Military to Military engagement is often "better" than diplomatic engagements with some neighbouring countries : Deputy chief of Army, Lt Gen Ghai

There is certainly a great importance about 'Diplomatic engagements' with India's neighbourhood; but Military to Military engagement to the surprise of many is perhaps often "better" than the diplomatic engagements with some countries. 

This was stated by Lt. Gen Rajiv Ghai, Deputy chief of Indian Army. 

The remarks were made at a seminar on 'Security Challenges to the North East : Assessment and Way Forward' organised by Assam Rifles and the USI.  

Lt Gen Ghai 

Many of the challenges affecting the north east have "trans-national dimension", he remarked underlining of importance of elements like intelligence sharing and diplomatic engagements. 

However, he went onto add that -- "It will always surprise some people to know that our Military to Military engagements with many of the neighbourhood countries today ... the way the relations exist ....are possibly the better than the diplomatic engagements that we are having with these countries". 

"The North East of India is neither an appendage nor a burden. It is India's eastern conscious, a civilisational bridge to South East Asia and for those of us who served there. it is the most demanding and also the most rewarding place that you could have possibly served," he said.  

The challenges on the frontier are real and they have also evolved; but so "is our response", the deputy chief of Army added. Dwelling on various facets of security-related issues; he said - without political legitimacy the Security element cannot make a better sense. 

"Therefore, the most durable counter insurgency retreat in the north east is Mizoram," he pointed out.  

Even matters and groups involved in Nagaland and Bodo areas have "been at the negotiating table", he said adding "that's the final barometer of success".  

The role of Assam Rifles has been significant in north east of India; he said the paramilitary force has been at the centre of "consolidation of peace in the region". There has been a "notable diminishing" instances of insurgencies in these states. 

"So, what can be the road ahead ... firstly border infrastructure and connectivity. But .... you may build as many roads; you will still require technology," he said.  

Reconciliation and political settlement ... is vital, General Ghai said adding, "The lasting settlement in north east will invariably and finally rest on Political Solutions and negotiations ... that cannot be wished away".  

DGAR Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera 

Let us shun the word Mainstream, says DGAR Lt Gen Lakhera 

Speaking on the occasion, DG Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera said sometimes I feel "why this region is called north east ... but there is no north west and no south west".  

"We also talk about another word ... which is Mainstream .... I think this country has only one stream; that's the Indian stream. I think we should shun this word Mainstream. 

"We all are equal partners of our nation and the north east of India which is the far east and by 2047, the north east of India will definitely play a stellar role in each and every manner possible".  

He further added: -- "Generally when we talk of north east, we discuss Security situation; but is it so?"

ends