Effects of World War I

 

Effects of World War I 

The first world war (WWI) was fought between 1914-1918. It came to an end officially with Paris Peace Conference of 1919. It was the first most destructive war in the history of humankind.

It resulted into the death of several thousand people. These human losses included both soldiers and civilians. Due to WWI, many diseases were spread and many people starved.

Due to this reason as well, many people lost their lives. The financial losses to the

countries fighting this war were also very heavy. It caused destruction of rail tracks, bridges, roads, factories and other types of infrastructure and industries. It also affected the fertility of land/soil due to use of bombs and chemical weapons. The economic losses caused by WWI were tremendous. Historians say that the amount destruction caused was beyond calculations. Both the developed and the less developed countries faced economic problems caused by the WWI. The currencies of many countries became weak, the less

developed countries found it difficult to buy the industrial goods, the debt of the European countries increased the taxes and sold bonds to the people for raising money and they heavily borrowed from USA. The allied countries were troubling the defeated central

powers to pay the war losses. Hence the economic conditions of countries like Germany was be- coming worse.

After WWI, in Germany a democratic government was established. Even Austria became a democratic country. In Turkey, the rule of Muhammad VI, the Ottoman Sultan was brought to an end by Mustafa Kemal Pasha. The new republics such as Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia came into existence. The part of Erstwhile Ottoman Empire ruled by Ottoman Sultan of Turkey came to be controlled Britain and France.

Dictatorship in Turkey, Italy and Germany: After WWI, there was a rise in the dictatorship in Turkey, Italy and Germany. Until WWI, Turkey was ruled by Sultans and the rule of Sultan Muhammad VI was brought to an end by Kemal Pasha in 1922. After the abolition of sultanate of Mustafa Kemal Pasha became the dictator of Turkey and brought revolutionary re- forms which resulted in modernization of Turkey. Mussolini and Hitler forcibly took over the power in Italy and Germany respectively by overthrowing democratically elected governments.

Change of Maps: After WWI, Turkish and Austrian Empire became history and new nations came into existence which changed the map of Europe and western Asia. New nations like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.

Paris Peace Conference: After WWI, Paris Peace Conference was held in 1919 in order to sign the treaties and establish peace. The most important treaty signed in the Paris Peace Conference were treaty of Versailles, treaty of St. Germain, and treaty of Sevres signed with Germany, Austria- Hungary and Turkey respectively.

Increase in the power of Allied Countries: After WWI, allied countries like England, France, America merged as very powerful countries in world affairs.

Rise of Ultra-nationalism: After WWI, countries like Italy and especially Germany witnessed the rise of aggressive nationalism. The dictators of these countries particularly Hitler promoted hatred towards allied powers which ultimately led to second world war in 1939,

League of Nations: In order to maintain the peace in the world and solve political and other problems in an amicable manner, an international organisation called League of Nations was established.

Cripps Mission-1942

 

 

Cripps Mission-1942

Entry of Japan into Second World War prompted Britain to look towards the demands of Indians seriously. The result was the Cripps Mission. Prime Minister Winston Churchill constituted the Cripps Mission headed by Sir Stafford Cripps who was the Leader of House of Commons at that point of time.

Sir Stafford Cripps submitted the Draft Proposals or Declaration to Governor General’s Executive Council and subsequently during a press conference they were made known to the people of India.

The highlights of Draft Declaration were as following:

After the Second World War Indian Union with Dominion Status will be created. It would have right to even participate in important organisations at international level

Constituent Assembly will be formed for making a Constitution which would have members from the territories controlled by British and Native or Princely States

In case a particular province didn’t want to join the Union of India would have its special Constitution

The defence related matters would be under the control of British

The Cripps Proposals were not accepted by the Indian leaders. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad were part of the negotiations about the Cripps Proposals. Their most important demand was British government should give complete independence to India and not dominion status

Mahatma Gandhi also rejected the Cripps Proposals and he described it as ‘a post dated cheque’. According to some historians one more sentence was added to it by somebody else and it was claimed that actually Mahatma Gandhi called the Cripps Proposals or Cripps Mission as  ‘a post dated cheque on a failing banks’.

