PM Modi under fire on Chinese aggression.Disinformation is no substitute for diplomacy or decisive leadership, says ex PM Singh
By Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday made a stinging attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks on Chinese aggression in Ladakh which allegedly “vindicates Chinese position”. Terming the remarks as “betrayal” to the sacrifice made by the Indian soldiers at the LAC, Dr Singh reminded his successor that the Prime Minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on the security and territorial integrity of the country. He also said the “disinformation” on the Chinese incursion was neither a “substitute for diplomacy” nor “decisive leadership”.
As the the war of words has been hot up between the ruling BJP and opposition on the Chinese incursion after PM Modi’s remarks, his predecessor and senior Congress leader Dr Singh issued a strongly-worded statement to the media criticizing the government for its handling of the crisis. Former PM said the Chinese have been “brazenly and illegally seeking to claim parts of Indian Territory such as the Galwan Valley and the Pangong Tso by committing ‘multiple incursions between April 2020 till date”.
In an apparent reference to the PM Modi’s “no intruder in Indian territory” claim at the all-party meeting on 19 June, Dr Singh said he could not allow them ( Chinese) to use his words as a “vindication of their position”.
“The Prime Minister cannot allow them to use his words as a vindication of their position and must ensure that all organs of the Government work together to tackle this crisis and prevent it from escalating further.”
Dr Singh also took a sharp dig at the allies of the BJP who kept silent about the Chinese aggression and government’s “ disinformation” campaign.
“Disinformation is no substitute for diplomacy or decisive leadership. Truth cannot be suppressed by having pliant allies spout comforting but false statements,” he added.
The PM’s statement sparked a political storm in the country, with opposition parties accusing him of not divulging the truth about Chinese intrusions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. The government tried to put a lid on the controversy by issuing a statement the next day claiming that there was a “mischievous interpretation” of what the PM Modi had said.
Former PM also underlined that it was the Prime Minister’s responsibility to ensure his words were clear, with no space for misinterpretation.
“Those who lead us bear the weight of a solemn duty. And in our democracy, that responsibility rests with the office of the Prime Minister, ” said Dr Singh and added that “The Prime Minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on our nation’s security as also strategic and territorial interests.”
He also advised that all “organs of the government work together to tackle this crisis and prevent it from escalating further”.
On the loss of lives on the border, Dr Singh said the sacrifices of the soldiers cannot be allowed to go in vain.
“Our bravehearts defended the motherland till their last breath, and for that, we owe them, and their families, our eternal gratitude. However, their sacrifice cannot be allowed to be in vain.”
“We, the nation, lost 20 brave soldiers in the Galwan Valley, Ladakh on June 15th-16th, 2020. They laid down their lives in the ultimate act of sacrifice, valour and duty to our country,” he added.
Dr Singh further said the entire country must stand together and be united in our response to this “brazen threat”.
“We cannot and will not be cowed down by threats and intimidation nor permit a compromise with our territorial integrity,” the former PM added.
“We call upon the Prime Minister and the government to rise to the occasion, to ensure justice for Col. B. Santosh Babu and our jawans who have made the ultimate sacrifice and resolutely defended our territorial integrity,” he said and warned that“To do any less would be a historic betrayal of the people’s faith.”