the LTTE, Mr. Si- the country must be commended for the efforts made in individual capacity vanesathurai Chandrakanthan, the most remarkable job done in the re- by Dr Subramanium Swamy to improve as the Chief Minister of the Prov- cent war history anywhere in the world. the bilateral relation between the two ince. The process of democratiza- They cleaned up the land mines in the friendly countries. The effort must be tion was further enhanced when north within one year after the war was made from both G2G and P2P level in the former leader of the break- over to facilitate immediate popular consolidating the relationship. away group from the LTTE, Mr. election process in the entire country. From – Prashant Tewari for Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan, This brought confidence in the native Opinion Express & The Pioneer: whose nom-de-guerre was Karuna population that we are humanitarian prashanttewari@opinionex- Amman, was sworn in as the Min- in approach and beliefs in rule of law. press.in * This interview is from ster for National Integration and And if you have people confidence with our achieve store.

Opinion Express September 2020 31 China faces an unparalleled global setback ith Covid-19 infecting balance sheets are fractured, it’s easier complex than most people tend to real- millions worldwide, Chi- said than done to relocate entire supply ize, and tearing them apart overnight is na is faced with an un- chains. “Because of the pandemic, many very hard,” he said. precedented global back- of these companies face severe cash and “China offers integrated infrastruc- lashW that could destabilize its reign as capital constraints, and will therefore ture such as large ports and highways, the factory of choice for the world. Its be very cautious before making swift high-quality labor and sophisticated neighbor India has felt a chance and moves,” said independent economist logistics, all of which are critical factors is keen to make inroads into a vacuum Rupa Subramanya. in meeting the stringent deadlines op- that China expects will vacate sooner According to Rahul Jacob, a long- erated by international companies.” In- rather than later. time China watcher and former head of dia matches the integrated capacities of In a recent interview, Transport the Hong Kong Financial Times office, China’s infrastructure? For large mul- Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Chi- the Indian government setting up land tinationals, another reason India may na’s weakening global position is a banks is a step in the right direction, not be the obvious option is because it “blessing in disguise” for India to draw but it is unlikely that large corporations is not well integrated with major global further investment. Uttar Pradesh ‘s will move their operations only because supply chains. northern province, which has a popula- land is made available. “Production Last year, after seven years of nego- tion of Brazil’s size, is now developing lines and supply chains are much more tiation, Delhi pulled out of a key mul- an economic task force to lure businesses willing to leave China. India is also planning a pool of land twice Lux- embourg ‘s size to sell companies that want to move production out of China, approaching 1,000 American multinationals, Bloomberg said. “This outreach has been an ongoing operation,” Deepak Bagla, Invest India chief executive, the BBC ‘s national investment promotion agency, told the government. “For many of those firms, Covid would only accelerate the cycle of de-risking from China.” The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), a influential advocacy organization seeking to improve investment flows between India and the U.S., has said India has stepped up its pitch con- siderably. “We see India prioritizing efforts to draw supply chains, both at the central and state levels of government,” Nisha Biswal, USIBC President and former US Department of State Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, told the BBC. “Companies that already have some manufacturing in India could be earlier movers in the reduction of output in Chinese plants and the rise in demand in India.” But we are still at an assess- ment stage and it is unlikely that decisions will be taken in haste, she said. In an environment where global

32 September 2020 Opinion Express tilateral trade deal with 12 other Asian essential items and tweaking FDI rules Vietnam have increased by more than nations, collectively known as the Glob- to disallow easier flows of capital from 50 per cent since June 2018, a month al Comprehensive Economic Partner- neighboring countries. In a recent ad- before the trade war started, and those ship ( RCEP). Such decisions make it dress to the country, Indian Premier from Taiwan by 30 per cent, according difficult for Indian exporters to benefit Narendra Modi made his rallying cry to South China Morning Post newspa- from tariff-free access to the destina- “to be vocal for the local.” Moreover, per estimates. tion markets or offer their trading part- new policy plans have increased rates India is seen as losing out because ners reciprocity. for international companies that bid for it failed to establish conditions that “Why would I make something I Indian contracts. would allow multinationals not only would like to sell to Singapore in In- “The more that India can strengthen to supply the local market, but also to dia? Institutionally connecting in trade regulatory stability, the better its chanc- use the country as a production base for agreements is as important as offering es of persuading more global companies exporting to the world. Several states competitive prices,” Parag Khanna, to create hubs in India,” Mr Biswal says. have started to make moves in recent author of The Future is Asian, told the And who else, If not India? Vietnam, weeks to address some concerns about BBC. Bangladesh, South Korea and Taiwan the ease of doing business-among them He believes that regional integration tend to be favorites to benefit from the making contentious changes to the ar- is especially important, as global trade backlash against China as things stand. chaic labor laws of India, put in place to continues to adopt the “sale where you According to Mr Jacob, the latter reduce exploitation. make” paradigm in which businesses two at the “high-tech end of the spec- For example, the states of Uttar are called “near-source” rather than trum” and Vietnam and Bangladesh Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have out-source manufacturing, and bring at the bottom have blamed China for abolished substantial labor protections it closer to demand. The unpredictable not doing enough to stop coronavirus that exempt factories from even main- relationship between India and foreign spread. Owing to rising labor and envi- taining basic standards such as cleanli- direct investment ( FDI) and inconsis- ronmental costs, multinationals started ness, ventilation , lighting and toilets. tent regulation is also something that transferring production from China to The aim is to improve the environment continues to worry global firms. these countries almost a decade ago. of investment and to attract global capi- The fear is that India has used the The slow migration has only gath- tal. Yet these decisions may be harm- pandemic to build protectionist walls ered speed in recent years as trade ten- ful and harm rather than support, says around itself, from banning e-com- sions between the US and China has Mr Jacob: “”International companies merce companies from selling non- increased. U.S. imports of goods from would be very wary about this. They have strict codes of conduct on labour, environment and safety standards for suppliers.” A turning point was the collapse of the garment factory Rana Plaza in Ban- gladesh in 2013 which supplied retailers including Walmart. He cautions that it forced Bangladesh to dramatically upgrade factory infrastructure and protection in order to win further investment. “India must follow better standards. These are white board ideas drafted by bureaucrats on Powerpoint that are completely divorced from the reality of global trade.” Yet with the US considering puni- tive measures against China , Japan charging its companies to move out of the country and UK lawmakers coming under pressure to rethink their decision to enable the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei to play a part in building the country’s new 5 G data network, global anti-China sentiment is growing. The time is ripe for India to pursue broad- based structural reforms and use these dramatic geopolitical changes to change its world-wide trading relationship.

