Pre-election season troubles in BJP-ruled Assam ::::: Army deployed .... Internet services snapped ... 2 killed in violence in "tribal district' of Karbi Anglong in Assam

Bombs, arrows fly in Assam's Karbi Anglong, Army deployed 

The Army has been deployed in Assam's West Karbi Anglong, a day after police personnel were attacked.

Indigenous Karbi groups and other tribal bodies had been staging an indefinite hunger strike for over two weeks at Phelangpi in the Kheroni area, demanding eviction of settlers from Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGRs).

Tensions escalated sharply after nine hunger strikers were detained late Sunday night, which police said was to shift them to Guwahati for medical treatment claiming their health deteriorated.

As news of the detentions spread on Tuesday, anger mounted among tribal villagers, leading to road blockades, vandalism and eventually large-scale violence.

Reports say markets and a local BJP leader's home set ablaze. 

Internet services have been snapped. The flare-up was sparked allegedly by 'police action' against tribal hunger strikers protesting alleged encroachment on protected tribal land. 

It is a long-running fault line in the Sixth Schedule district of Assam. 

Police personnel were reportedly attacked with stones, arrows, and crude bombs. Shops and houses were torched, and the residence of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief, the BJP's Tuliram Ronghang, was set ablaze on Tuesday.  

The Karbi Anglong region falls in central Assam and shares border with Dimapur-region in Nagaland.  

The Guwahati-based daily 'The Assam Tribune' reported that a Hindu Bengali man, Suresh Dey, was a disabled person. He was charred to death after being trapped inside a building set on fire, while the protester from the Karbi community succumbed to injuries.  

There is a long-standing land dispute tied to Karbi Anglong's status under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal land and self-governance through autonomous councils.

Karbi Anglong falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special autonomy and land protections to tribal-majority areas to safeguard indigenous communities' rights, culture and control over land and governance.  

Last year, the KAAC administration issued eviction notices to alleged settlers, but these were challenged in the Gauhati High Court, which issued an interim stay, leaving the issue unresolved.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the additional security forces will be deployed in Kherani to ensure safety and peace.

"I am closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong. 

It is deeply painful that two people lost their lives during today's unrest. Additional security forces will be deployed in Kherani tomorrow to maintain peace. 

We are in constant touch with all concerned to restore normalcy and resolve issues through dialogue. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Government will stand with all affected families and provide all necessary support," CM Sarma wrote on X.

ends 

Ex Bangladesh PM Begum Zia's son Tarique Rahman on way 'home' with wife and daughter :::: Killing of radical activist Hadi mounts pressure on Yunus regime

Ex Bangladesh PM Begum Zia's son Tarique Rahman on way 'home' with wife and daughter  

Special train: Bangladesh Railway will operate 10 special trains to bring BNP supporters to the capital.

Political turmoil ?  

Khuda Baksh Chowdhury resigns as special assistant to Yunus 

Khuda Baksh, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), was appointed as a special assistant to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on November 10, 2024.

Tarique's return to Bangladesh when the country is in boil would end his 17-year-long exile. 

He is often also described as the 'crown prince' of Bangladesh politics. Rahman has long been groomed for leadership and often pictured with his mother.  

Photo source - BNP media unit 

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has departed for Dhaka from London's Heathrow Airport past mid-night.  

He left at around 12:36 am Bangladesh time (around 1 am India) on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima.

His return to Dhaka is happening when mother is under intensive care unit and politically the country is in turmoil. 

The recent killing of radical political activist Osman Hadi has mounted pressure on the lacklustre Yunus regime.   

Addressing the interim government at a "Shahidi Shopoth" (Martyr's Oath) programme organised by Inqilab Mancha in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, late leader's brother Omar Hadi said, 

"It is you who had Osman Hadi killed, and now you are trying to foil the election by using this as an issue."

They are expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around noon tomorrow via Sylhet.

