The 1971 Indo-Pak war.

December 16, 1971, a historic and remarkable day in annals of modern Indian history and that of the armed forces. The surrender of Gen.A.A.K.Niazi and his troop of 93,000 men were not only a military victory but also a victory of the democratic forces and failure of Jinnah’s two nation theory.  

Pakistan, an acronym for Punjab, Afghan, Kashmir, Sind and Baluchistan was coined by Choudhary Rahmat Ali on 28 January 1933 as a Pamphlet handout titled “Now or never: Are we to live or perish forever”. Rahmat Ali demanded for separate homeland” Pakistan” for the thirty million Muslim Indians of British India. The proposal hardly found any takers, for it enjoyed the support of only three Individuals. Weird is the fact, why it ignored Bengal? The partition of Bengal of 1905 and the religious alliance of East Bengal were well known facts in 1933. A dream for the thirty million Muslims in actuality excluded the remaining thirty million odd Bengali Muslims. Pakistan was by and large a Punjabi dream.

The Bengal partition of 1905 had the support on Muslim east and opposition of the Hindu west; it was peacefully annulled in 1911. The partition was re-invoked on linguistic basis rather than religion. The partition of Bengal in 1947 was more peaceful than the bloody ones in Punjab.

Was it the genuine fear of the Hindu majority votes or the power struggle of Muslim League and congress that lead to the partition of India in 1947 could be a good topic for a national debate, but one can say with certainly, Jinnah failed to understand the psyche of not only Hindus but also of the Muslims. The Imposition of an Indian language Urdu on a nation where barely seven percent of the population spoke Urdu was the first blunder. The Bengali Language movement of 1948 was the first signs of friction between the two units of Pakistan. Religion no longer seemed to be a uniting factor.

The nation that was built on the fear of compatriot colonization turned, East Pakistan to a colony. Economic, political and Administrative disparities grew between the two wings. The East was milked to the last drop and the west was pastured graciously. Capital of the east was exploited; the state expenditure was highly detrimental to the interest of the east. The subsequent failure of various constitutions and the imposition of Punjabi dominated Army rules, disenfranchised the Bengalis. The non acceptance of Sheik Mujib ur Rehman as prime minister of Pakistan by the power authorities, sounded a death Knell to the concept of Muslim Brotherhood.

The Bengali nation declared its independence in 1971 and revolted against the Military Government. To be fair to Pakistan, professional soldiers disapproved the use of force, Judges refused to appoint blood thirsty and tainted Generals. Operation search light of Gen.Khan created Havoc in Bengal, large number of Bengali Intellectuals and Hindus were murdered. The ensuing Indian intervention saw the birth of a new nation and surrender of the entire eastern corps to India, the largest since world war-II.

With the liberation of Bangladesh, Pakistan proved to be Mistake of Jinnah. Military rule and Urdu failed the enormous foundations on which Pakistan was built. Pakistan let Jinnah down on many a count, Islamic constitution as opposed to a Muslim majority secular constitution proposed by Jinnah, Military regimes, and cessation of the Eastern wing etc. Whether Pakistan is still a nation of Jinnah’s dreams?

Pakistan’s loss was a symbolic victory to Indian Secularism and its strong social and political foundations. The 1947 war stood for loss of territories, 1962 for surprise and callousness, 1965 a draw match, but 1971 was a fruit of many labors; of democracy, righteousness and in true Buddhist spirit, a war for Dharma.

   

Security, Sovereignty and Pseudo-Self Respect of Pakistan

Ever since it’s Establishment in 1947, Pakistan, has been coddling itself to be champion of Islam in south Asia. Obsessed with its incessant and ultimate dream of re-establishing Islamic rule in India, it has endeavored on many a low cost low, intensity war against India. The four conventional wars of 1947, 1965, 1971 and Kargil conflict of the late 90s have been well recorded and documented ones, these wars did have birth and full stop dates. The non conventional ones aka terrorism unleashed have no ends, although it started with the Afridi tribe raids of Kashmir in 1947. The cash strapped nascent state of Pakistan never shamed itself at the use Afridi tribes nor their descendants -the Pak-Army dishonored by the modern day terrorists, the Mujahids, Razakars, AlBadr and AlShams of 1971. Even after its 1971 debacle, Pakistan continued with its policy of Bleed India with a thousand cuts, by its persistent patronage to various anti-national movements within India. Terrorism is in the DNA of Pakistan.

The mushrooming madrasas in Pakistan have often functioned as breeding grounds for terrorists.  Rather than propagation the peace, the message of Islam, the madrasas contrarily propagate hatred towards other faiths. The suicidal 26/11 Mumbai attack was a venomous attempt of Pakistan to equate “Arab land grabbing” Jews with “Hindu” India. Given the tarnished Image of Israel in the Islamic world, Pakistan endeavored to portray India as a “Muslim Land grabbing” country. Strangely, Indian Muslims far outnumber the population of Pakistan and happens to be world’s second largest Muslim Inhabited country.