Ahuti singh is assistant professor in department of economics in DAV, Banaras hindu university _____

Opinion Express September 2020 33 Dragon Trap Let us know about China occupied Jammu and Kashmir that is equivalent to the state of Haryana Pankaj Gupta

ammu and Kashmir is the 15th state of India that acceded to In- Jdia on October 26, 1947 and a geographical area of approximately 2,22,236sq. km became an integral part of it. In 1962, China has illegally occupied 37,555sq. km. area of Aksai Chin of Jammu and Kashmir. Later in 1963 Pakistan ceded around 5,180sq. km. area of Shaksgam Valley to China though Pakistan was not legally permit- ted for it because this land was part of Jammu and Kashmir and it belonged to India. So, this combined area of Ak- sai Chin, Minsar and Shaksgam Valley (42,735sq.km.) collectively called Chi- nese Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. China has occupied an area of 42,735sq. km. that Both Pakistan and China rejected In- dia’s claim with citing their own log- comprised of Aksai Chin, Minsar and Shaksgam ics. But a provision was added in the Valley of Indian territory. The Shakasgam Valley agreement that the settlement would be provisional, pending a solution of was provisionally ceded to China by Pakistan under the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan. On March the March 1963 Sino - Pak Boundary agreement. 2, 1963 Sino-Pakistan frontier agree- Hence, China has occupied an area of 42,735sq. km. ment was signed in Beijing by Pakistan Foreign Minister Bhutto and Chinese that comprised of Aksai Chin, Minsar and Shaksgam Foreign Minister Chen Yi but the China Valley of Indian territory considered it a disputed area between India and Pakistan. Hence, it added a clause in the agreement in this regard, the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir. area of Hunzaand Gilgit as theirs. China the Article 6 of the 1963 China- Paki- Therefore, the entire state of Jammu had also done some military excursion stan agreement mentions that “after and Kashmir including China Occupied in these areas since 1953. By 1962, Chi- the settlement of the Kashmir dispute Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India. na had illegally occupied around 37,244 between Pakistan and India”, and the China occupied Jammu and Kashmir square km soft land of Aksai Chin, final agreement would replace this that is equivalent to the state of Hary- which is sparsely populated. Though agreement. The Shakasgam Valley was ana and it have 4057 km LAC boarder war was ensued between India and provisionally ceded to China by Paki- line that separates India and China China in 1962 but the areas could not stan under the March 1963 Sino - Pak and it travels through three areas viz. be retrieved. Minsar, an Indian princi- Boundary agreement. Hence, China has Western (Ladakh, Kashmir), middle pality has been a home to Ladakhi and occupied an area of 42,735sq. km. that (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern Kashmiri traders and pilgrims. Minsar comprised of Aksai Chin, Minsar and (Sikkim, Arunachal) which is sparsely though surrounded by Tibet paid taxes Shaksgam Valley of Indian territory. populated. to the Kingdom of Ladakh. During 19th Under first schedule of the constitution The Hunzaand Nagar states annexed century, when Ladakh was annexed of India, Jammu and Kashmir is the by the British in 1891-92 and the rulers in the state of Maharaja Gulab Singh, 15th state of India. According to section of these regions paid tribute to Maha- Minsar automatically became part of 3 of Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, raja of Jammu and Kashmir. Though it. In 1953, when the then PM Nehru the state of J&K is an integral part of In- Chinese have always maintained that was willing to sign the Panchseel Agree- dia and section 147 states that the state there was some kind of boundary be- ment, he expressed his wish to renounce government cannot change section 3 tween Hunzaand Chinese Turkistan but the right of Minsar as goodwill gesture of J&K constitution. The accession of China has never administered the area, towards Communist China but his wish the state was complete and irrevocable, even then the Communist Government should have the sanction of Indian Par- which cement the claims of India over in 1959 showed some 15,540sq. km. liament, as ceding a territory comes in

34 September 2020 Opinion Express the domain of Indian Parliament. This China and Chinese claims, which is not ley ridgeline where the June 15 clashes sanction was never taken and no agree- under discussion before the Security took place. More importantly, control ment, treaty or convention was signed Council remains clear”. of the valley would provide India access in this regard. Therefore, Minsar was The protest note of Government of to Aksai-Chin, which holds the Tibet- never given to China and any claim of India was also sent to China and Paki- Xinjiang highway. West of DaulatBegh- latter on it remains illegal and invalid. stan on May 10, 1962 stating: “In lodg- Oldi is Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the POK Pakistan ceded Sakshgam Valley to ing an empathic protest with the Gov- (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) region China and India’s protest against it af- ernment of People’s Republic of China and part of CPEC (China Pakistan Eco- ter illegal occupation of its large part of for this interference with the sover- nomic Corridor). China is apprehensive land mass. eignty of India over the State of Jammu of India’s strategic leverage in the region In May 1962, Beijing announced of- and Kashmir, the Government of India to compromise the CPEC. This could ficially that the Governments of China solemnly warns the Government of have a disastrous impact on the Belt and and Pakistan are entering into negotia- China that any change, provisional or Road Initiative (BRI) and China’s socio- tion of boundary dispute. India strongly otherwise, in the status of the State of economic and political stability. BRI also objected to this agreement for the land Jammu and Kashmir brought about by links to China’s own security concerns in that belongs to India. India expressed third parties which seek to submit cer- Xinjiang and therefore any threat to the its displeasure into the agreement and tain parts of Indian territory to foreign CPEC may be viewed as a threat to Chi- the Indian Defence Minister Krishna jurisdiction will not be binding on the na’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial Menon called this agreement illegal and Government of India firmly repudiate integrity. This road also raises China’s said in United Nation Security Council any agreements, provisional or other- trepidations regarding Aksai-Chin which in May and June 1962: “Over and above wise, regarding her own territories ar- it occupied after the 1962 war. all this then has occurred the situation rived at between third parties who have Additionally, the remarks of Indian in which Pakistan today not for any absolutely no legal rights and moral Union Minister, Amit Shah, in 2019, good reason, but merely nuisance values standing to do so. claiming the Chinese-occupied Aksai and its instrument to put pressure on us In the recent time, India’s construc- Chin to be within the territory of India has entered negotiations and, I believe, tion of a feeder road that would connect had served China’s geopolitical and na- has concluded agreements with central with the road built last year from Dar- tionalistic insecurity no better. The Chi- Government of the People’s Republic of buk-Shyok in Galwan Valley to Daulat nese establishment is nervous of the fact China. That agreement is in total viola- Begh-Oldi was a trigger to Chinese Of- that India may team up with USA to tar- tion of any rights or authority Pakistan ficials who saw this as an aggressive get China with regional allies of Amer- may possess, for Pakistan has no sover- tilt in India’s border strategy. This road ica hence it has adopted an aggressive eignty over this State. Secondly, it was strategically connects Leh to the Daulat posture to scare off the India threat and not necessary even for considerations Begh-Oldi military airbase allowing ex- its long term strategy to topple China in relating to Pakistan own security. More- pedient mobility of troops and equip- taking back Aksai Chin back. The events over, it has been done on a basis that we ment to the LAC. Control over this road in 2020 are likely to alter major territo- cannot accept. Our position in regard to requires a control of the Galwan val- rial boundaries of the region.

