Himalaya Bachao Andolan and Himalayan Committee for Action on Tibet has organized a seminar titled “ Himalaya and National Security” at the India International Center, New Delhi today. Himalaya Bachao Andolan is a movement created by veteran Indian leader Dr. Rammanohar Lohia in 1960 to save Himalaya and to support Tibet.
Veteran defense analyst like Lt. Gen. S.K.Sharma, Preet Mallik, former Ambassador, A.K.Ray, former Ambassador, Prof. M.L.Sondhi, G.O.C.Mallik, Shri Rama Swaroop, General Jacob, Shri P.C.Bhardwaj, Lt.Col. V.S.Verma and Shri S.P.Malviya spoke on the issue of national security.
Dr.A.K.Ray, former Ambassador presented the Lohia Memorial lecture on the subject Diplomacy and National Security.
Prof.Sondhi, the Chairman of the Himalaya Bachao Andolan, said that the seminar like this before the visit of Prime Minister of India to China and participation by such imminent gathering holds special significance. He said that India must talk to the Chinese from the position of strength and that the Prime Minister must raise the issue of Tibet from the geo-political nature. He said that the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee should go to China with the clear message of the will of Indian public demanding Freedom or autonomy to Tibet.
General Jacob raised three pertinent points, which must be looked into seriously by the policy makers while dealing with China.
A) China is planning to utilize the rivers of Tibet without least concern to its neighbors. Its effect to India must be looked into.
B) Wanton degradation of Himalayan in southern Tibet and Chumbi Valley and its ecological impact to India.
C) Creating ethnic imbalances in Tibet and Sinkiang.
Lt. Col.Verma spoke about the occupation of Tibet by China and said that unless the issue of Tibet is taken up with China, all other talks will be only a temporary solution to this 50-year-old problem.
In short the messages that the speakers intend to convey to the Prime Minister are That India must realize its position of strength and deal with China accordingly.
That India must be realistic and should not run away from the real issue, which is talking about the issue of Tibet and the border.
Jamyang Dorjee
India Tibet Coordination Office
Dated 7th June 2003.
