People in Kashmir frequently say that the government of India remembers Kashmir
only when there is a crisis and starts talking about a resolution. But the moment
the situation calms down, it goes back to its somnolent state. The good news
is that barring few pinpricks, Kashmir is calm these days. The bad news is that
predictably New Delhi is sleeping.
FORCE spent a week in the calm, tourist-crowded Valley recently, meeting locals,
government officials, Separatists and the security force personnel. It looks like
Kashmir maybe turning a new leaf, but the Union government remains indifferent
to it. Unfortunately, it continues to mistake surface calm for long-term peace. It
does not perceive the invisible fear lurking beneath. It does not understand that
much would get shattered in this politically and religiously surcharged border state
if this procrastination continues. Even now, mischief is happening from time to
time, but so far it has been contained. The takeaway for us from Kashmir this time
was that the CRPF and state police are competent to handle the ugly law and order
situation. For that matter, it would not be incorrect to say that they would remain
on top of urban terrorism, should it rear its head as well. But, beneath this veneer
of normalcy, there is the need to do more. Kashmir has turned the corner, but it is
nowhere where it should be.
The other highpoints of this issue are a report and an analysis on India-US relations.
The declaration by China that the South China Sea is its latest core interest
has spurred the US to focus on the Asia-Pacific region, and India is undeniably
an important country in the region. While there has been positive movement on
India-US ties, there are still creases that need to be smoothened. We also bring a
perceptive article by Admiral Arun Prakash on India’s nuclear dilemma. That country’s
higher defence management requires major restructuring, is the message that
the Admiral never tires to give. But, are the people listening?
Last month, FORCE participated in Eurosatory 2012 held in Paris from July 11
to 15. It was a good experience and there is a report on India being at the global
land and security systems show. We also bring reports on cyber security, the less
understood arena. FORCE believes that as arrival of nuclear weapons shaped the
20th century, this century will be driven by cyber issues; cyber terrorism and cyber
war. We have decided to pay more attention to this issue which has impacted the
information revolution in a big way.
We are saddened to say that one of our better contributors Radhavinod Raju, a
brilliant IPS officer, is no more. We will miss his excellent insight into terrorism
and homeland security. May his soul rest in peace. We also carry the industry news
and our regular columns. On this note, enjoy the issue!
Editor |