As far as Muslim League was concerned it was vehemently demanding a separate state for Muslims

The minorities wanted  more safety measures for them

Organisations like Hindu Mahasabha and other people with liberal thinking objected to issue of right to secede away from Commonwealth

In this way Cripps Proposals faced opposition and objections from all the important stakeholders. Ultimately the Cripps Proposals were rejected by Indians and Cripps Mission proved to be a failure. Sir Stafford Cripps had arrived in India in the month of March 1942 and returned to Britain in April 1942.

Cabinet Mission Plan 1946

By the end of Second World War Conservative Party of Winston Churchill lost power in Britain and Labour Party formed the government. Clement Atlee of Labour Party became the Prime Minister in May 1945.

Clement Atlee’s government decided to send three Ministers of India in order to negotiate with the Indians. These three Ministers were- Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and A. V. Alexander. They were supposed to visit India and negotiate with the Indians. The visit of these three Ministers is described as the Cabinet Mission in history.

The Cabinet Mission arrived in India in March 1946.

Important highlights of the Cabinet Mission Plan were as following:

·         There would be Union government

·         The Union government will have Executive and Legislature

·         The provinces would have autonomy in respect with the subjects allotted to them and also they will have residuary powers

·         The provinces could form Groups with Executive and Legislatures and further every Group could decide the common provincial subjects

It Grouped the Indian provinces into A, B and C categories. The composition of each of these Groups was as following:

·         Group A- Bombay, Madras, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bihar and Orissa

·         Group B- Punjab, the North West Frontier and Sindh

·         Group C- Assam and Bengal

It was further said that:

·         Delhi, Ajmer-Marwara and Coorg would be free to join Group A

·         Baluchistan would join Group B

One point to be noted here is that Group A and Delhi, Ajmer-Marwara and Coorg had majority of Hindus and Group B, Group C and Baluchistan had majority of Muslims, hence, somewhere there was an invisible communal line in the Groupings of the Provinces.

One of the important aspects of Cabinet Mission was to form the Constituent Assembly for framing the Constitution and also to decide the issue of how to form Interim Government.

The major demand of Muslim League was that the provinces should be allowed to make changes in the Constitution of Union immediately instead of after ten years.

As far as Indian National Congress was concerned it wanted that the independence of India should be given more priority than framing a Constitution. It also wanted more powers to be vested in Union government, especially in the eventuality of worst kind of law and order problem.

Mountbatten Plan – 3 June 1947

After Cabinet Mission the things moved fast rather dramatic events unraveled. On 16 August 1946 Muslim League created trouble by declaring it as Direct Action Day. Due to it communal problems were created in different parts of the country.

An interim government was formed in India on 2 September 1946. It had representatives of Indian National Congress as well as Muslim League. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was Vice President of the Executive Council in interim government and in that capacity he headed the government as the Prime Minister. Muslim League was not in the mood to co-operate with the Constituent Assembly.

Muslim League and its leader Barrister Jinah wanted to have a separate nation for the Muslims. The Indian National Congress resisted demand but Muslim League was not ready to compromise on the issue of a separate Pakistan for Muslims.

Clement Atlee, the then Prime Minister of England made an announcement on 20 February 1947 that British government intends to hand over the political power in India to Indians latest by the month of June 1948.

On the above background Lord Mountbatten arrived in India as the Governor General of India. The topmost agenda of Lord Mountbatten was to accelerate the speed of transfer of power to Indians.

Things became pretty clear that Muslim League would not give up its demand for separate Pakistan.

Due to the stand taken by Muslim League it became clear that partition of India would be unavoidable.

On 3 June 1947 Lord Mountbatten declared the modalities of transfer of power.

The salient features of Mountbatten Plan were as following:

Punjab and Bengal would be partitioned

Provinces with the majority of the Hindus would have to accept the existing Constituent Assembly which they had already done

Provinces with Muslim majority such as Baluchistan, Bengal, Punjab, Sindh and North West Frontier Province would be given liberty to join the Constituent Assembly of India or Pakistan

Indian National Congress accepted the Mountbatten Plan and as expected Muslim dominated areas like Sindh, East Bengal, West Punjab and Baluchistan joined Pakistan. Under the leadership of Sir Cyril Radcliffe Commissions were formed in order to decide the boundary between India and Pakistan.

The Indian Independence Act 1947

India ultimately got most coveted independence from British rule as per the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947. A Bill titled the Indian Independence Bill was tabled in British Parliament on 4 July 1947. This Bill was passed on 18 July 1947 and came to be known as the Indian Independence Act 1947.