 The ISI’s tight grip over its various “loose” terrorist organizations have Jeopardized the security of many of its neighbors and its allies. ISI is a double ally both to the west and to the Jehadi Mujahids. Across the world Pakistan has roosted from its roof tops, claiming it to be a victim of terrorism. Victim of terrorism? Who financed these terrorists? Its India, no it’s the US, or may be Israel. The average Pakistani probably knows the answer better than us; it’s their taxpayer’s money. Pakistan has been a victim of its making.    

Given the proliferating records of its nukes, asylum it provides to the world terrors who’s who, and the scant respect which Pakistan has for the sovereignty of other nations, there are a few countries in the world which would emphasize with Pakistan, when its own sovereignty is at stake. Counties that lease/rent their military assets for Dollars shouldn’t plead sovereignty in their own constituency. The military posturing of Pakistan and counter aid blocking posture of US is a mere manifestation of the underground bargain business dealing of these allies.  

How far can Pakistan’s terror infested economy sustain without American aid? Well they are prepared for the worst; to make a better bargain with the US! The MFN status to India may be a stop gap arrangement for Pakistan’s ailing economy, or a new future move reserved for another Military dictator in making. The kind of feelers one gets from Pakistan, joint production of films, cross investments in Mutual funds, cross listing of companies in stock exchanges and the incessant fem-fatal bombs from Pakistan looks very artificial. Complete and total surrender to economic realities, that too from a enemy state? One must take these moves with a pinch of salt, for these moves may lead to a possible Reunification. Or whether these are the right steps which Pakistan must take, to stop its transformation to an Afghanistan? Gen.Kayani holds the key to this answer, may god show him the right path.

NudeVeena Malik and Pakistani Cinema.

The Kolaveri gimmick is settled and another publicity stunt viral hit the Hindi cinema world, the nude pictures of Pakistani actress Veena Malik on Cover page FHM magazine. The cover page was overnight hit, and unlike Kolaveri, the success of the Intro of both the actor and the erstwhile unknown magazine seems convincing.  Indian Men even the Ram’s of the day, do have a vacillating mind, after all a peep into a depiction of a voluptuous blond is not a sin. The picture sent shock waves across Pakistan, for the nude lady sported the initials ISI on her arm. Perturbed with the feminist and religious criticisms, the actor claimed her photos were morphed and sued the magazine for a hefty amount.

The history of Pakistan’s cinema begins with the migration of stalwarts of Indian cinema; legends like Noor Jehan and Bade Gulam ali choose Pakistan over India. Indian films were banned in Pakistan since 1952, but liberal enforcement of the ban allowed Indian films to be screened. The Pakistani versions were released with content amendments. Even patriotic films like Jagrithi were released in Pakistan, with a song-“anhoo bachoon thumeh dikahe jhaki pakistan ki”, the same song had Hindustan in India. The identical cultural, political and economic status of the two countries permitted the exchange of films. The 1965 war terminated all cinematic relationship with India. The rest of the history is chronologically structured under various Martial Law administrators.

Every General who ruled Pakistan left his mark of the film Industry. Martial law required the support of religion and religion opposed films, various policies like-Taxation, Qualification, Registration and censorship almost chocked the Industry. Lollywood, the analogous term for Bollywood emerged; it’s not clear whether it represents Urdu cinema or Punjabi Cinema or Pakistani cinema. Pakistanis themselves accuse their films to be adapted versions of Bollywood. On that count neither we are the saints, contents were either purchased or stolen from Pakistan and sold to Indian audiences. Foreign TV channels and Piracy virtually flooded Pakistani drawing rooms with Indian Movies and soaps. A ban seemed irrational, the Ban on Indian cinemas was lifted by Gen.Pervez Musharaff, and good revenue followed the Pakistani Exchequer.

Pakistan as a nation suffers from an Identity crisis; it neither has an exclusive culture, Language, religion or a civilization of its own. The country if forced to share everything either with us or the Afghans or the Iranians or the arabs. Their missiles are known as Gaouri, after Mohd Gaur who plundered vast territories of the lands situated in Pakistan. One of their warships is known as PNS Tipu, one wonders whether Tipu Sultan ever crossed the Vindyas? Being a country ruled by either by Generals or their favorites, it’s highly probable that the aam admi of Pakistan considers us as a responsible neighbor and not a foe. With the failure of two nation theory in 1971 and perseverance of Indian democracy and secularism has almost threatened the ruling elite of a possible reunification.

It is said the best regimen for a human being per day is eight hours of sleep, rest and entertainment respectively. Eight hours of entertainment, what can we do in those eight hours? Read books, write diaries, cook a delicious meal, shopping, listen to music or watch a soap-movie. Movies have became an integral part of our life, the colloquial Hindi stuffed with a bundle Urdu words, the khans of Bollywood have crossed Indian frontiers in all the directions.  

