After messing up the 40 hectare issue, some political leaders, and even administrators responsible for the weak governance are now trying to recover political space by making a scapegoat of the security personnel, raising new issues like demilitarisation and removal of top cops from the scene. It is so easy in India. When security forces personnel waiting in the bunkers for the next round of sentry duty or a quick reaction call read or watch this, they wonder why the government is risking their lives defending the LoC and fighting terrorists. Are they expendable? Why are they deployed during such agitations if law and order is not required to be maintained? I have sworn to the Constitution; I am liberal and have always believed that excessive and prolonged use of army for internal security is neither good for the country nor for the army. I also know the rules of engagement in such situations and do not condone aberrations. And I do not accept innocent soldiers being made scapegoats for others’ follies or in angry writing.

India’s problem is that nationalism and patriotism are forgotten words today. As in our historical past, we remain inward-looking, fixing each other rather than the outsiders. Ernest Renan wrote, “What constitutes a nation is not speaking the same tongue, or belonging to the same religion or ethnic group, but having accomplished great things in common in the past, and the wish to accomplish them again in future.” We, the people of India need to pursue our national interests collectively and passionately, whatever the cost. In the interest of Indian nationalism, regional and communal identities and diversities have to be underplayed, not over-emphasised. We need to be realists; not moralists or pessimists.

... contd.