Important provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947 were as following:

The independent Dominions of India and Pakistan to be created

The date for independence was fixed as 15 August 1947

The King of Great Britain henceforth could not use the power to veto the laws related to India

The British Monarch no more could act as paramount power in respect with Indian States

The treaties signed between the Indian States and British Crown would cease to exist after 15 August 1947

As far as the relationship and arrangements between Government of India and Indian States were concerned they should be discussed and decided with the Dominions of Pakistan and India

The office of Secretary of State for India would cease to exist

The Dominions of India and Pakistan would be at liberty to leave the British Commonwealth of Nations

Tryst with Destiny

Thus, the long cherished dream of Indians to get complete freedom from British rule came true at the mid night of 15 August 1947. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru gave his famous speech at this hour titled as ‘Tryst with Destiny’ before the Constituent Assembly of India. Excerpts from this speech are as following:

‘‘Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom…….”

Only regret was that freedom came with the scar and incurable wound of partition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

British Conquest of Bengal

 

 

British Conquest of Bengal

The British East India Company was formed in England on 31 December 1600. The purpose of this company was to have trade with the eastern countries especially India. The year 1609 is important as far as the sojourn of East India Company with India was concerned. In this year Captain William Hawkins reached the court of the then Mughal Emperor viz. Jehangir. Jehangir was the son of the most famous Mughal Emperor Akbar. Captain William Hawkins had reached the Mughal Court in order to seek the permission to open a British factory at Surat. It is to be noted that Surat was one of the busiest ports and in a way international centre of trade at that point of time. It was then the part of Mughal empire. Hence, naturally English were interested in having their trading post or factory in Surat. But, Emperor Jehangir denied the permission to British as he did not want to antagonize other Europeans present in India at that point of time, and they were Portuguese.

The British East India Company traders after their failure to establish factory at Surat went southwards and formed a factory at Masulipatnam on eastern coast of India in modern day Andhra Pradesh. The British trading post at Masulipatnam was started in 1611 and it was converted into a factory in 1616. Meantime Mughal Emperor Jehangir also gave permission to British to open factory at Surat and accordingly they established factory at Surat in 1613. Subsequently the Mughal Court gave permission to British East India Company to open factories at Agra, Ahmedabad and Bhadoch.

In 1633 the East India Company opened its factory at Balasore located on the coast of modern day Odisha. In 1639 the British obtained what is known as Madras today and built a factory over there named as Fort St. George. In 1668 the British East India Company acquired the islands of Bombay on western coast of India i.e. modern day Maharashtra. These islands were given on lease to the East India Company by the then King of England viz. Charles II. King Charles II had acquired it from Portugal royal family as a dowry after marrying Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza.

The British opened their factory at Hugli in 1651. They also got the trading rights in Bengal. The British bought the villages of Sutanuti, Govindpur and Kalikata. This purchase deal was completed in 1690. Later on these three villages were developed into a city of Calcutta (today’s Kolkata). The factory or headquarters of British in Calcutta was named as Fort William.

The British East India Company further ensured many trade concessions from Mughals to trade in Gujarat, Bengal and Hyderabad. The Mughal Emperor who gave these concessions to British was Farukhsiyar.

Murshid Kuli Khan could be credited with the independence of Bengal from Mughal empire. In 1701 Aurangzeb, the then Mughal Emperor appointed Murshid Kuli Khan as the Governor of Bengal. Afterwards even Orissa (Odisha) was put under his control. After the death of Aurangzeb, Murshid Kuli Khan declared Bengal as an independent state seceding away from Mughal empire. Aurangzeb died in 1707 in Maharashtra. It was his lifelong dream to defeat Marathas but he was not able to achieve it. Ultimately he died in Maratha country but could not defeat them. Murshid Kuli Khan died in 1727 and his son-in-law Shuja-ud-Din became the ruler of Bengal. In 1739 Alivardi Khan ended the rule of house of Murshid Kuli Khan. Alivardi Khan was succeeded by Siraj-u-Daula. It was during the time of Siraj-u-Daula the history changing Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757.

