Shashank Chouhan and Smita Mishra
As 2008 bids adieu a plethora of mixed feelings rush in and out of the memory lane. How would describe a year when hapless, unsuspecting people died in the hands of brute, mindless terror, when politics thwarted the dreams of millions of possessing a small affordable car, when God’s own valley was up in flames due to as inconsequential an issue as a mere piece of land, when the dear old Taj, the very symbol of triumph against colonial mindset was seen engulfed in merciless flames and when millions had to spend long shelter less nights as their homes turned into watery graves…’bad’ would be too lopsided s term as the year also saw the realization of that one cherished dream, the presence of India on moon! The signing of the historic nuclear deal, the clinching of individual gold in Olympics, winning of word beauty pageant and bagging the prestigious Booker were also in India’s kitty in this very year.
As the year drifts off shore, there is a general attitude of deifying or denouncing it. But one personal loss or achievement cannot pass judgment on a year that held so much for a nation. Only a broad overview can actually lead us to an unbiased conclusion.
Done Deal
Where there is a will there is way. The old adage was once again proved right when India and the United States of America entered into a bi-lateral agreement for nuclear commerce.
It took more than three years and hundreds of hours of diplomatic efforts, political negotiation at the highest of levels, international posturing by both US and India, coaxing friends and pressurizing the nay-sayers, maintaining credibility at home before a vitriolic ally, assuring the nation and the world at large that the deal was good for everybody and surviving a trust vote that saw one of the worst mud-slinging ever seen in Indian politics.
It was one roller-coaster of a ride, almost theatrical. It swung between done and doomed. Even as Manmohan Singh fought and ducked heightened coalition pressure on taking the next step after signing the dotted line, IAEA proved the first international hurdle and gave broad hints of friends and foes and fence-sitters.
Countries like Australia, Switzerland, Baltic States, Pakistan and China expressed their dissatisfaction in various degrees. While some wanted India to become a signatory to NPT and CTBT, some plainly didn’t want the deal- lest more countries (read: Pakistan) were included in the nuclear umbrella.
While this happened, Left parties felt betrayed and pulled the plug. What followed, was nothing less than a spectacle: new allies were found in former enemies, horse-trading was an open secret, and the BJP alleged bribery- it turned up with wads of cash in the Well of the House-, kicking-up one of the worst political rows ever. But, having the numbers, UPA sailed through the Vote.
At the Nuclear Suppliers Group- the campaign against the deal was out in the open. Countries like Austria, New Zealand, Norway and Ireland with hardly any great amount of economic clout, diplomatic sway or political or military influence began to hold up the deal. China took a last moment step that shocked the supporters of Sino-India camaraderie. It walked out of a meeting supporting anti-deal amendments and pressed for the case of Pakistan. It was reported, that the Chinese leadership received a call, reportedly, from President Bush before they relented and the deal came through.
After that, there was jubilation in India as everybody knew the US Congress would pass the deal without any changes. But the roadblocks continued as India’s dilly-dallying had left little time with the US Congress to clear it – presidential electioneering being in full swing. But the Bush administration came to the rescue again and put the deal on top of the agenda.
The pact will provide India with access to US nuclear fuel, reactors and technology, overturning a ban on such trade instituted after India first conducted a nuclear test in 1974. The India-US deal could open up around $27 billion in investment in 18 to 20 nuclear plants in India over the next 15 years, apart from ending India’s isolation on the global nuclear stage. India is the only country in the world which is not a signatory to any prohibitory deal and yet can conduct nuclear commerce with any country in the world.
Fire in the Valley
Someone has said a lie told a 1000 times becomes truth. It not only becomes truth, it can lead to wars as well.
The cool climate of Jammu and Kashmir got heated up when 100 acres of land was handed over to Shri Amanrnath Shrine Board in the Valley, to provide temporary shelters and other basic amenities to Hindu pilgrims. There were protests initially as people were concerned about the environmental aspect of giving land in an area considered delicate. Seperatists fired up the masses saying it was an attempt to change the demography of the region just like in Israel.
And then began lies and politics and communalization of the issue. Kashmiris were instigated by separatists, who couldn’t do much for years as democracy had taken roots in the state. Thousands poured out on the streets asking government to cancel the land transfer.
The PDP, which passed the order itself, warned it would leave the ruling coalition if the land was not returned. The Congress led administration bowed to pressure and revoked its order, but that only emboldened the designs of those who were playing the game of opportunism.