After landing, he will be received by BNP Standing Committee members. He will then proceed by road to a reception programme at the 300 Feet area in Purbachal. 

Following his speech from the stage, Tarique will travel by road to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother. 

Security is being seen as a major challenge, particularly in managing the crowd around Tarique's motorcade. 

A BNP team held a meeting with senior officials of various law enforcement agencies, reports 'The Daily Star'.

Entry to the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area remain restricted to passengers from 6:00 pm (Dec 24 - Dhaka time) until 6:00 pm Dec 25th for his arrival. 

 

Sharif Osman Hadi, an anti-India student leader associated with last year's July uprising, was shot at close range while travelling in a battery-powered rickshaw in Dhaka's Bijoynagar area on December 12. 

Two motorcycle-borne assailants pulled up beside his vehicle and shot him in the head. 

Hadi died of his injuries in Singapore on December 18, sparking widespread protests across Bangladesh. 

ends 

Should India send army ... No !! "Bangladesh is not unfriendly geography, but like a strategic sinkhole" ::::: Yunus regime .... "mostest ... weakestest Govt" in Bangladesh history ::::: "Fascist Hasina" is past ....bygone era :::: Now, stage set for mega battle between BNP leader Tarique Rahman and 'NCP plus Yunus and also Jamaat'

 It's a pun.

The word 'Weakest' has been given a superlative description - 'weakestest'

And 'Most' ... too is called 'mostest' here ... to lay emphasis. This observation was made by an eminent Bangladeshi intellectual with regard the performance of the Yunus-led regime.  

"Fascist Hasina" is past ....bygone era 

Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana were seen saddened after the heinous August 21, 2004 attack Photo: Shamsul Hoque Tanku 'The Business Standard/Dhaka) 

Bangladesh just not an accidental geography; it is a strategic sinkhole.

:::: Now, stage set for mega battle between BNP leader Tarique Rahman and 'NCP plus Yunus and also Jamaat'

Rahman is son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and heir to Bangladesh's longtime ruling family.

His return to Bangladesh when the country is in boil would end his 17-year-long exile. 

He is often also described as the 'crown prince' of Bangladesh politics. Rahman has long been groomed for leadership and often pictured with his mother. 

However,  there are a few issues from the past.  

The 21 August 2004 grenade attack took place at an Awami League rally on Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka killing 24 people and injuring hundreds, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

Initial trials in 2018 resulted in death sentences and life imprisonments for several suspects. 

Aug 21 blast - 2004 when BNP was in power

However, in September this year ... In a highly anticipated decision, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh upheld the High Court’s decision to acquit all 38 accused in the notorious 21 August 2004 grenade attack case.

Even Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and one of the accused was acquitted. 

****

But problems in Bangladesh is not only about the failures of the Yunus-led dispensation or sheer politics.

There is also a geographical aspect and that cannot be neglected while one makes a study about the same from New Delhi's perspective. 

Floods are the single most destructive and persistent natural factor in Bangladesh. 

Every year on an  average 18 percent of Bangladesh is inundated.

Approximately 75 percent of the country lies within ten metres above mean sea level. 

Over eighty percent of its landmass is classified as floodplain.

An overwhelming 78 plus percent of the population lives in flood prone areas.

Take a pause - in 2017, 2007 and also 1998 ----

Nearly60 % of the country remained underwater for about 80-90 days.

Blogger 

^^^

Take a note:

Since the assassination of founder of the country Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, the people of Bangladesh have been hostage to a fight to the finish between the widow of a military dictator, Khaleda Zia, and the daughter of the freedom fighter, Sheikh Hasina. 

A rare exception was when they joined hands to bring down another military dictator, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, in 1991. 

They, however, did not bay for his blood. He was allowed to live and participate in the country’s political life for 28 years till his death in 2019. -- Pankaj Saran, a former Indian envoy to Russia 

****

Now for BNP and its new leader Tarique Rahman, the Yunus regime has emerged as a political rival.  