When Bengal became independent from Mughal empire the conflict started between the Nawabs of Bengal and British East India servants. In 1717 Farukhsiyar, the then Mughal Emperor issued farman which acknowledged the free trading rights to British East India Company traders given to them earlier. But, the servants of British East India Company were also taking advantage of it. Hence, the Nawabs of Bengal started resenting it. Siraj-u-Daula, especially was unhappy with British officers misusing the farman issued by Farukhsiyar originally for traders or company. Apart from it there were instances of British East India Company’s involvement in internal matters of Bengal. One of such incidents was that they had given refuge and protection to one Krishna Vallabh. The Nawab of Bengal was angry with Krishna Vallabh as he was charged with the fraud by the Nawab.

Another issue which proved to be a bone of contention between Nawab and British East India Company was the mounting of guns by them on the walls of Fort William in Calcutta. Siraj-u-Daula did not like it. He thought this action on the part of British was the challenge to the sovereign authority of  the Nawab. Hence, the Bengal army marched on Fort William in order to teach a lesson to British. It led to the so called Black Hole Incident, wherein many British people which included both men and women were forcibly locked down in a small room. When the doors of this room were opened most of them had died. This incident is known as the Black Hole Incident. The British decided to avenge the death of British people.

The Battle of Plassey was fought on 23 June 1757. It was a namesake battle as Mir Jafar, the Commander-in-chief of Siraj-u-Daula had a secret understanding with British. Most of the troops of Nawab remained silent spectators and victory was gifted to British on platter.

Mir Jafar, in turn was awarded the Nawabship of Bengal. Siraj-u-Daula was caught and murdered. Mir Jafar gave free hand to British in Bengal and British literally started plundering Bengal. Around 1760 Mir Jafar was replaced and Mir Qasim was appointed as the Nawab of Bengal by British. Mir Qasim also could not fulfill the monetary demands of British for a long period of time. Hence, he was forced by British to run away from Bengal. Mir Qasim ran away and took refuge in the court of Nawab of Awadh. The Nawab of Awadh at that point of time was Shuja-u-Daola. In his court one more person had taken refuge at the same time. The name of this person was Shah Alam II, the then Mughal Emperor. These three i.e. Mir Qasim, Shuja-u-Daola and Shah Alam II formed an alliance and fought against British and the result was the famous Battle of Buxar of 1764. In the Battle of Buxar, British defeated all these three and the way for final conquest of Bengal by British was paved or cleared.

Mir Jafar and his son Nizam-ud-daula were brought back in limelight by British after the defeat of Mir Qasim. They were appointed as Nawabs of Bengal one after another. Shah Alam II was forced to grant the Diwani i.e. revenue rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to British. Shuja-u-Daola was made to pay Rs. 50 lakhs to British and also to award the trade rights in Awadh to the British.

Robert Clive later on introduced the famous Dual System in Bengal. Under this system the Nawab would have namesake power and the real power rested with British. This Dual System was brought to an end in 1772 by Warren Hastings who became the first British Governor General of Bengal. Thus, the fate of Bengal was sealed and by 1772 Bengal became the part of British empire in India. And the direct British rule started on Bengal.

After Bengal British turned their attention towards other territories in India. They followed the policies of war, Subsidiary Alliance System, Doctrine of Lapse, etc. and brought most of the land in India under direct British rule. The British East India Company got a major shock in the year 1857 in the form of the Great Revolt. This uprising of Indians is known as the Revolt of 1857. It took nearly hundred years from 1757 onwards for Indians to stage a rebellion on great scale in 1857. The Revolt of 1857 though was a failure but brought an end to British expansionist policy in India.

 

 

Hitler: A Fuhrer responsible for Second World War

 

 

Hitler

 A Fuhrer responsible for Second World War

In 1914 First World War broke out in Europe. It went up to 1918. The main belligerents during this war were Allied countries and Central Powers. The group of Allied countries included England, France, Italy, etc. The main Central Powers were Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. During First World War Hitler joined German Army and fought against Allied Powers. He was injured during the First World War. He was very upset when Germany lost First World War. After the First World War Treaty of Versailles was signed with Germany which put lots of financial burden and restrictions on Germany. Germans considered the Treaty of Versailles as lopsided and exploiting. Hitler was very much against the Treaty of Versailles.