And then Jammu became a fire-ball. Hindu groups rose against perceived bias of the Congress-PDP government. The whole issue acquired Hindu-Muslim colour as Jammu shut business transactions with Kashmir traders. This ‘economic embargo’ worsened the situation on the ground- providing ammo to the separatists, who called for crossing over LoC for bread and butter.
The ensuing protest marches led to the death of many including separatist leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz. It drummed up anti-India passions in Kashmir and the entire country watched with horror how a piece of land threatened its unity. Worse- Pakistan’s Senate passed a resolution expressing concerns over attacks on Muslims and their properties.
With elections round the corner, the Government reached a compromise deal- giving 40 acres to the SASB for the pilgrimage period only. The irony was that this is what the board was seeking in the first place.
The controversy may have died, but an old wound was reopened and the impression that the Valley was slowly returning to normalcy after years was shattered. Elections in the state, however, gave fresh hope of peace as lakhs exercised their franchise.
Vote for Development
The dance of democracy keeps us entertained. Sometimes it anguishes us and sometimes it disgusts us as well, but mostly it is a good feeling to know that your single vote can make a difference- ask C P Joshi, who lost the election by one vote from Nathdwara, Rajasthan and thus also a chance to become the Chief Minister.
The year began with the political pundits doing what they do best- prediction. General elections were said to be round the corner with the Manmohan Singh government doing the N-Deal despite opposition from home and abroad. But domestic tribulations like inflation, commodity prices, fuel prices and crisis after crisis (terror, Kandhamal, anti-North Indian violence etc.) prevented the UPA from undertaking any pre-mature adventure.
Moreover, the state elections were a split verdict. While the nataka in Karnataka threw up its share of surprise in BJP’s opening of its account in South, Congress got unexpected victory in Delhi (Sheila fighting anti-incumbency and intra party politics became Chief Minster for a record third time) and wrested Rajasthan from BJP (in the face of in-fighting and a dominant government).
Shivraj Singh Chouhan retained his post in Madhya Pradesh- people rewarded him for the work sans rhetoric. Chhattisgarh was also retained by the BJP. One thing is surely becoming clear- people are increasingly voting for development and for the basics of roti, bijli, sadak, pani. Terror plank didn’t work, negative campaigning failed and caste equations didn’t split votes.
In the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir, finally there was something that united people- vote. Divided in 7 phases, the elections in the state that saw a return of divisive politics anti-India elements, voter turnout was more than satisfactory in all regions and the elections were largely held in peace.
Will the trend continue in 2009 when the UPA goes through its trial by fire? Will the people act on their infamous short memory or will they have a foresight? Importantly, will the politicians rise above petty issues and address what troubles the common man? In the words of Faiz: Hum Dekhengay...
Bihar’s Sorrow
It is true that Kosi, the terror of north Bihar, never ever lets people forget its presence and the people have learnt to live with its annual wrath. And as soon as the floodwater recedes they forget their troubles and begin happily to sow on a land rich in organic minerals that yields bumper crops. But what happened this time that threatened the whole of north Bihar which was almost on the verge of being submerged?
The trouble began after a massive breach took place in the Kosi embankment in Kushana in Nepal on August 18. This 400-meter breach soon widened to 2 km allowing an enormous 13 km current of swollen Kosi to flow downstream at first affecting nearly ten lakh people in Supaul, Basantpur, Pratapganj, Chattarpur, Triveniganj. And then in no time it spread to the whole of North Bihar resulting in terrible devastation, which in total affected nearly 45 lakh people. More than 25 lakh people had to take shelter on higher areas such as railway tracks, canals and rooftops struggling for survival in the absence of adequate food and other basic amenities.
But why has Kosi not been tamed so far? Ever since India gained independence, the Center and state governments have been talking of a permanent solution to this problem but besides lip service and a few halfhearted measures, the trouble has remained unresolved. The Bhimnagar barrage in Nepal, built in 1956 has long exceeded its expiry period of 30 years. In the 20 years following its expiry, the Kosi has innumerable times unleashed its ire, by damaging the weak areas of the crumbling structure! And the central and state governments, for the past 60 years have been giving false assurances to people without taking any concrete steps. And when the administration has attempted to cement the bulwarks, Nepalese populace has resorted to violence to shoo them away.
It’s true that even imagining that the entire north Bihar will be totally submerged in water and end up in history pages as a land lost to the ravages of nature is the height of pessimism in such modern times, but if the lazy, careless governments have allowed a river to become a willful aggressor in half a century, the time may not be far when the entire north Bihar will end up in a watery grave, sealing its history, its culture and the fate of its teeming millions with nature’s indurate, barbaric thumb.