A rocketing industry like Bollywood is bound to attract international talent, in the past artist from countries like US, UK, Czech Republic, Canada, Nepal and Bhutan have been a part of Bollywood. Philosophically, talent is universal and there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan; but, talent needs opportunity. The theaters of Pakistan are more biased towards the block buster’s of the Indian khans than their own brothers. The artist of Pakistan is left with only two options: first, demand for ban on Indian films, which in any case would be counterproductive. Second, collaborate with the Indian industry.

 In a recent news report in The Hindu Business Line Mr Anwaar Ahmed Sheikh made the following statement “We would want a co-production between India and Pakistan film industry and want to promote India-Pakistan friendship through the medium of movies. We would like it if the hero is from here and the heroine from there. The young gene ration wants originality, not enemy culture,” .co-production? Bollywood needs new talent not money. Collaboration could be the right word, but is that possible without the blessings of Lt.Gen. Pasha and Gen.Kayani.  

The Pathan Khans are a rage in Pakistan, they are very famous in Pakistan as the Pakistani Generals in India. Every Indian Knows a Gen.Musraff, Gen.Kayani and Lt.Gen. Pasha, how many of us know their Indian equivalents?  Pakistan requires a replacement only for the female actors. A congregation of Pakistani artists like- Gulam Ali, Salma Agha, Nursat Fatheh Ali Khan, Rahat Fatheh Ali Khan, Adnan sami, Atif Aslam, Meera, Sajid Hassa, Adeel Ch and Veena Malik have already pierced into Bollywood.

As far as veena Photo is concerned, it was a full screen nude one with an iota of sagacity, But even if her accusation is to be believed, there exists a second photo. In the second one she is shot with grenade, a small military style undergarment and ISI on her left forearms. In either case, whether morphed or not, it is a sensual one. Given the stature of ISI in India, if it really commands respect and fear in Pakistan, no Individual of a conservative society would have dared to spot ISI in a Hostile country. It is publicity stunt, the next two or three weeks would be her day. One simple act ensured free publicity for her across the globe.

Given the confessions of Syed Gulam Nabi Fai and the nature of ISI’s funding and covert operations, I would not be surprised if veena is an ISI agent and these Pakistani artists have come here not to make a living but to conquer out drawing rooms.

The Whims and Fancies of Col.Kapil Sibal.

The introduction of computers in Governance was not a easy task, it was not the sheer volumes of the data that was processed that bothered the Implementation, but the reluctance and criticisms of the Employees and trade unions over the fear loss of Jobs. Computers did invade our country and jobs continued even in the Government sector.

 Decades later, conferences were conducted and editorials were written about the pros and cons about the new technology of those days, the Internet. The internet even then was considered as a boon, except for the pornography it encouraged. 

Internet however has changed the ways of life; the way we booked our money, Banked our money, and our modes of written communication. The emails have almost bridged the continental distances, gone are the delays and losses associated with letters. Then we had the picture /video sharing, blogs and social networking sites. It would be very naïve to say that internet has initiated a great revolution in our society; it actually fathered many a revolutions in the world.

The wikileaks, Arab spring, occupy world street movement and India against corruption movement all had their roots and branches in the Web. The popularity and the potential of these sites have always been a thorn in the flesh for our politicians. Social networking sites, has given a vast majority of mute citizens, a forum to express their opinion and angst.

Of all the evils and inefficiencies inborn with us, and our politicians, the only asset that any ordinary Chinese would envy is our democracy. A constitutional democracy; which gives us a right to howl against the PM, screams at the Gandhi’s. The right to express our opinions freely is a fundamental right, a luxury, which only a few are fortunate enough to have in this world.  

The recent actions of the Telecom Minster Mr.Kapil Sibal to screen the content before publishing, is highly condemnable. His suggestion to implement a monitoring mechanism to screen "disparaging, inflammatory or defamatory" opinions found no takers with any of the web houses. His bone of contention was a Facebook web page maligning Sonia Gandhi. Can Mr.Sibal block a BJP, or Pakistani website if it maligned Sonia Gandhi? Can he stop a Uma Bharathi, Mayawathi or a Jayalalitha’s Anti-sonia bashing?

One is reminded of some of the craziest quotes of colonel.Gadhafi here, especially for Mr.Sibal.

Gadhafi: Democracy means permanent rule.

Sibal:      True, we ruled India for almost half a century.

Gadhafi: Protest however you want, but don’t go to the streets and squares.

Sibal:      we don’t mind streets and squares, but a Jantar Mantar, Raj Ghat and Ramlila maidan      

               would be “unacceptable” to us.

Gadhafi: I am not such a dictator that would shut facebook. I will imprison anyone who logs into it.

 Sibal:    I would rather implement monitering mechanisms.

Blocking of websites, screening of content is a dirty work of the Pakistanis and Chinese. We don’t live in chaotic or an undemocratic country; we comprehend your Gimmicks Mr.Sibal. Don’t try to fool us. We are Indians Mr.Sibal, Indians.