Hitler was a good orator. He used to impress audience with his speeches. He became the member of Nazi Party and afterwards became the most important leader of it. Hitler started criticising France and put forward the thought of racial supremacy of Germans being true Aryans. He systematically promoted hatred against Jews in the minds of Germans. He started assuring German public that if he comes to power he would make Germany great again. He heavily criticised the democratically elected government in post First World War Germany.

Hitler was involved in anti government activities in Germany. Hence, he was arrested and put in to jail. While in jail he wrote his autobiography titled ‘Mein Kampf’ meaning ‘My Struggle’  which contained his aggressive thoughts. In spite of several grammatical errors this book became popular among Germans.

Nazi Party was becoming popular slowly and steadily in Germany. In 1932 elections Nazi Party emerged as the single largest party but couldn’t acquire majority in the parliament. Hitler even tried to become the President of Germany but he was defeated by Paul von Hindenburg. A mistake of Von Papen, the then Chancellor of Germany to ask Hitler to join his government as Vice Chancellor cost him and Germany heavily. Because Hitler put pressure to appoint him as Chancellor and Von Papen was demoted to the post of Vice Chancellor.

After becoming Chancellor Hitler took steps to eliminate his and Nazi Party’s rivals. In short he finished the opposition parties and after the death of President Hindenburg declared himself as the Supreme leader of Germany concentrating the powers of President, Chancellor and Commander-in-Chief of German armed forces.

The Secret Police Department of Hitler pressurised and terrorised those who were opposed to Hilter’s Nazi regime. Not only so, Hitler even erected special camps in order to literally jail the opponents. It was nothing short of but a virtual death of democracy.

Hitler knew very well that in order to strengthen his regime he needs to improve economic condition of Germany. Economically, Germany was in precarious situation thanks to First World War and the Great Depression of 1929. Emphasis was given on increasing production of various goods and subsequently to export it. Jobs were created for unemployed. Housing was provided to needy people. Health services were improved.

As far as religious policy of Hitler was concerned he had great dislike for Roman Catholics. Roman Catholic run schools were shut down. Like Roman Catholics Hitler and Nazis literally hated Jews. They considered that Jews were responsible almost for all the problems Germany suffered from, including the First World War and Germany’s defeat in that War. Hitler considered Germans as pure Aryans and looked down upon Jews as belonging to inferior race and blood. Having such views about Jews Hitler systematically implemented the policy of persecuting Jews. This policy is infamous in History as Anti-Semitism.  Several thousand Jews were killed by Nazi regime as a part of this policy. Hence, lots of Jews left Germany during the period of Nazi rule. The killings of Jews by Hitler is also called as Holocaust.

Through education the Nazi ideology and propaganda was promoted. The most important qualification for becoming teacher was to believe in Nazi thought.  Loyalty to Hitler and Nazis was systematically cultivated among youth and students. They were taught to hate Jews and take pride being Germans i.e. people of superior blood.

As far as foreign policy of Hitler was concerned it was very aggressive. Hitler was not interested in continuing the membership of League of Nations. He knew that if Germany continued to remain the member of the League of Nations then it would have to follow the international norms in respect with her foreign policy. This was the reason Hitler gave up Germany’s membership of the League of Nations in spite of signing Four-Power Agreement or Pact.

Hitler was able to recover the famous Saar Basin for Germany around 1935. Hitler always cherished the dream of uniting Austria with Germany. He probably had emotional attachment for this union of Austria and Germany because he was Austrian German. He made quite a few efforts to bring Austria under German control and was at last successful to do so in 1938. One of the major successes of Hitler in his foreign policy was that he was able to convince a power like England to allow Germany to produce the necessary equipment for German Navy.  Hitler or Germany along with Italy and Japan formed the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. The common thing among these three countries was that they were having Dictatorial governments. Perhaps, this was one of the common threads which brought these countries together.

Hitler was a very shrewd politician. He did not have great love for Soviets and Stalin but in order to achieve his long term aggressive goals he signed an agreement with Soviet Russia. This agreement is known as Nazi-Soviet Pact. Later on Hitler conveniently violated this Pact during the years of Second World War.

Hitler since the beginning was interested in acquiring the neighbouring territories and expanding the German empire. He always had his eyes on Czechoslovakia. He invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939 and annexed it. He also violated an agreement with Poland and invaded it on September 1, 1939. This Polish invasion of Germany triggered the most destructive War in human history till date i.e. Second World War.