No Nano
India is a land of farmers- tilled to fruition, cultivated painstakingly to feed a billion mouths. But the farmer remains ‘humble’ and powerless. He is swayed to wherever there is even an illusion of hope for better tidings.
West Bengal is a state that is not quite known for modern industry and economic concepts like SEZs, courtesy the Left rule. Buddhadeb brought along a fresh breath and ran into trouble for that. For he sought to liberalize land ownsership policies to favour industry, something opposite of what the comrades did 30 years ago when they first came to power- redistribution of land in favour of small farmers.
The Opposition was on a lookout for an issue to return to the reckoning of the bhadralok. It got that in Nandigram and Singur at the cost of many innocent lives, ambitious industrialization plans, capital in thousands of crores and investor trust; the last one being the most difficult to restore and essential for beginning life anew.
But money is a small thing for people like Ratan Tata- they have made and lost billions since generations. For, arguably, the most philanthropic business house in India, it is the people who work for them that really matter. The solid and credible culture of friendly employer-employee ties that JRD created at TISCO is still alive and guides the Tata policy decisions- as was visible when an anguished but sure Ratan Tata announced his decision to move out the legendary Nano car project from West Bengal to Gujarat.
The truce between Mamata Banerjee and the state government was destined to fail as there was no way that any prudent businessman would compromise his expansion plans. But ambiguity reigned supreme between the parties to the agreement and in the end the state suffered. Mamata wanted all of the land she had demanded, not just a part of it.
The entire episode led to questions on not just West Bengal’s economic future but India’s openness about change. The SEZ plan has been successfully implemented world over- especially in China. It had also become an economic policy of the Centre to develop as many SEZs as possible, but now there is careful consideration before any decision.
Rendezvous with Moon
Dreams do come true. The strongest, boldest and most ambitious of dreams are not far fetched if they are backed by will and work. Nothing is impossible- not even going to the Moon.
Vikram Sarabhai was a man who dreamt big. Only the unlimited space could have accommodated his wish of taking the Indian flag to the highest possible pedestal. When he cycled the parts of India’s first out-of-Earth- scientific expedition- the American Apache rocket- along with a young Abdul Kalam, the foundation was being laid.
On November 14, the Moon Impact Probe- Dr Kalam’s brainchild- tore through Moon’s atmosphere and landed on its south pole. It had the tricolour painted on top of its side. India joined the league of super-elite space club of countries which have landed man or machine on the Earth’s nearest neighbour. And from scratch to the satellite that’s now revolving around the Moon, mapping its surface for minerals and water, everything is Made in India.
The race to the Moon has always been symbolic of world power and India is a front runner now. Not only that, the ISRO has announced a man on Moon by 2020 and a mission to Mars is to follow- all of it at almost one-third the cost that is usually incurred by the western space powers.
What else, the Indian feat ruffled some feathers in the US, as President-elect Obama expressed his apprehension at the very thought of India taking over the original Moon men. This adventure promises the highest table and big moolah as many countries make a beeline to use India’s space facilities. We have come a long way from using Russian spareparts and American rockets to map our forests haven’t we?
Marathi Mania
The damage that a handful of miscreants or political desperados can do to the social fabric of a state merely to carve out their niche votebank cannot be reflected more clearly than in the case of Maharshtra. What happened there was a shame that made the entire nation flinch in shock. Following in the footsteps of his mentor Balassaheb and his Shiv Sena Maharshtra Nav Nirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray decided that the state was only for Marathis and the people who have come to work here from other regions are actually eating into the resources of the state. And since a major percentage came from the state of Bihar, so they should all be beaten up and driven out!
Of course it was nothing but a gimmick to gather Marathi votes, by playing up the people of one state against another. The attacks on North Indians in Mumbai no wonder had countrywide backlash and were severly criticized. While there was violent reaction in Bihar with ministers submitting resignations and the people calling bandh all across the state, there were violence against Maharastrians in Delhi and Haryana too.
But the Chief Minister instead of taking steps that would end this attempt to create a permanent social chasm showed tunnel vision by declaring to reserve 80% jobs in new industries for locals. The continuance of the MNS violence against poor wage earners also showed lack of political will to check it. The Chief Minister went to Delhi 3 times before deciding to arrest Raj Thackeray, while Mumbai continued to simmer.
