LECTURE ON INDIA’S SECURITY CONCERNS

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch, Jammu organized a lecture on “India’s Security Concerns” by Snri G.Parthasarathy, formerly Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan on February 15, 2002 at Jammu Club Auditorium, Jammu.
Learned Speaker in his address observed that the concept of National Security today is not only confined to the territory of the Country but includes within its ambit the protection of its culture, values and economy etc. He remarked that India is a pluralistic society and secularism is an important component of its federal polity. India’s economic growth as well as political pluralism and secularism are essential preludes to the national security.
India should maintain cordial relations with its neighbours on both political and economic front. He further observed that today the world is unipolar and the world order is dominated by the USA. Commenting upon the role of China, he said that China would not like to confront India but would like to contain it through Pakistan, as China understands the potential of India as a growing major power. That is why China is helping Pakistan militarily to contain the growing influence of India as a regional power.
Mr. Partahsarathy also said that Pakistan wants to compete with India on parity basis and it has become a national obsession to it. Strategically, Pakistan considers low intensity conflict can prove successful in destabilizing India.
In the name of Islam, Pakistan wants to achieve its political agenda of grabbing Kashmir and spreading religious hatred and bigotry on the Indian soil. Terrorism is going to stay in this part irrespective of America’s war on terrorism America will have to fight in the territory of Pakistan.
Mr. Parthasarathy cautioned that Pakistan always took ceasefire on the part of India as its weakness. It was a mistake on India’s part to proclaim ceasefire ion the eve of Agra Summit. He said that now the terrorist groups like Harkat-ul-Ansar and Jaish-e-Mohammad will not be able to commit acts of terrorism with impunity. He condemned the terrorist attacks on J&K. Legislative Assembly and on Indian Parliament.
Mr.Parthasarathy appreciated India’s diplomatic steps and military pressure which India is exerting at present. He said anything unexpected can happen anytime and hence military build up on its borders is essential for its security. Both Pakistan and USA must take note of India’s diplomatic elforts and military pressure. Troops should not be withdrawn till there is genuine assurance from Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism. He stressed the need for a comprehensive National Security Policy. He said that India should not compromise on the ideals of secularism. Secularism is a tribute to Indian Polity, which distinguishes it from Pakistan. Commenting on the issue of the trifurcation of the J&K State, he said that religion should not be the basis for this issue.
In his concluding remarks, he emphasized the necessity for India to be a strong military and economic power
Dr Farooq Abdullah, the Chief Minister of J&K State emphasized the need for establishing an organization like European Union to improve the economic and cultural relations among the countries of South Asia. He said, progress and growth is possible only if we will have cordial relations with our neighbours. He said that China would not like to attack India but would like to use Pakistan against India, because India is a potential economic power of this region and China is afraid of it. He said that “Shimla Agreement” was mistake on the part of Indian bureaucrats as they failed to force Pakistan to accept Kashmir as an integral part of India. He said that stationing of troops on the border should have a meaningful purpose as people of the border have been displaced and are facing hardships. India should find out a permanent solution of cross-border terrorism as we the people of State are dying everyday in the hands of terrorists. He also emphasized that Indians should think of the country and inculcate the spirit of nationalism in themselves.
Dr Ashok Bhan, IPS, IGP Security and Hony Secretary, IIPA welcomed the guests. Shri J.A. Khan, IAS, Financial Commissioner and Chairman of the J&K Regional Branch, IIPA delivered the Introductory Address. Shri Ram Sahai, Vice Chairman, IIPA delivered a Vote of Thanks to the distinguished gathering which comprised of Hon’ble Ministers of the State Government, Legislators, Top Brass of the Army, bureaucrats, Police, academicians, intellectuals, prominent citizens and members of IIPA. Shri Sat Pal Sahni, Director Seminars, IIPA conducted the proceedings.