Hitler due to his aggressive foreign policy pushed Germany and the World into Second World War. This war caused unimaginable destruction to property and human loss. Hitler committed suicide on 30th April 1945 and Germany also lost the Second World War subsequently.

Time to Improve Indo-Nepal Relations

 

Time to Improve Indo-Nepal Relations

At present the relations between India and Nepal are seemed to be tensed. There is a larger perception that Nepal is moving closer to China. It is definitely a negative sign and headache for India. Nepal is our next door neighbour which shares the common boundary on eastern side. Beyond Nepal lies Tibet which has been acquired by China long back against the wishes of the Tibetan people. Hence, it is of utmost importance for us to win back Nepal and create the trust in Indo-Nepal relations. It is crucial not only for maintaining a peace with very old friend like Nepal but also to secure the Indian eastern border from the menace of Chinese.

 India has always enjoyed a special relationship with this tiny Himalayan nation. Since ancient times the Indians and Nepalese have lived together as almost brothers. Mahatma Gautam Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini was located in present day Nepal. Apart from India it is Nepal where the maximum number of Hindus can be found. Sometimes Nepal is also referred as Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation).

The boundary between India and Nepal is free for its nationals. It means that Indians and Nepalese can move in to each other’s country without restrictions. As result of it one can se that many Nepalese come to India without legal hassles such as Visa , Passport, Permits, etc. It could possible due to a Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between India and Nepal in 1950. It was signed when Rana regime was ruling Nepal. This Treaty is a major symbol of friendship between India and Nepal. But, one could see that many a times objections have been raised about this treaty from Nepalese side. It is perceived that the educated middle class in Nepal is raising concerns and questions about this Treaty. Some elements from Nepal are trying to assert their national identity and hence, trying to oppose the Treaty peace and Friendship. A strong educated middle class has come in to existence is a good sign. Middle class is an intellectual backbone of modern societies. It contributes to the intellectual, cultural, educational, economic and overall growth and development of the country. But, as far as the opposition of this class from Nepal to such a fantastic Treaty is based on wrong footings and misperception. This treaty is actually very much beneficial to Nepal. The free movements of Nepali nationals from Nepal to India is in a way is possible due to this Treaty. 

The people from Nepal can easily come to India and they can even settle down in any part of the country. Not only so they can even own property and get recruited in Government Service in India. It is indeed a great privilege offered to Nepalese people. The Indian Army has a special Gorkha Regiment. The recruits in Gorkha Regiment are Nepalis. This regiment is very important for Indian Army. The Gorkha Regiment is known for its ferocious fighting skills. The Motto of Gorkha Regiment is Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to die than live like a coward). The War Cry of Gorkha Regiments (Rifles) in Indian is Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali (Hail Goddess Kali, The Gorkhas are here). It is one of the famous examples of trust and mutual faith. The nationals of other country are given chance to serve in the armed forces of some other country. Many soldiers and officers from Gorkha Regiment have settled down in Nepal after retirement from service. They draw all the financial benefits including retirement pensions.

Another area of significance vis-à-vis Indo-Nepal relations are the water resources. The important water projects involved here are Koshi, Gandaki, Tanakpur Barrage, mahakali project, etc. India has given lots of help and support to Nepal in this respect and still more can be done in this regard.

If you look at Indo-Nepal relations we realise that we have a history of good relations. But, at times Nepal has demonstrated unhappiness on certain aspects. Whenever such a situation is created it is necessary to have a dialogue on priority basis and sort the issues out. Afterall, friendly and amicable relations are going to help both India and Nepal in a great way. Nepal needs India for promoting its overall growth, especially economic development. Already the Nepalese currency, Nepalese Rupee is closely tied with Indian Rupee. Nepal is also dependent on India for availability of various goods. India is a source of petroleum products, foodstuffs and many other necessary articles needed by Nepal. Hence, it is necessary to both India and Nepal to deal cautiously with the border disputes like Kalapani boundary.