Opinion Express September 2020 35 Emperor Xi corona misadventure isolates China Prashant Tewari & Sanjit Paul Singh 12% whilst the USA would be static at Chinese to radically improve per capita 8%. The above forecasts were support- income, and in the process also create a ven before the Covid 19 catastro- ed by massive Chinese investments in massive domestic consumption engine. phe, Emperor Xi Jinping decided Education in the fields of Mathematics, A 40% domestic savings rate supported Ethat 2020 is the year to establish Science, Technology, Medicine and rap- the huge developments that happened the Chinese century. American think- idly improving the quality of education. on their Eastern Seaboard. Till 2012 the tank predicts in 2019 the Chinese GDP Starting with the 1980’s the Chi- Chinese government was sitting on For- was already larger than the USA’s GDP nese had successfully got the world’s eign Exchange Reserves of close to $5 and by 2030 it could be upto 70% larger. manufacturing supply chain to relocate Trillion. Over time Chinese labour had As a share of Global output China would to China, and were truly the “factory of become a very skilled workforce, moved grow to 32% from 20% currently, as op- the world”. From a pure labour arbi- up the value chain and was no longer posed to the USA declining from 16% to trage offering, they created world class cheap. China now imported/consumed 10%. In terms of Global Market capital- infrastructure (Cities, Roads, Ports, 45-50% of virtually every commodity in isation the Chinese would grow to 25% Airports) to support it. The top 2500 the world even though more than half of from 5% in 2019, whilst the USA would corporates outside China all had a busi- it was re-exported. decline from 40% to 18%. China’s share ness presence in China. This aggressive Chinese leaders till 2012 had made of global exports would rise to 18% from export led growth model allowed the the country keep a low profile, hid-

36 September 2020 Opinion Express ing their strengths, whilst they relent- can strategists had clearly war-games lessly gained market share from the Starting with the that the days of the USD hegemony world. Asian growth engines Japan and were numbered, and if their political South Korea had also felt compelled 1980’s the Chinese had dominance was to be extended, a war to move/make tangible manufactur- with China was not an option, the only ing investments in China. The Chinese successfully got the question was timing. By a strange coin- had mastered the skill of acquiring world’s manufacturing cidence the two technology hardware the world’s IPR ‘s by any means. Their giants USA and China were tangibly Chinese Communist Party(CCP) com- supply chain to relocate dependent on Taiwan for their Semi- mand and control structure had also to China, and were conductor underbelly. Taiwan has a silently expanded their Foreign Min- dominant share in the Semiconductor istry with requisite resources to create truly the “factory of the foundries globally, and both the USA a Public Relations repository in every- and China are dependent on them. The major country, to manage the national world”. From a pure Americans had anticipated this and a discourse on any prickly subject in labour arbitrage offering, JV with the Taiwanese would go opera- their favour. This three decade profile tional in Arizona in 2023. Till then any started changing with Xi Jinping’s as- they created world class military threat to Taiwan would be an cension to Chairmanship in 2012.The infrastructure (Cities, attack on their technology dominance, Chinese strategists now started believ- an intolerable thought for them. Demo- ing that the Middle Kingdom deserved Roads, Ports, Airports) crat Presidents had soft-pedaled on the to rule the world. They changed the One China policy, and the Chinese had nomenclature of the 21st century being to support it. succeededin getting away with their an Asian century to a Chinese century. wish-lists. The Americans had celebrat- They mapped that post 2008 Global ed access to a large consumption mar- Financial Institutions were weakened, ket, but landed up creating a rival. substantially dysfunctional and lacking The Chinese People’s Liberation leadership.They unleashed a project of Army(PLA) in manpower terms is the achieving complete Chinesed ominance largest standing armed force on the in the manpower of every multilateral globe. The PLA and CCP moved fast agency and United Nations body in the to upgrade weapon systems, stealing world. Chinese students were encour- blueprints and buying where they could aged to study overseas and many per- not, theoretically they are a lethal strike suaded to join these organizations, and force. However the navy is their Achil- as so many FBI investigations are now les heel, and they lack best in class air- showing made instruments of govern- craft carriers and submarines. This lim- ment policy. its their ability to protect their interests The collapse of the USSR in the spanning 150 countries.75% of Chinese 1990’s and the profligacy of the US -fi oil still moves in tankers through the nancial sector in 2008 had left a leader- narrow Malacca Straits. To reach the ship vacuum in many areas. Xi Jinping Arabian sea by land they invested in a moved rapidly to occupy the vacancies. or alternately fast track their long term bankrupt Pakistan by constructing the China needed to secure its supply chain vision to get global trade out of the dol- CPEC which links Xinjiang to Gwadar as it neither produced adequate food for lar and into theRMB. Port and is a dedicated economic cor- its population, nor was endowed with Unluckily for the Chinese two things ridor. They also engaged east European manufacturing or energy raw materi- changed the landscape in 2017. Presi- and European countries to construct als. Chinese leadership wanted to avoid dent Trump had won the US election the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for supply side shocks and created strate- and was a wildcard that the Chinese read creating dedicated freight corridors gies to acquire assets surreptitiously. wrongly. Secondly the world economy to 50 European cities. In the process They moved rapidly to fund every coun- started topping out, and growth started they have de-risked their trade supply try and project that the World Bank or stalling. The Chinese engine was not de- routes, but their oil buy routes lie ex- rest of the world would not find viable. signed to handle economic contraction. posed.The nightmare for China achiev- The Chinese wanted to eventually ac- Fault-lines in the domestic economy led ing dominance is that Indian land il- quire the underlying asset and default by huge non performing loans in do- legally occupied by Pakistan is being was hence a preferred option for them. mestic state owned Enterprises. Ghost used by CPEC and India reacquiring This juggernaut covered 150 countries cities started appearing, as domestic POK by use of military power could and nearly $5 Trillion in loans/invest- demand stalled, whilst domestic real es- render their $66 Billion investment in ments. The new Chairman had success- tate started going belly-up. The country Pakistan useless, blocking oil supply. fully over-invested the Chinese USD was overbuilt and no more infrastruc- The Chinese realized that economic reserves, and left his country very vul- ture spending was needed. sanctions against Iran had crippled the nerable. They desperately needed their Trump started the trade war and in- proud country with 15% of the world’s Dollar engine (Foreign Direct Invest- sisted that the Chinese reduce the Trade oil, needed investments, and so decided ment, Foreign Portfolio Investment, surpluses. President Xi erred massively to bust sanctions on Iran imposed by and Foreign Currency Loans) to keep in not giving Trump a cheap victory, the United Nations (they were party to firing quickly to recoup their position, and getting the Americans riled.Ameri- imposing them).China and Iran signed

