Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Nov 14: As the Indian soldiers are bracing up in the incessant snowfall and sub-zero temperature to face any challenge from the People’s Liberation Army in Ladakh, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on China, but without taking its name, describing the tendency of expansionism a “mental disorder reflecting 18th century thinking.”
Modi, who in his usual style spend the Diwali day on Saturday with the soldiers in Jaisalmer in the western sector, said the entire world was troubled by the expansionist forces and India was becoming a strong voice against such medieval thinking.
“Today the whole world is troubled by expansionist forces. Expansionism is, in a way, a mental disorder and reflects 18th-century thinking. India is also becoming a strong voice against this thinking,” Modi said addressing the soldiers in Jaisalmer. “India trusts the policy of understanding others, making them understand, but will reply strongly if it is tested. As long as you are there, this country’s Diwali celebrations will continue in full swing and luminescence,” he added.
Modi’s cautioning China came amidst the border stand-off since May with the army of the two countries standing face-to-face with eight rounds of talks so far having failed to break the ice.
About the situation in Ladakh, the army sources said it snowed last night in Daulet Beg Oldi sector and the temperature all along the 1,597-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East Ladakh had plummeted below zero with fierce wind bringing down the chill factor.
But braving the inclement weather, the Indian forces have not budged an inch from their positions at all the friction areas and are standing up to the PLA inch-by-inch. “There is no change in troop position or Indian armour on ground even as some reports have speculated that both India and China have decided to de-escalate and disengage troops with no patrolling zones at friction points,” the sources said.
The Indian troops are packed up in snow tents and igloos with the adversary living it out in containers across the LAC. “All the reports about agreed step by step disengagement and de-escalation are speculative as the negotiations are still on at the military commanders’ level. There is no change in any position on ground with Indian troops high on morale and ready to face challenges posed by the PLA and the deteriorating weather,” said a top military commander.
The PLA troops are also packed up on their side of the LAC and holding their positions. According to available inputs, the Chinese are in strength at the base camp in the Galwan sector and at the friction point at finger four on Pangong Tso with continued rotation of troops.
At Longewala, Modi extending greetings to jawans, said his Diwali was always incomplete without them. “I extend my Diwali greetings to you. I have brought the greetings of every Indian to you today. You may be on snow-capped mountains or in deserts, but my Diwali is complete only when I celebrate with you. My happiness doubles when I look at the joy on your faces,” he told jawans, including those from the Border Security Force (BSF). “Be it the peaks of the Himalayas, the stretch of the desert, dense forests or the depths of seas — your valour has triumphed in every challenge.
“The world now understands that this nation won’t compromise its interests, not at any cost. The repute and stature of India is due to your strength and valour. India is clearly presenting its opinions on international fora today because you’ve secured the nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that only that nation is secure which has the capability to face the attackers and intruders. He said irrespective of advances in international cooperation and changes in equations, we simply can’t afford to forget that vigilance is the key to security, alertness is the basis of happiness, and strength is the confidence of victory.
Modi declared that India’s policy was very clear – “Today’s India believes in understanding and explaining, however, if there is an attempt to test us, the response will be equally fierce.”
He declared that today, the world knows that this country would not compromise at all on its national interest. “This status of India is due to its valour and capabilities. India is able to forcefully hold forth on the international fora because of the security provided by the armed forces, India’s military power has enhanced its negotiating power, the Prime Minister said.
“In 2014, I celebrated Diwali at Siachen. Many people were surprised. But you know me, I am always with my own people during festivals. And I have continued with that tradition even this year,” said the prime minister. He said more time he spends with the soldiers, more stronger become his resolve to serve and protect the country.
The prime minister urged troops to make three things part of their lives: Innovation which will help them progress, yoga which will keep them healthy and any other Indian language than their native language to help in the growth of their mental faculty.
He also praised the efforts of Indian Air Force and Navy in bringing people stranded in various parts of the world due to the coronavirus pandemic home.
“While the Indian Armed Forces are capable of dealing with the enemies, they’re at the forefront to help people during disasters. The role played by Air Force & Navy in rescuing people who were stranded in other countries due to Covid-19 is praiseworthy,” he said while addressing the Air Force personnel in Rajasthan.
“The Indian armed forces worked on a war footing during the coronavirus disease pandemic and contributed at every level ensuring availability of masks, sanitisers, PPE kits, medical equipment, and hospitals in the country,” he added. He also talked about the induction of the French Rafale fighter jets and operationalisation of Tejas during the Covid-19 period.
Modi said if anyone casts an evil eye on India, its soldiers were capable of giving a befitting reply. “This establishes the credibility of Indian Army in the world. Today, country’s Army is engaged in military exercises with other big countries,” the prime minister said. Talking about India’s defence capabilities, the PM said, “India is working rapidly to increase its defence capabilities and make its defence sector atmanirbhar (self-reliant). We have decided to focus on the indigenous arms factory. This one decision of the defence sector propelled 130 crore Indians to work towards vocal for local doctrine.”