The major perception in India is that Nepal is moving closer to China which is a quite wrong on the part of Nepal. The Chinese have the habit of exploiting the situation in its neighbourhood for their own benefits. Not only so, if we see their record in Pakistan and Sri Lanka then we realise that they do not give financial help to anybody without its vested interest. They do offer the help the economic help but ensure that a party asking for help gets debt ridden in the years to come. And later on China systematically exploits the situation for promoting its own financial benefits and strategic issues. The unprecedented financial and economic problems in Sri Lanka are created mainly due to the Chinese loans and economic intereference in that tiny island nation. Hence, the leadership in Nepal needs to give a deep and proper thought to it before moving closer to China. China is just interested to widen the divide and use rather exploit Nepal for creating trouble for India. Afterall, india and Nepal are brothers. The rivalry, conflicts, tensions, differences of opinion are bound to be there between the brothers. But, we should not allow these differences to grow to extraordinary level. China has also planned a railway connecting Tibet with Nepal. This Project might sound to be a good infrastructure facility, but in long run it might be misused by China for military purposes compromising the sovereignty of Nepal which India has never done.

Whatever misunderstandings are existing between India and Nepal are needed to be sorted out amicably on fast-track basis. Because the future, dreams and lives of millions of Nepalese earning livelihood in India and leading a decent and secure life is dependent on it. Also lots of Nepalese of Indian origin called as Madhesi have connections and roots back in India. Historically India and Nepal have coexisted historically for several centuries. We need to follow this trend and thread in future as well which would help both India and Nepal in terms of development, national security and further deepening of cultural relations. Hence, it is necessary to say that these two brothers need to sit across the table and sort out their differences and again develop the same kind of love and affection for each other. Let us conclude by saying that It’s a time improve Indo-Nepal Relations for the mutual benefit of both.

 

Pakistan: The troubled Neighbour

 

 

Pakistan

The troubled Neighbour

Pakistan is the western neighbour of India . India got independence on 15 August 1947. The independence of India came with a heavy price. This price was the partition of the country. Before independence Pakistan was the part of India.

With the establishment of Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 the educated Indians started making political demands to British rulers in more organised way. Slowly by the beginning of 20^th century Indian National Congress emerged as the major all India level political organisation in India. It was secular in nature. It means the members of Indian National Congress belonged to different religious and social background. It included Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and persons belonging to different castes.

In 1906 All India Muslim League was formed in Dhaka, capital of today’s Bangladesh. It was the turning point in Indian political scenario. The members of All Indian Muslim League nurtured the wrong notion that Indian National Congress was the political organisation dominated by Hindus and hence would promote their interests only. Around 1913 Barrister Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the leader of All India Muslim League. Barrister Jinnah slowly and steadily put forward agenda of separate nation for Muslims. It ultimately led to the demand of partition of India and creation of Pakistan for Muslims.

Even though efforts were made to avoid partition, those efforts proved to be futile. At last as per Mountbatten Plan the partition of India was finalized and two separate countries of India and Pakistan came into existence. India celebrates independence day on 15 August while Pakistan prefers to call 14 August as its independence day.

Integration of Princely States was the major challenge before the government of independent India immediately after independence. It was successfully met with under the able leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India. But, three Princely States viz. Jammu and Kashmir, Junagadh and Hyderabad gave a tough time. These three princely states were integrated with India . But, a case of Jammu and Kashmir needs a special reference here. Hari Singh, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir  couldn’t make decision in time about integration. The tribes from North Western Frontier region of Pakistan supported by Pakistani government started attacking Jammu and Kashmir. These tribes helped  by Pakistan army came up to Baramulla. At last, Hari Singh pleaded for Indian help and integrated Jammu and Kashmir with India. Indian army pushed back Pakistani army and tribes to major extent. This issue was taken to the United Nations Organisation (UNO). In 1949 cease fire was declared and territory to the east of Line of Control (LoC) is the part of India and the territory to the west of LoC is dubbed as Azad Kashmir by Pakistan which is a blatant lie, actually it is Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) illegally taken over by Pakistan. This Kashmir War immediately launched after independence was the first major headache created by Pakistan for India which would be followed by many more troubles till date.

During Cold War period Pakistan proved to be an ally of Western Block led by the United States of America. Later on, Pakistan developed friendly relations with Communist China better known as People’s Republic of China. This was a deliberate move on the part of Pakistan as relations between China and India were taking downward turn as China had ran over lots of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir, especially adjacent to Ladakh. 

In 1962 China invaded India and illegally occupied Indian territory. During this conflict Pakistan supported China.