Opinion Express September 2020 37 a 25 year Trade and Military alliance in Asian countries could take on China, armed forces for battle readiness. In the June 2020. China has bet on the USA but many could exact a heavy toll if it Chinese camp are North Korea, Paki- exiting Afghanistan in 2020, and by us- came to conflict. The Chinese flirted stan, Iran and Turkey with anti-India ing the Pakistani’s to install a puppet with conflict with all their neighbours squeaks may emerge from Nepal, Ban- regime in Afghanistan, they could take using “wearing down” tactics. gladesh and SriLanka. a pipeline from Iran to Xinjiang. In turn The success of this gambit hinged With China designated as world ene- the Chinese have to pump in the equiva- on the continuity of their trade with the my number 1, even Joe Biden has ratch- lent of $400 Billion into Iran’s develop- USA, heavily skewed in their favour. eted up the anti-China rhetoric, lest ment, which they can crank their RMB President Trump not getting an early President Trump steal the thunder and economy to deliver. Where does that trade war win, upped the ante, imposing a potentially lost election by a war with leave the Pakistani’s? a $250 Billion annual hit on China. Chi- China before November this year. The In the interim President Xi got the nese perhaps felt that US corporations Indian and Chinese armies are facing CCP to appoint him as the leader for life would not listen to their government off across 3400 Km. border, and a tense and emerged as an emperor. The CCP and continue business as usual. They peace prevails currently. The Middle decided that by its 100th anniversary floated a trial balloon by abrogating East has so far stayed quiet, but by de- in 2021, they would stamp themselves the agreement with Hong Kong which fault will have to choose sides as a Shia as “numero uno” in the world. A few would have lapsed in 2047, and sup- Iran and a Sunni Pakistan and Turkey pinpricks remained: Taiwan and Hong- pressing protests with brute force. Then side with the Chinese. It is an uneasy Kong as independent democracies was they ostensibly colluded/ manipulated time for the Saudi’s and the UAE. It is an eyesore, and raised aspirations of the WHO and unleashed the Covid 19 ironic that the OIC and its 54 member good life in mainland Chinese youth. pandemic on the world infecting every- countries including the”Turkish caliph- They had to be acquired by coercion or country on the planet. This collapsed ate” maintain a studied silence on China force at the earliest. The South China world economies and has created a very incarcerating nearly 3 million Uyghur Sea had $5 Trillion of supply chain that strong anti-China sentiment.It has re- Muslims in Xinjiang. transited the route. China laid claims to sulted in fast tracking the creation of The Koreans however had seen this territories/islands of all its neighbours the Quad, an alliance of the USA, Japan, coming two years earlier and Samsung and started constructing artificial is- Australia and India to take on the Chi- had moved an $18 Billion annual ca- lands as missile bases. They started bul- nese. UK, France and Israel are openly pacity out of China to Vietnam. Japan lying and humiliating Australia since in support of the Quad, whilst Vietnam, has incentivized its corporations to exit 70% of Australian mining exports is Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, Tai- China totally. USA and UK has banned bought by China. Singularly none of the wan and South Korea have alerted their Hauwei telecom with immediate effect

38 September 2020 Opinion Express CCP member. It also puts a question economic downtrend since last three mark on the credibility of China’s do- years, the GDP growth rate is gradually mestic gold production which is part of slipping towards 5% mark and Covid 19 its National Reserves, as to how much of has destroyed the large section of econ- it is gold plated copper. Will anyone in omy permanently. Xi Jinping has taken the world now ever trust a Chinese cer- Chinese virus as an opportunity to at- tification of gold? This scandal has seri- tack its neighbors to distract world’s ously damaged China’s plans of having attention from the pandemic. Now it a partial gold backed alternate currency is India’s turn to return the gesture to to replace the dollar. China. This crisis offers tremendous The world now sits on a powder keg long term strategic advantage for policy in the midst of the Covid crisis. Funnily makers to deal with Chinese threat per- it is China’s 150 debtor countries (es- manently. India must immediately rec- pecially Pakistan) that must be praying ognize Tibet and Taiwan as sovereign for a fall and dismemberment of their countries and allow them to run official Lender, for them to escape losing their embassies in India and vice versa, this sovereignty which they have so neg- will open floodgate for several countries ligently mortgaged. President Trump to follow the footsteps of India in shak- and Emperor Xi now have gone too far ing up Chinese hegemony globally. Sec- for either of them to back-down without ondly, India must supplying subsidized losing their crowns. For Trump it’s just arms and military technology to Viet- an election, but the world knows what nam and Philippines to create multiple happens to deposed Chinese dictators. fronts for China and its PLA in response The South Asian countries all want Ti- to what China is doing by arming Paki- bet to regain its independence after be- stan to be used for India in a proxy war. ing annexed by the Chinese in 1950 so Thirdly, India should take a lead in Indo that they all get their fresh water secu- pacific command with USA, Japan, and rity back. Australia to choke Chinese trade route; Meanwhile the domestic market col- it will hurt PRC and its ambition to be lapse will force Emperor Xi to take few a global economic leader. Fourth, India more hasty decisions. China’s banking must use weapon and army on regular regulator has advised domestic banks to basis when it is spending billions of dol- be prepared for sharp rises in bad loans lars on armed forces and weapon pro- to secure data for national security. In- once the Covid moratorium period is curement. The country like Pakistan, dia has banned Chinese Telecom equip- over. It has guided banks to conserve Nepal and others must be fearful of the ment and Apps with immediate effect. capital by not paying dividend sand consequences, if they plan to go against There is a very strong anti-Chinese im- bonuses. Three Chinese banks have col- the interest of India. Lastly, restrict ports movement starting in India, and lapsed in the last three years, and 15% Chinese import of non essential goods may set an example for the world to fol- of the financial sector is supposedly past by imposing tariff and focus our atten- low. a high risk stage. Tax revenues have tion in building formidable self reliant China’s partners in BRI and in Africa grown under 5%, and budget deficits economy with a target of $10 trillion by are resenting the usurious conditions in exceed 11%. The season of discontent 2030 to face hostile China, this threat is their loan agreements. The Americans for 1.4 Billion Chinese has arrived.China permanent and China should be treated are shutting off access to their Capital created the BRI to use the surplus ca- as permanent adversary even when the markets to the Chinese, and cancella- pacity in its construction material sand times are good.India and the world must tion of the Hong Kong treaty will kill the equipment sector,and to keep Chinese escalate the information warfare to ex- USD supply route to China. The Chinese labour occupied. Experts estimate that pose the draconian CCP and its oppres- Balance of payments is negative for the this project needs another $5Trillion sive regime working against the interest last few months, and days of surpluses over the next five years to complete it. of native Chinese. The dilemma for the are now a memory. They still need to The money given to 150 countries can- Xi led CCP is what do they tell their do- buy food and oil and commodities. not be recalled. The Hong Kong door mestic audience. In the age of the inter- Even nature seems to have con- may be closed by the Americans if push net, you can censor but not hide. News spired to ruin Emperor Xi’s timing. comes to shove. The FDI and FPI flows spreads like wildfire with every citizen China is being ravaged by the worst ever post Covid may flow outwards. China’s carrying smart-phones. Do the Chinese floods in the last 100 years with 29 of its $10 Trillion foreign debt is realistically need to beat the war-drums to transfer provinces impacted, and the survival of supported by $2 Trillion of reserves. the blame for their miscalculations. The the showpiece three Gorges Dam under With Balance of Trade going negative, world scenario is evolving every week, threat from heavy rain which could af- even diehard Chinese supporters are a and 2020 threatened to be a very long fect nearly 400 Million people as down- highly nervous lot. If China’s trading year indeed. stream cities including Shanghai could partners do not agree to settlements be impacted. Scams like fake Gold col- denominated in the RMB, a run on the (Prashant Tewari Editor in lateral has shaken China’s $5 Trillion currency is highly possible. Chief Opinion Express &Sanjit Shadow banking industry as the Kin- It is a serious reason to worry for 1.3 Paul Singh Managing Partner gold default is by a powerful former billion Indian. Already, we were facing S&S associates) Opinion Express September 2020 39 Domicile Certificates a Boon for Marginalised Groups By Sant Kumar Sharma One of the major achievements of this Now apply this definition to Hindu and act which had immediate effect is the Sikh refugees who crossed over into ar- t has been a year since domicile law. Domicile is understood eas in Jammu from adjacent areas of the J&K Reorganisa- generally as the status of being a lawful Sialkot and other areas which became Ition Act that has ush- permanent resident in a particular juris- Pakistan. ered a new era of peace and diction. A person can remain domiciled Incidentally, they had entered development to J&K was in a jurisdiction even after he has left it, Jammu, which became a part of In- passed in the parliament. if he maintains sufficient links with it. dia, in 1947 when Partition happened

