** Military Solution ?? **

I have heard a lot of people say that the best solution to all of India's problems is through our Military might (can be heard more from the Indians living in America).

After having seen the might of American forces and probably having read all those articles that speak of India's economic resurgence.. ... are we getting carried away? I am not here to criticise anyone's view on the subject !! I thought of "thinking aloud" on how sound is our logical thinking on this front !! The following may look scattered - but so is the subject, which has numerous links and leads. Here are my thoughts.....

"India is not USA" - That is what comes to my mind first. USA is economically strong and is a developed nation, which can afford to invest millions and millions of dollars in "war" games. India?? The whole media-world can project a rosy picture about Indian economy. Yes, the media also do project about the darker side as well, albeit in a smaller insignificant corner. Reality is, ours is a nation where a farmer commits suicide every 32 minutes (this is a Govt provided stat) - just because they are not able to pay back their loan and Govt cannot afford to write off their loan. The point I wish to maker here is, we can not afford to waste millions and millions of dollars in "war" games.

Secondly, USA can afford to invade Iraq, Iran.. and erect iron barricades around its borders and help its citizen's live peacefully. How many civilians (NO, not army personnel - but civilians) in USA lost their life due to the Iraq invasion? If only one surveys any crowded places like Railway stations in India - it would be glaringly visible on how easy it is to plant a bomb anywhere, if only its in possession. Ours is a country that can be sneaked in from all sides (we have people right in the Govt set up who support terrorist organisation like LTTE).

So - What is the solution? Do we keep silent to the atrocities being committed on our Nation? Do we remain mute and meek? - NO - is the answer. Not going to war does not symbolise timidity. Instead, I am of the opinion that the laws of this land, especially against terrorism should be stronger, faster and deadlier. One should fear committing an act of terrorism and supporting an act of terrorism in this land. Even suicide bombing is not possible without support. Let those who even dreams of supporting terrorism realise that it is going to cost them dearly. Unfortunately, ours is a land, where one can commit a crime, kill hundreds of people and still do not get punished for years.

A military solution should only be a last solution - a last one, when we are left with no other choice. We may win a decisive battle against our neighbours who bleed us. Regionally, YES, we are a stronger force (atleast by sheer numbers). But, how much a war will set us back is everyones guess. And also, what could be the colateral damage? (Please bear it in mind that ours is a nation where we conduct State elections in phases and not in a single day - even in the comparatively peaceful states - for security reasons !!).

Media reports can often be misleading. Our decision to go to war should not be based on media reports. Let me quote a few examples here. We hear a lot of "feel good" reports on our "indigenisation" efforts. Its all nothing but empty promises. A few years before you all must have read the huge success story of our Main Battle Tank (MBT) production (Arjun), as the first MBT was rolled out of Avadi factories by our Defence Minister. Did anyone of you hear anything about that afterwards? Well, the truth is, now, we are negotiating on purchasing MBTs from Russia. So goes the story of all those 'successful' missiles with fancy names that were developed and tested by DRDO. If you go investigating the details, all you would get in reply is - "Defence secrets". Unfortunately, we cannot get to know those "secrets" even though our intention would only be of a noble one - that of making our Defence forces stronger.

The following may slightly look to be off the target - nevertheless, it too must be considered when we talk about our "Military" might and "Military" solution (infact, I feel that the following is the most relevant aspect of a war)

Talking of the Soldier community, do we know the actual living standard of this huge work force? Do you all know how these poor folks are treated? Have you ever spoken to any of our Soldier folks? (NO - dont go by the TV footages!). Friends, the ground reality is not rosy!! If only you want to taste the "Pre Independence British fiefdom" - just join the Indian Armed Forces as a Soldier. I dont wish to elaborate much on this. "British fiefdom" is only one of the sufferings of the soldier. The another worse facet is the 'robbery' that he is being subjected to. Even the most essential protective dress gear that are specially meant to protect him from the adverse weather conditions are being siphoned off (luckily we got to hear that scandal - one out of the numerous that could not be swept under the carpet). The Soldier that you all take pride about isnt actually a happy man. Fight they WILL for the sake of the nation and give their life - but he isnt the one who leads a happy life. (Did you get to hear about the spate of recent suicides in Army? Again, if you are going to believe the media reports stating that the suicides are due to sheer 'work pressure' - I pity you!)

To sum up, I am of the view that - (a) Military option is not the solution for our problems (b) In an era when we are doing away with laws like TADA, we need strict laws to curb terrorism (c) Media reports on our 'might' are more misleading (d) our 'indigenisation' efforts dish out more fake stories than the reality (e) we have more filth within the organisation than from external elements (f) the solider out there who is ultimately going to face the battle field is not a happy man.

Well, these are just my views - shall we say "another side of the coin" view ?