By SK.Vyas
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR June 2 : Prof. A. K. Grover, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh highlighted
the need for a think tank in Chandigarh vis–a- vis Delhi which would be a part of
the Chandigarh Region Institutions Knowledge Cluster during his opening remarks at
the round table panel discussion on the theme “J&K-The Way Forward” organised here
today by the Department of Defence & National Security Studies, PU. Gyan Setu the
proposed think tank should be a part of the Alumni Association, he added.
The Panel consisted of Former Ambassador Shri K. C Singh, Lt. Gen (retd.) D.S.Hooda.
It was presided by Prof. A K Grover Vice Chancellor, PU. Lt. Gen (retd.) K. J.
Singh Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair Professor convened the proceedings.
Lt. Gen (retd.) K. J. Singh welcomed all the dignitaries present in the house while
giving his introductory remarks in the discussion.
Former Ambassador Shri. K. C. Singh opined that Chandigarh needs develop
intellectual ethos and be the bridge between India and Pakistan considering the
relevance of Punjabis in Pakistan. He stated that the present mindset in India about
Pakistan rhetoric is coloured and prejudice. This does not necessarily have to be
so as projected in the media, politicians so on and so forth as Jingoism must not
take place.
Going back in history he brought forward the various facets why India went to the
United Nations Security Council and also how the Plebiscite clause came into being.
He also argued that the composite dialogue arrangement is a flawed one as Confidence
Building Measures and disputes cannot take place in the same platform.
Lt. Gen (retd.) D.S. Hooda while specially addressing the youth in the audience that
Kashmir is a problem they will have to confront as they are the future of the
nation, cautioned that the populous, generalizations which is shaping the Kashmir
policy is worrisome. Reactive policy to any foul play in the border and diplomatic
isolation is not working and a new strategy needs to be adopted. The speaker while
highlighting some of the pertinent issues like the rise in the local recruitment for
militancy, lack of employment opportunities in Kashmir etc suggested that these
problems can be addressed by reaching out to various groups like the teachers union,
student groups etc; while trying to shut off terrorist funding and managing of
perception. He also pointed towards politics playing a major role due to the
dissatisfaction of the PDP – BJP alliance.
The closing remarks were made by Gen.V.P. Malik, Former Chief of the Army
Staff, who was not pessimistic about the current situation in the region as he was
confident that a solution to the problem would be brought sooner than later as past
experiences have proven so. He stated that political solution, which everyone
emphasizes upon, is a solution which has to be approached militarily. The speaker
stated that there is very little synergy amongst all the stakeholders in the region
including media and a unified command needs to be in place. When the going gets
tough, tough decisions have to be taken. While addressing to queries he stated that
the Army is too big to be politicized. Jingoism is to be curtailed while quietly and
firmly dealing with the situation.
The august gathering comprised of Lt. Gen. (retd.) Bhopinder Singh, Lt. Gen.(retd.)
Harwant Singh Bawa, , Lt. Gen (retd.) J. P. Singh, Retd. Justice J.S.Narang, Lt.
Gen.(retd.) R. S. Sujlana and Lt. Gen. (retd.) Vijay Oberoi. Lt. Gen (retd.) A. S.
Sihota, Lt. Gen (retd.) K. S. Mann., Lt. Gen (retd.) I. S. Singha, Maj Gen (retd.)
Amarjit Singh. Faculty Members, Scholars and Students from various departments of
Panjab University. Students from IAS and LAW preparatory institutes, Maharaja Ranjit
Singh and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes were also present for the
discussion.