Bangladeshis perhaps have to lament their fortune that the perceived puppet regime of the Deep State - Yunus and his set of advisers are not part of any Solution but have proved to be part of the problem.

Since August 8th, 2024 --- when Yunus took charge; the past 16 months have seen the capture of all institutions by right-wing Islamists.

They already enjoy immunity.  It's Jamaat - which is running the dispensation by influence and default. 

The media is frightened and the recent attack on two newspaper offices were deliberate to make them crawl.

Mob rule and instant justice - as often shown in Bollywood films - are the order of the day. 

Should India pursue an aggressive military adventure?

The answer is simple and requires no second thought - No.

But the crystal clear message is that India needs to take all precautions for its own security. 

In terms of military studies and tactics -- for any invading force (may be for stabilisation) --- 

there are handicaps --- 

-- Ground marshlands, 

- Submerged supply routes, 

- Health concerns for soldiers and waterborne disease can spread easily

- Extreme dependence on air and riverine supply lines.

Prolonged deployment under such conditions destroys morale, equipment and operational momentum.

One retired Brigadier with considerable field experience and study about Bangladesh and the region has said --- 

** India must not commit any strategic mistake. 

*** Adventurism is simply unwarranted

*** Military action by New Delhi is a "trap" - the Deep State may want India to walk into a prolonged battlefield

ends 

Soft Power is 'powerful tool' but its dynamism is Changing in the new world order :::: If American Soft Power and 'influence' is on decline .... How would Indian Soft Power emerge ?

It is certainly not without good reason that the American soft power and indirect influence over other countries is on decline. 

Some would even say it's withering and even collapsing especially on democracies.  In such a situation how does India work on this aspect of foreign policy? Unlike Hard Power; Soft Power requires more time .... and more efforts. 

The Soft Power by nature is not a costly affair. But it is a vital tool that can help a country like India cherishing civilisational values to make inroads into the minds of people across the globe and also win the hearts. However, this is also something that is linked to a nation's basic approach in pursuing Hard power. This is where Donald Trump has done a few mistakes and hence his 'soft power' has lost its sheen. 

In fact,  Trump's Soft Power push is guided by negativity and contempt for the other side. As an illustration one can point out that ....  

** Trump’s strategies spend/involve so much energy and venom denouncing Europe.

**   In multiple manner; the EU 'embodied' the values of the liberal order and in doing so it surpassed Americans too. 

Please note - after Soviet domination of eastern Europe collapsed, the EU expanded to bring in countries so that they also internalise democratic principles. Today, probably Europe is a good example of use of Soft power while the US standards and roles have declined.  

After the second world war, the US pushed its global ambition. 

Even there was a principle of consensus building between Republicans and Democrats on that score. They shared and pushed a conviction that the post-war world built on American model would be better for the rest of the world and also for the US.

Democracy and the rule of law were the ideals. Of course in some cases; argument could be built that while pushing such a cherished principle -- the American leadership, say under Nixon-Henry Kissinger -- actually often encouraged military powers and dictatorship.

This is where India needs to be careful.

An image of being assertive has been pushed by the Moditva phenomenon. But there is a side effect behind all that because in countries like Bangladesh; New Delhi is also getting a tag of being a regional Dada (elder brother) per se.

Over 15 years back; I interviewed a former Nepal foreign minister Upendra Yadav and he had said -- there could be motivated allegation that India interferes into everything in our country -- but all that may not be Satya. But they are Ardha Satya for sure. 

If Hard Power is presented as something to be 'feared' and not necessarily loved and respected -- there are chance that even Soft Power will not work. 

India's Covid19 Vaccines were good examples of Soft Power 

This has happened with Russia too.

"Putin knows his aggressive revanchism won’t win Russia any love among countries whose respect he craves. 

