Basashthache gunhegar (बासष्टचे गुन्हेगार), translated in Marathi by V. S. Walimbe (वि. स. वाळिंबे). This edition is published by Abhijit Prakashan in 2012 and has 160 pages.
1962 China-India war bruised India's image and ego. India lost a lot of vital territory along with the war. This book looks at the background, the war, preparedness and aftermath critically.
It basically rues the lack of policy of government towards Tibet and China. It also criticizes the government for at-least not continuing with the British India policy where strategic importance of Tibet was acknowledged and China was never allowed to enter Tibet. Author criticizes the blunder of Panchaaheel treaty acknowledging Tibet as part of China and relinquishing special privileges for India in Tibet. This resulted in loss of buffer state of Tibet between India and China.
He blames Nehru's naivety, idealism and philosophy that age of war is over and all issues can be resolved by dialogue and diplomacy, forgetting that dialogue should be done from the position if strength. His idealism was divorced from reality. Nobody in India expected that China would attack, despite ample indications of China's intent. China exploited Indian governments impotence and hollow protests, about continuous Chinese aggression, by blatantly ignoring Panchasheel treaty and occupying Indian territory bit by bit. He identifies India's decision to shelter Dalai Lama in 1959 as turning point where Chinese covert hostility turned to open hostility.
Author also blames lack of leadership and tactical guidance to army by its top brass. In some cases army was asked to defend a position that had tactical disadvantage resulting in route. In some cases army was asked to retreat when they could have defended the position. This resulted in heavy loses and loss of many square kilometres of land in addition to loss of moral.
Army's condition was pathetic. Lack of ammunition, food supplies, warm clothing, winter footwear, logistic supply lines, equipment to create bunkers & number of troops meant that the army was impotent and the politicians were living on another planet. Internally army had many issues. Lack of leadership, vision, frequent leadership changes, internal bickering, not using air force, bypassing the hierarchy upwards as well as downwards; to name a few. Thus the army was not only ineffective but incompetent as well. China's continuous aggression was opposed by letters of protest. When it became apparent that China was moving towards McMohan line, Indian politicians did not consider it necessary to construct infrastructure like roads near border in the hilly area. When eventually they directed army to construct border outposts, under public pressure, there were no means to reach them easily in case of emergency or even for logistics. It was a systemic failure.
Author spends one chapter on perceived and alleged incompetence of Lt. Gen. Kaul. He also analyses reasons behind Chinese deceleration of cease fire after acquiring Nefa and Aksai Chin. There are a couple of chapters on Defense Minister V. K. Krishna Menon. Author credits him for looking after army welfare before war and fighting with Finance minister Morarji Desai for funds but criticizes him for trying to create his cronies in army, favoring Lt. Gen. Kaul, not being an inspirational leader and much more.
In addition to the Prime minister and Defense minister author blames irresponsible opposition leaders who criticized increase in defense expenditure sighting the pain that would be experienced by departed Gandhiji's soul. He says that the public opinion of the country was also the same, so the general public is to be blamed too. As if entire nation was in denial mode.
The book does not contain any map. Author should have provided the map of conflict zone while explaining the Chinese incursions for better comprehension. Although it's a translated book, it gives name of translator but surprisingly not of the original author. Strange!
While reading the book ones blood boils due to incompetent politicians, indifferent army and idealist leadership. They made a joke of a nation. These people deserve trial for death for their incompetence, ignorance and refusal to see what was evident.
Why did I read this book? The subject.
What I didn't like? Lack of sequencing. Bit scattered.
What did I like? Information.
Recommend reading.
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