40 September 2020 Opinion Express and there was communal mayhem all tematically and did not give them do- third class treatment. around. They didn’t maintain any links micile status. They were denied Perma- Limited residency rights meant they whatsoever with Pakistan, from where nent Resident Certificates (PRCs) which were not eligible to vote in state as- they had barely escaped, losing heav- were reserved for the domiciles of the sembly and panchayat elections. It also ily. They thus lost domicile of the areas state. They got citizenship of India but meant that their children were denied from which they had forsaken irrevoca- had very limited rights within J&K in access to scholarships, admissions to bly. The word Pakistan, however, did the absence of PRCs. professional colleges and even loans not stop chasing them and they came In fact, it created two types of Indian given by the state government. Their to be known as West Pakistan Refugees citizens within the state. Indian citizens participation and say in their own wel- (WPRs). living in J&K who were non-Permanent fare measures was virtually zero as PRs What happened to them in Jammu? Residents and PRC holders. Non-PRs represented them at the local levels. They were settled, mostly all along bor- like WPRs living in the state had far Here they were, Indian citizens, liv- der, in several tehsils of the Jammu inferior rights as compared to the PRs. ing permanently in J&K but as non-PRs province. However, successive J&K They were treated in most spheres of they were virtual pariahs. All this had governments worked against them sys- life as second class citizens and given a the legal sanction of J&K Constitution, Part III of which comprising Sections 6 to 10, defined Permanent Residents. In turn, this right to define PRs was given Here they were, Indian citizens, to the state legislature by Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution. living permanently in J&K but This article was added to the Indian Constitution by a Presidential order as non-PRs they were virtual of May 14, 1954. It was not debated in pariahs. All this had the legal Parliament, either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, and this amendment of the Con- sanction of J&K Constitution, stitution was done behind the backs of Part III of which comprising MPs. Due to this peculiarly anomalous manner in which the Constitutional Sections 6 to 10, defined amendment was carried out, it was placed in Appendix I of the Constitu- Permanent Residents. In turn, tion. Not in the main body. Incidentally, this right to define PRs was Article 21-A appears between Article 21 and 22. Similarly, other articles carry- given to the state legislature ing capital A with them are insertions by Article 35-A of the Indian between two articles. They can be found at appropriate places but 35-A is not to Constitution. be found between Article 35 and 36! The fact of the matter is most articles with letters Capital A, B, C and so on appearing with them were em- powering. They empowered the people they dealt with. On the contrary, 35-A disempowered and immensely harmed those people to whom it was applied. According to “State Subjects” laws for- mulated during Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule on April 20, 1927, continuous resi- dence of 10 years was enough for anyone to acquire domicile of J&K. To disable WPRs and other groups like them, the state legislature (Con- stituent Assembly of J&K) put May 14, 1944, as an arbitrary cut-off date. Say- ing only those people who had entered the state before that date were eligible for PR-ship. The enabling clause of Ma- haraja’s laws was done away with even as meaninglessness lip service was paid to these laws. Going by this 10 years’ residency clause prescribed by the Ma- haraja, WPRs could have become eligible for getting PRCs by 1957. However, as pointed out earlier, they were barred by the legislature in 1954, seven years

Opinion Express September 2020 41 after they had settled in the state. This changes have also been brought in since jobs, loans, or admissions in profes- retrospective disability was conferred then to gradually confer all rights which sional colleges. However, it is some- on them by dubious legal manoeuvres. they were entitled to, morally, legally times that would give a ray of hope to Similar disabilities were faced by at and ethically. their present and future generations. least 277 families of Valmikis who were In May 2020, new domicile rules The issuance of domicile certificates brought in from Punjab to Jammu in were framed in the Union Territory of to some groups of non-PRs is being 1957 by J&K government itself. Once J&K and these people, named above, portrayed as attempts to change the here, they were also not given PRCs, have started getting domicile certificates demographics of J&K. These narratives neither their next generations. Gorkhas now. The application of most laws of the are nothing short of deliberate mischief from Nepal, who were recruited in Ma- country to the UT in other spheres has aimed at distortion of facts. To distract haraja’s armed forces and gave their brought many positive changes. attention away from the unfair treat- blood as also lives defending J&K, were Besides, officials of all-India ser- ment meted out to WPRs, Valmikis and also denied PRCs as a consequence of vices like IAS, IPS, IFS working in J&K Gorkhas. The mischief is being sought 35-A. cadre also stand to gain. Some of them to be done in the name of the Maharaja For several generations, these had been working their whole lives here who was exiled from J&K unfairly. people suffered and struggled for jus- (for two or three decades) and were de- tice. On August 5, 2019, far-reaching nied PRCs. Writer is a senior journalist changes were initiated in the Indian The gross injustice done to WPRs, who has earlier worked with The Constitution to empower them. Article Valmikis and Gorkhas is now being rec- Indian Express, The Statesman, 35-A which was the reason for all their tified. This will virtually mean nothing The Times of India, Star News, woes was done away with. Several other for those who are no longer eligible for Dainik Bhaskar and Naidunia.