But if he can’t be loved, he hopes at least to be feared. If you are in a social order that regards you as inferior, you have every incentive to turn spoiler," write Henry Farrell and Sergey Radchenko in a joint article for London's 'The Guardian'. 

 

'The Guardian' article also says --- "Trump wants to disrupt a social order that regards him and his worldview with contempt. 

The US president and his officials get respect from dictators and kings (although perhaps not from the ones whose respect they most want – Putin and Xi Jinping), but they know that the leaders of many other democratic countries look down their noses at them."

In Indian context, the Soft Power can be traced back to the 15th century when Vasco D Gama was welcomed in Kerala. That era marked 'establishment' of India as a confluence of worship and civilisational wisdom. 

Centuries later, India provided shelter to Parsis, Tibetans and Bangladeshis. Mind you this did not fell under 'necessiry diplomacy' ... but this simply demonstrated India's deep rooted culture in itself. 

Prior to that again, India's wisdom or ideology laid emphasis on human race and humane approach. We said - the world is one .... 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam'. 

This much cherished principle/phrase did not come as a politically correct statement.  It is based on Indian ethos. 

Under Narendra Modi, India's greatest soft power-win was in the ability to get the UN vote for the International Day for Yoga.  

Proposed by India and endorsed by as many as 175 UN member states in 2014. 

It is not about winning a war or creating strategic partners as rivaled to another.  

June 21 as the International Day for Yoga --- Connects to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health, universal well-being, and environment. 

It encourages mindful living, self-awareness, and harmony with nature.

In 2016  none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave credence to India's strong argument for Soft Power when he told the inaugural session of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s cultural extravaganza in New Delhi that----

 "We can make contribution (of India’s soft power) only when we ourselves feel proud of our culture. But if we continue to curse ourselves, then how will the world look towards us.

The world is not only united by concerns of economic growth, but also by human values and India can play a vital role in it".

Sometime around 2019, BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe had said -- To truly understand India; one must visit India. His refrain was India cannot be understood just by reading books or visiting one or multiple websites. 

(Blogger's daughter  Tanvi Dev : Extreme left at 2016 World Fest ) 

           

 

Life is often like standing in the dusk. 

It is all about optimism. Optimism is linked to patience. 

Every storm would pass off eventually no matter, how long it is. This is the take away from any grand cultural fest.  

That’s also the essence of India’s civilisational Soft Power strength.  

The big picture message is - the international game can be no longer about pushing a single-agenda item. Soft power game also means persuasive diplomacy. It may be out of the box, but not something out of the blue.  

ends 

What all can happen to Bangladesh ?? ::: And of course .... the India and Pakistan angles ::: Hadi's killing and violence opened windows to dump Yunus

Essentially .... Osman Hadi's killing and subsequent violence have weakened the position of the interim Govt and strengthened the position of Bangladesh Army.

In the streets of Bangladesh; the anti-India narratives actually works as a smokescreen over the failures of Yunus and his team.

In August 2024, Sheikh Hasina fled and a team was brought under the leadership of Yunus, who was abroad during turmoil. Now one and half years later --  he has failed. 

This is a chance to dump him replace neo-autocracy that encuraged mobocracy in Bangladesh.

Genuine civil and political rights have been almost forgotten. 

**** 

On Dec 12, 2025, Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was shot by masked assailants as he was leaving a mosque in Dhaka. 

He was airlifted to a hospital in Singapore but there he succumbed to his injuries precipitating a mega socio-political and law and order crisis in governance-starved Bangladesh. 

Hadi was a key figure in 2024 uprising that rocked Dhaka and ended the rule of the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, who was understandably quite friendly to India.

The parliamentary elections have been announced in February 2026 and now doubts linger whether the interim regime can really hold the polls. 

Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people and now radicals have taken over the streets in more ways than one.

