‘Must prevent Pakistan from meddling in Afghan issues’

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 18

Terming the Taliban in Afghanistan a dangerous idea that needs to be checked on all fronts, former GOC-in-C, Western Command, Lt Gen KJ Singh (retd) said an intrusive and tolerant government was required in that country.

Implications for India

All international leverages should be applied for Afghanistan’s development

as its stability has implications for India. Lt Gen KJ Singh (retd)

He said the process had to be Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled, but at present the Taliban dispensation was controlled from Rawalpindi by the ISI. Pointing out that there was little change in the Taliban of the earlier days, he said Pakistan had to be brought under control and prevented from meddling in Afghan affairs.

All possible international leverages should be applied for the political, economic and social development of Afghanistan as the stability and security of that country had implications for India, he added.

A panel discussion on the future of Afghanistan that comprised former Indian Ambassador to Germany and Indonesia Gurjit Singh, former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vivek Katju and US political scientist Christine Fair deliberated upon contemporary issues afflicting that country, the role of India and the US and the way ahead.

Sqn Ldr PPS Gill, a Canberra pilot and recipient of the Vir Chakra, described his experiences of the bombing raid on Karachi harbour during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Speaking about the famous para-drop at Tangail, Brig PK Ghosh, a Vir Chakra recipient, who was then a Captain with the Para Brigade, said his tasks were to infiltrate into enemy territory, get in touch with Mukti Bahini leaders, gather information, select the drop zones and ensure their security during landings.

Presentations were also made on the Battle of Dera Baba Nanak that was fought on the banks of the Ravi and Battle of Longewala in Rajasthan as well as on the Navy’s Operation Trident, the daring raid on Karachi by missile boats, and Operation Python, a follow-up strike that hit Pakistani ships.