The damage would have been serious and deep rooted and, God forbid, Raj Thackeray’s antics would have created another Kashmir in Maharashtra had not the Mumbai attacks exposed his true image. The protector of Marathi Manoos and the slayer of aliens on the Marathi soil disappeared in his burrow when Mumbai was up in flames. And thankfully as for now people got disillusioned with his Marathi mania. And all his attempts to show hatred towards Biharis, from speaking ill about the sacred festival of Chhath to cutting with vengeance the ‘Bhaiyya’ cake, fell flat. Even the death of the Bihari youth in hands of the Mumbai police protesting the hate campaign failed to bring in a reaction that the Mumbai attacks did. Mr Thackeray would now probably have to device new ways in 2009 to hog the headlines once again.
Kandhamal's curse
Kandhamal violence was one of the worst incidences for which 2008 will be remembered. The echo of the violence that was triggered by the killing of Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and four others by an aggressive mob reverberated throughout India. Even though a Maoist leader claimed the responsibility of killing the Swami, it was largely believed that Maoists collaborated with the locals Christians to avenge the burning of 11 churches in last December. The reaction to Saraswati’s killing is rooted in the tension between the Scheduled Tribe Kandhas and the Scheduled Caste Panas, many of whom have converted to Christianity. There are allegations that many of the Panas have obtained false ST status.
Kandhamal violence badly disfigured India’s image before the West as a state which cannot protect the Christian brethren. Our PM was especially pulled up during the EU meet and he came back and reacted fast after which things finally subsided.
But was Kandhamal violence really communal? If so, why did it not spread to urban Orissa, what is the explanation of Maoist presence and involvement in the violence and why was the state government not able to stop it?
As per the 1991 census there were 4.7 lakh Hindu and 75 thousand Christians in Kandhamal. But in just 10 years there was an almost equal percentage of increase in both the populations, despite the wide demographic gap. This situation obviously raised the question about how so many conversions took place in Kandhamal. And even if they did, was violence a solution to it?
A common thread connecting these questions is that Kandhamal is one of the most backward districts in India with a huge SC, ST population, large number of villages and low connectivity due to innumerable hills and dense forests. These characteristics are an obvious attraction for the missionaries, something that in turn attracted Saraswati and his organization. It is also an ideal place for Maoists to hide as well as a rich recruitment field.
What made the violence go unabated in Kandhamal was its lack of connectivity because of its topography. Also due to a large number of villages it became difficult for the administration to gather enough force to keep a watch over all the villages.
Although the fire in Kandhamal apparently seems to have died down but things have not quite settled as yet and what is prevailing there is an explosive calm that may trigger another round of brutal violence at the very first opportunity.
Terror and Awakening
The month of May perhaps marked the beginning of the horrendous terror trail, which grew in fearfully magnanimous proportions as the year came to an end. Serial bomb blasts in Jaipur that killed nearly 68 people set off a new trend with smaller, unprotected cities becoming the targets.
Bangalore(July 25), Ahmedabad (July 26), Modasa (Sept 29), Malegaon (Sept 29) Kanpur (Oct 14), Imphal (Oct 21), Assam(Oct 30) followed. Not to mention the terrible Delhi blasts (Sept 13, 27) on two occasions and the horrendous Mumbai attacks (Nov 26) that seems to have changed so much.
The year also saw the rise of a new form of terror in shape of so-called ‘Hindu’ terrorism. The involvement of elements with an Army background in the Malegaon blasts raised new challenges before counter-terror operations.
While on the one hand questions on severe lapses on Indian security agencies were raised, the commitment of our government towards the protection of citizens also came under scanner. A Home Minister did not mind changing dinner suits even as reports of numerous deaths in terror attack kept pouring in, a government that had so severely opposed POTA was finally forced to come up with a similar law, in of course a new package.
As the terror attacks kept the police and the security agencies on their toes, it also kept the attention of the public engaged. A people who had so vehemently opposed the Batla house encounter after Delhi blasts, a handful of media that had slammed the singling out of Muslims and a nation which had shown indifference and unconcern suddenly metamorphosed.
Fearing the mood of the nation the Government adopted hasty measures to compensate for its lack of efficiency and heads began to roll. The Union Home Minister and Maharashtra CM and his deputy had to go. Another CM had to apologies for showing disrespect towards a martyr’s father and another Union Minister had to submit resignation for questioning a martyr’s death before eating his words and thus retaining his portfolio.
2008 changed India. Indian Mujhadeen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish –e- Mohammad or Pakistan can do nothing if a nation awakens. And India has risen from its slumber.