The country is now having a fresh round of India-bashing mostly directed at garnering voters following the polarisation. The safety and security of Hindus are in question and various international players including Turkey, Pakistan, China, the US and India are taking keen interest vis-a-vis the coming elections when he people will directly vote for 300 lawmakers for its parliament, with another 50 selected on a women’s list.

Lately, a few Turkish intelligence people also visited Bangladesh, it is claimed.

The last elections, held in January 2024, gave Sheikh Hasina a fourth straight term but the polls were decried by her detractors as a sham.

The Bangladesh Nationalist party leader former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia is battling a serious lung infection in intensive care in Dhaka, The BNP is expected to win the coming polls.

Her son and political heir Tarique Rahman is likely to return from exile in Britain after 17 years on December  25. 

The interim regime and newly floated National Citizens Party are also not quite comfortable that the BNP may come to power after the polls. The head of the interim regime Muhammad Yunus and his associates will have no job if such things really happen. 

Now the possibilities if elections are really held in February 2026 ---

Scenario 1 :::: Hung Parliament

-- There may be rampant violence

-- Bangladesh Army either steps in on own or may be asked by the interim Govt to calm the situation

-- Students, NCP and Jamaat take control in violence-hit control

** But interim Govt headed by Yunus may continue or Army stages coup   

*** Scenario 2 

** BNP sweeps and comes to power

** Interim leader Yunus and student leaders part ways. NCP splits .. with come strike a deal with Jamaat and the rest try to inch closer to the BNP 

*** 

Scenario 3 

** Students-NCP and Jamaat get majority

** BNP stays in Opposition but 'poll fixing' charges could get currency  

Essentially  -- the different angles New Delhi or even Islamabad will have to monitor are ---

*** BNP -- is a centrist force  

Indian forces : Ever Alert 

Jamaat - Radical and firm with communal and typically Pakistan-friendly and anti-India approaches

NCP  -- will be a confused lot;  but also opportunists and power hungry. 

Yunus -- symbolises deeper roles of the Deep State and typical anti-India 

(Yunus will continue to get support of overseas Bangladeshis by design and default) 

** Wild card will be with the Bangladesh Army

** Also a possible player will be a 'far right' force .... pro-Taliban 

 Hizbut Tahrir  group is a fundamentalist outfit and was outlawed by Hasina govt in 2009.

For the majority of the young people, main issues are

Economic hardship and high youth unemployment 

** But what is being debated mostly at least by NCP and protagonists close to Yunus is 'India's role'. 

 For India; ny premature or direct military intervention in Bangladesh would serve external powers far more than it would serve Indian national interests. 

The objective of these actors is simple to entangle India in a prolonged, resource draining, politically destabilising conflict on its eastern flank. 

ends 

853 IRS Officers Quit in a Decade: Blame it on Moditva and new 'Tax Service norms' :::: Why yesterday's pride is tinged with frustration ???

We all know about Babudom -- 

In film 'Khaki' - playing a cop Amitabh Bachchan says -- "If police wants to enforce law sincerely... even a kid's doll would not be stolen in this country".

Can such a mechanism be applied in civil service without uniform as well ?

Babudom .... as we understand a virtue when it comes to groom haunt. The dowry rates also go up ... practically every season - with or without Narendra Modi.

That the Prime Minister has said - Na Khaunga ... na khane doonga ... is immaterial. 

But when we go to government offices for 'works' - private and public - you either meet the lazy Babu on the other side. He may say "I am Sorry" in more ways than one.

His chaprasi will behave as if he is running one of the Double Engines - the Prime Minister keeps talking. Or there will be a coat on the empty Kursi ... as it is winter now in the north. 

In once communist-ruled Tripura - I know of  'mother-in-law' who visited office late as her son-in-law would land for post honeymoon holidays either from Mumbai or Dubai. And the lady was reprimanded every time she went to office on time.

Her colleagues would rebuke her - "Please go back early and attend to you guest. He is also our son-in-law".

The Dignity of Labour was replaced by the Dignity of being such hospitable hosts.