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Opinion Express September 2020 43 The US Dollar, the Fed and the Pretenders Sanjit Paul Singh with a profit motive. The stockhold- in New Hampshire, and decided that ers were to get a fixed dividend of 6% their currencies would be linked to t the end of 2019, the total of profits and 100% of the balance be- the US Dollar, and the Dollar would global Foreign Exchange(FX) longed to the US Treasury. By 1919 this be linked to gold. In 1966 multiple currency reserves stood at 100%reduced to 90%, and in 1933 the countries were concerned that the Fed $11.7 trillion, of which $6.7 stockholders delivered a stroke of ge- was printing more cash than the gold Atrillion were in dollars or dollar-de- nius. They made a one-time cash injec- they held, and insisted that their USD nominated assets. Nearly 60% of global tion to create the US Deposit Insurance holdings be repaid in gold. In 1971, trade and 40% issuance of worldwide Corporation, and in lieu of this they now President Nixon and the US reneged debt is also denominated in the US owned 100% of profits with no share for on their commitment and said that the Dollar. The dollar’s dominance in FX the US USD was not linked to gold, would be- reserves enables America to borrow Treasury. In 1947 the Fed realized come a Fiat currency i.e. paper which large amounts at low interest rates that a massive outcry was expected in acts as a store of value based on Trust. without fear of disruption in flows. A the US Congress, and they pre-empted It signaled that henceforth the USwas currency becomes globally acceptable it by agreeing to pay an annual fran- the “global sheriff” and the work on and dependable based on the size of the chise tax to the Treasury, but the quan- dismantling its challenger - the USSR economy and free convertibility on both tum would be decided exclusively by started. It took from 1913-1982 for the trade and capital accounts, the coun- US national debt to reach 1 Trillion try’s education standards and quality of (T), In 2006 it reached $8 T when Ben its manpower, the innovation and IPR Bernanke became chairman of the Fed, creating ability, the competitiveness of In 1929, when the and in tandem with the Obama years it its businesses, the established and dem- economic depression ended 2016 with $20 T. The reality is onstrated rule of law, and a very strong that pre-Covid19, the US Government defense capability. In world history (as peaked, the Fed debt had already hit $25 T, and post analysed by Ray Dalio of Bridgewater reached its currency Covid19 it could add another $3.5 T for Associates),nations held the title of “re- the year. Interestingly since Reagan, serve currency of the world” for no more printing limit. President every American President has contrib- than 50-100 years, and had a recurring uted to running up the debt book and boom to bust cycle which led to its re- Roosevelt passed a law mortgaging their future generations. birth in the form of another currency. making it mandatory The US Government pays an ap- proximate $400 Billion (B) annu- Intertwined History of the Dollar for all American citizens ally towards interest costs alone. Then and the Federal Reserve to sell their gold to the there is the unfunded liability of $45 Between 1781 -1907 the dollar was T on a present value basis of Medicare directly linked to gold and was convert- Fed at $29 an ounce. and Social Security. What could pos- ible. In 1913, the Federal Reserve was sibly fund this? More debt every year created . of course!! In any crisis, every politi- ● The Federal Reserve, America’s cian finds a reason to evade fixing it central bank, is responsible for conduct- the Board of the Fed (as per reports of and thereby defers the problem. As a ing monetary policy and controlling the the Brookings Institute). The Fed con- consequence, using the 1913 USD as a money supply. ducts a self-audit, and is not subject to benchmark, the buying power of the ● The primary tools that the Fed US Congress or Senate scrutiny as per 2020 USD is now just 2.7% . So any uses are interest rate setting and open media reports. holder of US Dollar denominated debt market operations (OMO). In 1929, when the economic de- has an implicit 2% per annum devalua- ● The Fed can also change the man- pression peaked, the Fed reached its tion built into their holdings as the real dated reserves requirements for com- currency printing limit. President value declines due to printing of more mercial banks or rescue failing banks as Roosevelt passed a law making it man- and more cash by the Fed. lender of last resort, among other less datory for all American citizens to sell common tools. their gold to the Fed at $29 an ounce. Who is the US Federal Reserve? ● When the economy is faltering, He bought gold globally at higher The Federal Reserve Board of Gov- the Fed can use these tools to enact ex- prices, and once the targeted quantity ernors, the main policymaking body, is pansionary monetary policy. If that fails was acquired, reset the price at $39 an appointed by the President of the Unit- it can use unconventional policy such as ounce (upping the value of Fed’s hold- ed States and confirmed by the Senate. quantitative easing. ing and cheating his own citizens!). However the ownership of the Fed re- The USA does not own its Federal During World War II, the US lent a mains in private hands . ”‘Then there Reserve. It is a privately owned body lot of money to the Allied nations. In are also twelve regional Federal Reserve which originally had 300 shareholders 1944, 44 nations met at Bretton Woods Banks, whose presidents participate

