Reveal the truth about Ladakh
Is questioning the Centre about the developments in the border area of Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh an anti-national act? By terming as ‘anti-national’ Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand that the truth about the border standoff in the Eastern Ladakh region should be revealed, the Centre is avoiding presenting the true picture before the nation. In similar such situations with regard to border disputes with Pakistan, the Centre has always adopted a belligerent stand by citing the country’s sovereignty. It had even convened a press conference to make an announcement about surgical strikes. Though the Centre later failed to answer questions regarding the actual outcome of the surgical strike and the number of terrorists killed in the operation, several ministers of the Modi cabinet repeatedly issued statements about the surgical strikes, some of them even posing a security threat to the country by revealing too many details.
But in the present stand-off with China, Prime Minister Modi has not made any statement and the Opposition is being attacked for seeking clarifications. The External Affairs ministry has now indicated that the talks between the Indian and Chinese army held on June 6 to ease the tense situation between the two countries was “disappointing” and “incomplete.” ANI, the news agency that is usually the first to release government news, in its tweet on June 9, quoting senior government officials, stated that both Indian and Chinese army were withdrawing forces from different points of East Ladakh. According to the tweet, China’s People Liberation Army has withdrawn by 2.5 kms its Army and Naval forces from the Galwan patrolling point 15 and HotSpring areas. Contradicting this, in a statement released on June 7, the external affairs ministry only said that the border talks are going to be long drawn and the only way to address the border dispute is by taking small steps ahead.
The withdrawal of Chinese forces from LAC is a huge win for the military and political strategies of the Narendra Modi government. With this, the government has the credit of restoring the situation to pre-April 2020 times. Despite this, the handling of the border situation by the Centre and the Indian army has given rise to several significant questions. The silence of the Modi government of the last several weeks with regard to the border dispute around the LAC in Eastern Ladakh has cast aspersions about the way the situation was handled. Should India pay the price for withdrawal of troops from both the sides?
The Centre has not revealed any detail about the modalities of understanding reached with the Chinese military officials and also concessions handed over to the Chinese army about the deployment of local military forces and the development of basic infrastructure facilities in the borders. It has also been refusing to divulge details about the actual insurgence of Chinese forces through the LAC in East Ladakh. The government is deliberately hiding these issues from the people fearing political consequences.
Despite several bilateral agreements and talks, China has always been giving excuses and refusing to recognize the LAC border. It has consistently deployed forces around the Galwan, Hot Springs, and Pangong Tsu areas and has obstructed Indian forces from patrolling the area. China’s main political agenda is to constantly raise unresolved border issues and enter border areas illegally and display its prowess over India. Its objective is to make sure that India does not emerge as its strong political, military, and economic force at the international level. Its other strategy is to silence India over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), South China Ocean, and Indo-Pacific disputes and make sure that India does not develop basic infrastructure around border areas.
Contrary to the claims of the government that the tension around the border area has eased, experts hold the view that the border dispute in LAC, Eastern Ladakh, has not been resolved. Whatever be the truth, the statements of the Modi government and the Indian Army do not sound credible anymore. It appears that the Indian government has supported the stand of the Chinese government, thereby sending wrong signals to the international community.
In such a situation, the Modi government should take into confidence the Indian Parliament and the people of the country. The Prime Minister should hold talks with the Army and update the people regularly about the actual developments that are taking place in border areas. It is the responsibility of the Prime Minister to resolve the doubts and put at rest the anxiety of the people that the border dispute has triggered.
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Seers like Shivakumara Swami shape soul of society, nation: President Murmu
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said seers like Shivakumara Swami give shape to the soul of society and the nation, and their spiritual legacy continues to nourish the country even after their physical departure.
Known as 'Trivida dasohi' for his triple sacraments -- food, shelter and education -- among his followers, Shivakumara Swami was the pontiff of the renowned Siddaganga Math. He passed away at the age of 111 on January 21, 2019.
The President emphasised that diligence, public service, and national service are interlinked, and that spirituality provides a strong and enduring foundation for both public and national service.
Addressing the 119th birth anniversary and Guruvandana of the seer at Sree Siddaganga Math here, the President said, "I believe that seers like Shri Shivakumara Swamiji give shape to the soul of our society and our nation. His physical body merged into the supreme element in the year 2019, but his legacy continues to nourish society and the country."
Murmu said that the seer's life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived remained a unique example of expressing spirituality through welfare activities.
"He continued to enrich humanity for many years through his spiritual activity. His life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived, and expressing spirituality through welfare activities, is a unique example," she said.
Praising the activities of the Math, the President said, "It is said that through this Math, arrangements for free food, accommodation, and education are made for a large number of rural children, which is highly commendable."
Emphasising that education is the key to development, she said that providing education to deprived and poor children means building the future of the country and advancing the nation's development.
"I am especially pleased to know that from primary school to higher education in engineering and management, arrangements for education have been made by the Math. For this purpose, many educational institutions have been established," she said.
She also highlighted the healthcare initiatives associated with the institution. "I have also been told that the Sri Siddaganga Hospital, established by Shri Shivakumara Swamiji, provides excellent healthcare services to the general public," the President said and added that the Math carried forward a long tradition of service and spirituality.
Referring to the ideals of 12th century social reformer Basavanna, she said, "It is a matter of great happiness that today your spiritual institution is following the ideals of Prabhu Basavanna". She said that the example of a democratic system, based on a society free of discrimination and the participation of all, was presented centuries ago by Basavanna.
Lauding Karnataka, the President said that the state presented one of the most effective examples of public service, national service, spirituality and modern progress, and congratulated the people of the state for their contribution to nation-building.
Murmu said that by walking on the path of nation-building, altruism and dedication to duty, people could truly pay tribute to Shivakumara Swami.
"On this occasion associated with his sacred memory, we will all take a pledge that we will always remain active in enhancing the glory of Karnataka Mata and Bharat Mata," she said.
On the occasion of his Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shivakumara Swami, recalling his remarkable contributions across education, social welfare and spirituality, which have left an enduring imprint on society.
"He (Swamiji) stands in collective memory as an embodiment of compassion, humility and unwavering service to humanity. Through a lifetime dedicated to uplifting others, he demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving others," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'.
The prime minister recalled that even today, Swami's life continues to guide and inspire countless individuals to walk the path of selflessness and service.