In West Bengal - you may get a dressing down: "Who asked you to come to our office today... Boss has gone for carom competition in the union office".

In Nagaland - some contract or adhoc workers - maybe a plain-manu or a Gorkhali who would tell you "Na Jaane ho".

We can give plenty of such examples. 

But the issue here is "babus" among Babus.

I am Sorry is actually a sacred cow. 

There are others who feel the world is not so cozy. 

According to records, the total Indian Revenue Service (IRS) cadre strength stood at around 9,775 officers, with approximately 4,192 in Income Tax and 5,583 in Customs & Indirect Taxes as of recent cadre statistics. 

"That means over the decade nearly 9% of the entire cadre chose voluntary exit, a figure that should give policymakers pause," reports one former Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer.

"Between 2014 and 2024, Parliament was informed that 853 IRS officers opted for voluntary retirement under the VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme)—

with 383 from the Income Tax wing and 470 from the Customs & Indirect Taxes wing laying down their batons rather than enduring the grind of the service. To put that number in perspective, the IRS cadre is not an insignificant outfit," writes P Sesh Kumar. 

Kumar is a retired officer of the IA&AS having served under the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. 

Now comes more operative part.  

"In theory, says Sesh Kumar, "... the IRS is a central civil service cadre whose officers could shape tax policy through expertise and institutional memory. 

In practice, however, policy latitude is tightly held at the top, often in IAS hands or by shorttenured Chairs and Members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), many of whom don’t remain in a post for more than 18– 24 months."

In his article for news website 'The Raisina Hills'; the retired official says -- 

"But behind the numbers lies a gnawing discontent. The IRS officer’s job, once characterised by rich field experience and significant discretionary engagement with taxpayers, has transformed.

The adoption of faceless assessments, faceless appeals, and IT-based annual information returns (AIRs) has dramatically reduced personal interface with assessees. 

What once was considered the art of discretionary administration is now a digital treadmill of data points.

Officers feel their role has shifted from revenue guardians with judgment to revenue processors with targets. This reduction of informal discretion has struck at the heart of traditional tax administration culture."

Ting tong ... or sarey gaama ... the choice is yours. 

It goes without stating that 'sarkari naukri' has an aura by itself.

Most 'well to do babus' want at least one of their children to be in the same shoes.

Personally, my father was no exception.

I declined. My arrogance has made me a semi-jobless blogger. I have some friends around too. 

But it goes without stating that bureaucracy as the 'executive apparatus' of the government is a crucial wing.

Pause and take a list of problem areas - outrageous corruption, 

flamboyance, 

insensitivity and 

Arrogance.

Once a senior Naga leader Late Hokishe Sema has said -- "All governments, regardless of political colours, want to do good and deliver. 

But there are issues. General resentment sets in when the chasm between deliver and decision making or policy move widens. 

 Specialities of Babus - either IAS or IRS or IAAS and others ... 

* Any good idea can be shot down by making it illegal or cannot be implemented.

** Bureaucracy is permanent while the political executive changes

(for extra knowledge - look at Bangladesh  - Fascist Hasina is ousted but the Babus have survived) 

** When confronted with major issues, governments appoint committees or commissions - again headed by babus/retired Babus ... whose task is to study and give clean chit to some and make 'scapegoats' of others. 

We may debate these Babudom qualities ... on another occasion.

In the meantime, Sesh Kumar says in his article --  

"In the arc of modern Indian bureaucracy, the IRS once stood proudly as the nation’s elite tax cadre-experts in direct and indirect taxation, guardians of fiscal sovereignty, and indispensable cogs in revenue mobilization. 

Yet today, that pride is tinged with frustration."  

Time to give a shake up !! The Agniveer scheme was a good concept. But it was wrongly implemented with Fauzis.

Babu's world deserve ... something like that ! 