44 September 2020 Opinion Express in the committee that sets monetary viduals who own large shares of the Fed. there are three obvious questions policy. These Reserve Banks operate as The Schiffs are insiders at Kuhn Loeb. that arise: private corporations owned by member The Stillmans are Citigroup insiders, Firstly, did the Fed take any busi- banks in their districts, even though who married into the Rockefeller clan ness risk in the monetizations related to they also regulate the same banks. (It is at the turn of the century. Eustace Mul- Covid19 now, or the debt crisis in 2008, worth noting that their websites have a lins came to the same conclusions in his while its balance sheet expanded to 7 .org , not a .gov, suffix). book The Secrets of the Federal Reserve T dollars? Secondly, does the Fed also , in which he displays charts connect- act as an instrument of state for the US The Question that arises is who ing the Fed and its member banks to government and of course get paid in then owns the Fed and through it the families of Rothschild, Warburg, both cases? Lastly, is there a conflict of controls the Global Financial Sys- Rockefeller and the others. The control interest in the ownership of the Federal tem? that the families exercise over the global Reserve and the entities that do busi- These are excerpts from what Dean economy cannot be overstated and is ness with the Fed and earn fees. The Henderson researched and wrote in the quite intentionally shrouded in secrecy reality is that the Fed and its sharehold- Herland Report on 27 th March 2020- . The Four Horsemen of Banking (Bank ers smartly push the fiscal risk onto the “Controlling equity (nearly 80% con- of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup US taxpayers, and as the US Treasury trol by eight families- JW Macallister and Wells Fargo) own the Four Horse- Secretary stated that all losses related in the Grim Reaper) of the US Federal men of Oil (Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch/ to the Covid19 lending program would Reserve resides with- Goldman Sachs, Shell, BP and Chevron Texaco) along be paid out of the national budget. Rockefellers, Lehmans and Kuhn Loebs with Deutsche Bank, BNP, Barclays and The “influence” aspect is a very of New York; the Rothschilds of Paris other European old money behemoths. strong stick that they wield giving the and London; the Warburgs of Ham- Companies under Rockefeller control US Government and the key stakehold- burg; the Lazards of Paris; and the Is- include Exxon Mobil, Chevron Texaco, ers in the Fed immense coercive power rael Moses Seifs of Rome. Many of the BP Amoco, Marathon Oil, Freeport Mc- to tame unfriendly governments. The bank’s stockholders reside in Europe. Moran, Quaker Oats, ASARCO, United, US can print its dollars, but with 60% CPA Thomas D. Schauf corroborates Delta, Northwest, ITT, International of trade denominated in it, the world Macallister’s claims, adding that ten Harvester, Xerox, Boeing, Westing- excluding a few well-managed country banks control all twelve Federal Re- house, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, treasuries is always short of dollars. serve Bank branches . He names N.M. International Paper, Pfizer, Motorola, The US can also bail-out its allies in a Rothschild of London, Rothschild Bank Monsanto, Union Carbide and General crisis by giving them Credit Swap and of Berlin, Warburg Bank of Hamburg, Foods. According to company 10K fil- Currency Swap lines .The Levy Institute Warburg Bank of Amsterdam, Lehman ings to the SEC, the Four Horsemen of actually crawled through over 30,000 Brothers of New York, Lazard Brothers Banking are among the top ten stock documents to discover that post 2008, of Paris, Kuhn Loeb Bank of New York, holders of virtually every Fortune 500 European Banks were given nearly $ 9 T Israel Moses Seif Bank of Italy, Gold- corporation.” through this structure to survive. There man Sachs of New York and JP Morgan were no data points available whether Chase Bank of New York. Schauf lists Based on the above and comments this facility needed any formal approval William Rockefeller, Paul Warburg, Ja- made by former Congressman Dr. from the US Government or was the cob Schiff and James Stillman as indi- Ron Paul and a few US Senators, US Congress or Senate ever looped in,

Opinion Express September 2020 45 other than the Fed Board of Governors reserves, and a lot of it may be kept being appointed by the Government, off-book to avoid undue attention. The and whether this facility still exists 11 The “influence” aspect is Chinese are also the “lender of last re- years later or has been wound up. In- a very strong stick that sort” to countries whose projects get terestingly, the intended beneficiaries rejected by the World Bank and multi- are foreign companies who now have they wield giving the US laterals. They now have a $ 5.5 T portfo- access to USD and can compete with lio of global investments, though most American companies. To stabilize Eu- Government and the key of them illiquid. Certainly they are the rope, does America undermine its own stakeholders in the Fed most dominant players in Africa, and competitive advantage, or is it the cost emerging very strongly in Europe. Their of being the “Reserve Currency? ” immense coercive power plans of trying to move their non –US Looking at the intertwined owner- to tame unfriendly foreign trade out of the USD had been ship structure of the Fed and the banks progressing steadily. through which it operates in markets, governments. The US However, in the post Covid19 world, the answer to the conundrum is a no the Chinese have very few friends who brainer. The dominance in global af- can print its dollars, are significant in global trade. They also fairs including American politics and but with 60% of trade have serious territorial disputes with 23 trade on the face of it certainly gives an of their neighbours by land and sea. The advantage to businesses owned by eight denominated in it, the Chinese RMB is not fully convertible families. It is no surprise that many as- world excluding a few on capital account and China’s capital piring countries are wanting to break- controls make it difficult for foreigners out of the dollar hegemony. well-managed country to hold the onshore version. While this treasuries is always short remains the case, the RMB’s share of The Competition : global FX reserves may continue to be China has over the last decade posi- of dollars. low, and Asian countries may continue tioned itself as the principal challenger to rely more on the yen and the dollar to the US. Its economy is larger in Pur- than the RMB. But given their intrin- chasing Power Parity terms, its aggre- ing, Education Tech, Fin-Tech are sic strengths as a manufacturing hub, gate Debt/GDP ratios very similar, its bearing fruit. Its legal and regulatory a fast emerging technology hub, and supply line of quality STEM students framework is weak, but has improved an important military power, the RMB nearly five times that of the US, its uni- substantially and money always loves continues to gain market share in world corns rival those of the US in number strong dictatorships. They are the larg- trade, perhaps in a creeping acquisition and valuations, its huge investments in est gold mining country and export no mode for a few years. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learn- gold. They have steadily built their gold The Euro flattered to deceive! It ar-

46 September 2020 Opinion Express rived as a challenger, threatening to take the denomination of the oil trade away from the USD. The Saddam balloon was floated, the US cleverly con- verted it into a “WMD issue”, took out Iraq and Saddam, and oil was back in the Dollar camp. Even though 20% of global central banks reserves are currently in Euros, the absence of a “safety net” other than Germany, and England’s Brexit have exposed its underbelly and inherent contradictions even more. The 2009 bailout by the US Fed exposed the fragility of Europe’s banks and the ECB. With just the French and Germans to keep the EU afloat, it ceases to be a viable option, and some of this 20% may flow out into other currencies.