Pakistan not only created trouble and occupied territory in Jammu and Kashmir but afterwards it struck claim on Rann of Kutch as well. Around April 1965 Pakistani army entered the Rann of Kutch. But, Indian army gave befitting reply and defeated Pakistani army. At last as much as ninety of the Rann of Kutch remained with India and three hundred square miles of the territory in Rann of Kutch went to Pakistan.

Pakistan again created trouble by invading India on 5 August 1965. But, Indian military forces were much stronger than Pakistan army. Indian forces fought with great courage, valour and love for their nation. The Indo-Pak war of 1965 formally came to an end with the signing of Tashkent Agreement of 1966. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, a central Asian country. In 1991 many provinces of erstwhile Soviet Union seceded away from it and became independent countries. One of them was Uzbekistan.  Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Agreement on behalf of India and Pakistan respectively.

In 1971 there was yet another war between India and Pakistan. In 1970 Shaikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League Party won majority in Pakistan’s Assembly but Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was not ready to accept Shaikh Mujibur Rahman as the leader of Pakistan. Awami League was having its base in East Pakistan and West Pakistan was the stronghold PPP. Yahya Khan, the then military ruler of Pakistan instead of allowing Shaikh Mujibur Rahman to form the government chose to arrest him and suppress his voice. The arrest of Shaikh Mujibur Rahman triggered the crisis. The East Pakistanis protested against the arrest of Shaikh Mujibur Rahman. Hence, Yahya Khan used military force in order to suppress the voice of East Pakistanis. Many East Pakistanis were killed and tortured. As a result of it millions East Pakistanis fled to India. It created an unprecedented refugee problem for India. Indian government warned Pakistan to control the crisis. Pakistan did not stop its army from committing atrocities in East Pakistan, rather threatened India with war. This is how the Indo-Pak War of 1971 began. Mrs. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India at that point of time. Indian armed forces gave fitting reply to Pakistani military and India won this war. Due to timely help of India not only the atrocities and suppression in East Pakistan came to an end but they got freedom from oppressive Pakistani regime. Thus, East Pakistan became independent and came to be called as Bangladesh from this time onwards.

After Indo-Pak War of 1971 Shimla Accord was signed between India and Pakistan. It accepted that the issues between India and Pakistan should be dealt with bilaterally. But, Pakistan conveniently forgot it and raised and still tries to raise Kashmir issue at an international level.

In 1977 General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and took over power in Pakistan. Zia-ul-Haq systematically supported the terrorists and separatists from Punjab and Kashmir. During his reign as well India was sincerely trying to establish good relations with Pakistan and solve the problems peacefully.

Mrs. Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984. Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh, P. V. Narsimha Rao, H. D. Devegowda and I. K. Gujral ruled India as Prime Ministers in a row after the assasination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s in 1984 to 1999.  All off them tried to have amicable relations with Pakistan. It would not be an exaggeration if we say that even though India always wanted to have friendly relations but Pakistan often created troubles for India in one or the other way.

In 1999 Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister of India. The ruling coalition was called as National Democratic Alliance (NDA). During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure India became the full-fledged nuclear power. In May 1999 Pakistan army entered Kargil sector and provoked war with India. Indian armed forces once again showed their strength over their Pakistani counterparts. Ultimately by July 1999 India defeated Pakistani army and established control over military posts in Kargil.

Before Kargil War Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had gone to Lahore by Bus in order to attend a Summit over there. It was a great gesture on the part of India.

In 2002 General Pervez Musharraf, the then military ruler of Pakistan visited India.

In 2004 Lok Sabha elections United Progressive Alliance (UPA) came to power India and Dr. Manmohan Singh, an economist who had taken education from world famous Oxford and Cambridge Universities of United Kingdom (UK) became Prime Minister. Earlier Prime Minister P. V. Narsimha Rao had appointed Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister after coming to power in 1991. In the capacity of Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had played vital role in designing and implementing the New Economic Policy based on this principles of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation. During the tenure of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh as well India tried to have cordial relations with Pakistan.

In 2014 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got majority in Lok Sabha elections and NDA once again came to power and Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. During the Modi era also India always has made efforts to maintain peace with Pakistan.

Peaceful and cordial Indo-Pak relations will definitely prove to be useful for both India and Pakistan. Indian establishment has always wanted healthy relationship with Pakistan and Pakistan is needed to respond positively to these efforts of India.