Coming back to Sesh Kumar's piece: And he writes rather acidly --  

"In the final analysis, the exodus of 853 IRS officers over a decade is more than a statistics. 

It’s a clarion call. 

If India wants a robust, respected, and intellectually vibrant tax service that can meet the challenges of a digital economy and global tax competition, it must fix not just the recruitment pipeline but the deeper motivational architecture of the IRS itself."

ends 

Taking the Clock back .... ::: Pak military ruler Yahya Khan was caught in a trap ... and to be done so by "a Hindu woman in sari" was clearly agonising

 Time to press the refresh button as the world debates Bangladesh in turmoil .... 

In 1971; Gen Yahya Khan had interacted with 'Sunday Times', London:; and this is what was reported: 

"Rage and sweet reasonableness alternated in Yahya's rambling confidence, ever returning to that woman. To a tough man like Yahya, being caught in a relentless trap and waiting helpless for the next turn of the screw is bad enough; to a Muslim general the idea that the screw is being turned by a Hindu in sari is clearly agonising".   

Yahya Khan 

Take note .... just before the war Yahya Khan told a group of western journalists -- "If that woman thinks she is going to cow me down ....  I refuse to take it.

If she wants a war I will fight it". (Nov 27, 1971)  +++ 

**** Indira Gandhi actually caught the imagination of the world that ultimately helped her to emerge as a powerful leader. She went on a world tour and explained New Delhi's stance on massive influx of refugees. She also gave President Nixon an earful.

To her credit; Indira Gandhi displayed courage in crucial moments of her life and career. 

But within next few years; even to her admirers she emerged somewhat of an enigma. If leadership/statesmanship came to the fore during 1971 turbulent days; by 1974-75 -- she was a changed persona. She displayed immense sense of insecurity.

Emergency was imposed .... possibly on the advice of son Sanjay Gandhi. She declined to obey the call of democracy.

Indira said she would not resign after the Allahabad High Court unseated her from Parliament. 

Dates and vital references:  

Dates/ Location: 

The primary meetings between Indira and President Nixon and a state dinner occurred around November 4-5, 1971, in Washington, D.C.

** Indira Gandhi visited the U.S. as part of an international tour to seek a political solution to the East Pakistan crisis and handle the immense refugee influx into India. 

She sought U.S. pressure on Pakistani President Yahya Khan to release Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and negotiate a peaceful resolution.

The Nixon administration was strongly pro-Pakistan, viewing India as leaning towards the Soviet Union. 

Nixon and his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger, were privately dismissive and used derogatory language towards Indira Gandhi and Indians in declassified White House tapes.

The meetings did not lead to a common understanding or agreement. The US was unwilling to exert the pressure Gandhi requested, and India refused US proposals for troop withdrawals.  

Henry Kissinger

In July 2005, the US Department of State declassified taped conversations between former US President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger shortly before the India-Pakistan war in 1971 war that would lead to the birth of Bangladesh.

In the tapes, the two are heard talking about former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi shortly after a meeting with her. During the heated conversation, Nixon refers to Mrs Gandhi as an "old witch". 

Kissinger calls her a "b***c" and says the "Indians are bastards anyway". 

The tapes also brought to light Nixon's derogatory remarks against Indian women and his description of Indians as "most sexless" and "pathetic".

Soon after the remarks became public, Kissinger said he regretted his remarks and that he respected Mrs Gandhi.

"[The foul language has] to be seen in the context of a cold war atmosphere 35 years ago, when I had paid a secret visit to China when President Nixon had not yet been there and India had made a kind of an alliance with the Soviet Union," he told NDTV in an interview.   

Why US Backed Pakistan During 1971 War

The Nixon administration was concerned about the spread of Soviet influence in the Indian subcontinent, particularly amid India's growing ties with USSR. To counter this, the US started reaching out to China, which had tensions with India and USSR. This outreach was launched through Pakistan and the US feared that responding to the atrocities in East Pakistan would block this outreach.

ends