The rise of Cryptocurrency Since US laws forbid anyone from printing currency/money, “Satoshi Na- kamoto” created Bitcoin in 2008 out default accepted that every year over $2 selling more to other Asian countries of Amsterdam and then disappeared T gets laundered and they can’t crack it that are gradually becoming wealthier. or changed identity. Bitcoin is a virtual successfully, therefore fighting Bitcoin But the United States is still their best currency, stored/traded on the inter- would be futile. Today Bitcoin is a con- market in the world, and would remain net, created on an open source plat- trarian investment, but 5 years hence so unless US citizens start consuming/ form. Hundreds of programmers glob- it might be a “must have” what with importing much less. ally have improved the original software people like Antony Pompliano forecast- The USA now faces a very strong over the last decade. A finite quantity of ing a price of $100,000 in that time, a pushback from China, Russia, Germany 21 Million bitcoins were mined/to be ten-fold growth from the current price and Iran and on currency issues can mined. All Bitcoins reside in a publicly of $10,000. There are other crypto-cur- only be sure of the UK, Japan, Austra- distributed ledger called Blockchain. rencies around too, and at a future date lia, South Korea and Israel to provide Every holder of a bitcoin owns a wallet, the world may collectively be forced to blanket support. Countries like India, the bitcoin ledger is always balanced as move to a financial reset, or a different Brazil and Saudi Arabia would prefer a every debit/credit is within the system. format of digital currency backed by a currency solution that is neither US or Each holder accesses their account with mix of underlying assets. China centric. Today, as nearly 50 Mil- their own created unique password, Conclusion lion Americans file for unemployment and their money is not retrievable if The dollar is not exhibiting an un- claims, the Government and US Con- the password is lost. This is a financial derlying weakness. Between January gress response is to print more cash. system that replaces middlemen i.e. the 2008 and 2020, the dollar index has This approach is the greatest dis-ser- banks. A mobile phone with an inter- strengthened by 30%, from 89.2 to vice to any honest, hardworking citizen net connection becomes a bank. To get 115. The Corona event strengthened it anywhere in the world who values thrift mainstream adoption Bitcoin questions a further 10%, rising as high as 126.4 and saves for the future, as a giant un- whether users are happy using plastic on March 23, 2020. A collapse couldn’t seen force destroys the value of his/her credit/debit cards created by technolo- occur without a triggering event that hard labour by printing even more cash. gy companies who collectively add $200 destroys confidence in the dollar. Al- We are moving forward into an arena of Billion annually in transaction costs. together, foreign countries own more likely financial chaos and uncertainty. The value proposition being offered is than $6.7 trillion in U.S. debt. The Eventually economies and societies that by eliminating the middlemen the two largest are China and Japan. If survive on the goods and services they savings would accrue to merchants and they dump their holdings of Treasury produce and sell, not on a race of com- consumers. notes, they could cause a panic lead- petitive bankruptcy. I wonder if the US Till 2016, the Fed treated Bitcoin ing to a collapse. The economies of Ja- think-tanks have gamed what happens lightly, as just one more technology ex- pan and China are dependent on U.S. if another 30% of global trade moves periment, and the traded price of one consumers. They know that if they sell out of the dollar into a barter system, bitcoin hit USD 20,000 i.e. a monetary their dollars, their action would fur- and the potential hyperinflation it system now worth $400 B. They woke ther depress the value of the dollar. So would unleash in America and what ris- up in 2017 and along with China de- their products, still priced in RMB and ing interest rates will do to the aggre- barred banks from accepting Bitcoins. Yen, would cost relatively more in the gate American debt? Will the world see However now every major player in United States and hence their econo- a sequel to 1971 when America reneged the Financial Sector has jumped on the mies would suffer. Right now, it’s still on its debt to the world and to its citi- Bitcoin gravy train (The Fed’s owners) in their best interest to hold on to their zens? Only time will tell! realizing that making it illegal would dollar reserves. China and Japan are (Writer is Managing Partner just make it move offshore. The Fed by aware of their vulnerability. They are S&S Associates)

Opinion Express September 2020 47 Forest Fire Management A Global Initiative r. Gabriela Raducan completed the PhD degree at RMIT Univer- Dsity Melbourne, Australia, where she undertook a deep research in the bushfires (wildfires/forest fires) field. She has a multidisciplinary background and broad experience in Advanced Data Science and ICT. She is very passionate about research and through her Austra- lian not-for-profit called Tech4Future, she launched a global initiative to stop fires across the globe.

Dr. Raducan, what can you tell us about this initiative? Through Tech4Future, I launched F.I.R.E. (Fire Initiative in Research and Education) that aims to stop wildfires/ forest fires or “bushfires”, as they are called in Australia. Each region in the world has some specific characteristics which need to be considered when making decisions for fire management.In Australia, for example, where the natural environment needs the fire to clean it up, the best method to prevent the wildfires is to or- ganise “planned fires” in wildfire prone areas.In India, only 21.4% of forest areas are prone to fires, so there shouldn’t be many fires in the country. However, there are, and out of these, 95% are of anthropogenic origin, which means that these fires are caused by people, mostly when they prepare the land for agriculture (slash-and-burn cultivation).

The majority of fire cases across all countries have human negligence as a root cause. Hence why, one of the com- ponents of F.I.R.E. is an educational program that aims to partner with all the Governments in the world who are interested in fire prevention, and to have free training modules implemented in schools, universities and workplaces of safe fire practices. device, able to extinguish the wildfires in our advantage, in the fight with the without using water or toxic substanc- fires. What is the Research & Devel- es. Using water to extinguish the fires The next step will be to create a re- opment part of this initiative? is inefficient, and sometimes it is not motely controlled robot, able to handle I am very passionate about research, feasible either, especially in countries the above mentioned device. This com- and I am a strong advocate for market like India, given that India is among bination is the best method to success- disruption through breakthrough in- the world’s most water-stressed coun- fully extinguish the fires without put- novations. For the Research & Develop- tries. This device is an innovation that ting people’s lives at risk in the process. ment component of this initiative, I am will revolutionise the way in which we For more information, please working to create a prototype of a new extinguish fires and will tip the balance visit www.tech4future.com.au/fire.

48 September 2020 Opinion Express Opinion Express September 2020 49 SSR death divides the glamour industry down the middle between insiders and outsiders

ctor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death has exposed the deep fault- Alines in the Hindi film industry with issues such as bullying, nepotism and discrimination emerging from tin- sel town rarely discussed dark corners into the spotlight of introspection and debate. The split in the glamour industry is down the middle between insiders’ and outsiders entities’. That Rajput, who came from a middle class home in Patna and made his mark in mainstream Hindi cinema in what could be the classic fairytale, ended his life led to soul searching about power structures in Bollywood and also angry accusa- tions at the biggies who call the shots. Rajput was considered that rare actor, after Shah Rukh Khan perhaps, to have transitioned from television to Bollywood stardom and his death opened the proverbial can of worms. The untimely death of the young actor had clearly not just touched a chord but triggered a rallying cry for change. An online petition on Change.org asking BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian fans to boycott Johar, YRF and Salman Swamy has termed the death of late Khan has gathered almost 38 lakh sig- Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput natures so far. murder. Taking a dig at Bollywood, Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra government, he called SSR’s death “Wa- terloo and Watergate for Bollywood.” Fasten your seat belts as we are about to take off and bombard and won’t give up till either guilty are brought to justice or justice is brought to the guilty,” Swamy tweeted. SSR loss can dent moral of several young deserving talented artists seeking to establish name and fame in the entertainment industry, and nepotism off course will continue to flourish unabated. The CBI must investigate the case keeping the Mumbai Police away from the case because important high profile people and organized bollywood mafia is involved in the crime and the cover up. It is a shame for the country that wild speculations are flying everywhere yet the authorities have been complacent to secure the truth.

Report filed by Diwakar Shetty from Mumbai.

50 September 2020 Opinion Express