[sacw] Real issues clouded by national chauvinism

[Harsh Kapoor]

South Asia Citizens Web - Dispatch
June 18, 1999
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From: The Asian Age,
18 June 1999,
Op-Ed

Real issues are clouded by national chauvinism

By Ashim Chatterjee

That war psychosis rules the day and dominates the Indian mind at present
cannot be denied anymore. As is apparent from the jaundiced popular
reaction, it has cast its evil shadow over the World Cup that is in full
swing in England. One is alarmed at the intensity of the menacing spirit
dominating the cricket ground these days. Undeniably, what dominates an
Indo-Pak match is not cricket at all. In fact, even at the risk of inviting
the wrath of our "patriots," I admit that I was much relieved when India
went out of the reckoning in the World Cup. The evil spirit of national
chauvinism remained subdued for a couple of days. Our victory over Pakistan
at Manchester exposed the ugly face of chauvinism. One was really alarmed.
National sentiments, alas, have degenerated into national chauvinism - in
the case of both cricket and Kargil.

The frenzy is so strong and intense that it has successfully drowned all
the relevant life and death questions concerning the fate of the country.
One may remember the debate on the power, jurisdiction and status of a
caretaker government that dominated the national arena not so long ago. In
the face of this pervading frenzy, the debate has been reduced to a mere
irrelevant academic exercise. The minority caretaker government, without
any accountability to any elected body whatsoever, is functioning as "more
than a regular" one. A Prime Minister, discarded by Parliament and a
defence minister, a known demagogue with little popular support, have
arrogated to themselves the right to dictate terms and decide the fate of
the country. And if one dares to raise uncomfortable questions, one is
accused of treason. It is a sad time when natural intelligence and sense of
responsibility is looked down upon as a vice and irresponsible, idiotic
gullibility is praised as a precious virtue. We are asked to consume
anything and everything unhesitatingly no matter what the government
pleases to dish out as facts.

Meanwhile, all the self-contradictory statements of the government remain
unexplained and the uncomfortable questions as to the correctness of the
governmental claim remain unanswered. It is still not clear whom we are
fighting at the Kargil-Batalik sector. Are they Kashmiri militants
demanding liberation of Kashmir or mercenary intruders, aided and abetted
by Pakistan? Or is it a case of Pakistani invasion, pure and simple? One
wonders why the government is talking in different languages at different
times. One equally fails to understand why our defence minister is eager to
give a clean "chit" to Nawaz Sharif or his government and why is he talking
of "safe passage." These, clearly, are not compatible with the theory of
invasion. Mystery also shrouds the question of every casualty. If, as per
the government claim, about 250 are dead, another 300 presumably are
wounded, how can the remaining 100-150 men survive on the hard terrain in
the face of continuous shelling and air raids by the Indian Army? Even a
fortnight after the Operation Vijay [Indian Military code name for the
Operations in Kargil, Kashmir] started, what actually is happening at the
theatre of war remains very unclear.

In view of this incompatibility of governmental claims and real facts
resulting in undeniable self-contradiction, the deafening silence of the
Opposition is really surprising. While questions are being raised regarding
the method adopted and the real intention of the BJP-led government, none
dares to voice doubts as to what actually is happening at the
Kargil-Batalik sector. This is a clear pointer to the strength and
all-pervading influence of national chauvinism. All the political parties,
swallowing all their scepticism, have meekly surrendered before this
chauvinistic menace. Even the Left parties, who often claim that truth is
objective, are no exception. Much respected and responsible Left leaders
have come out in support of the war effort to drive out "intruders" in the
valley. Obviously national chauvinism has won the day.

The rise of national chauvinism is not accidental. It is undeniably the
result of conscious and concerted efforts spreading over a long period. It
reached a new jingoistic height after Pokhran and was further permeated in
our society through the cricket fever. With Kargil it has only burst
asunder.

The development is really alarming, because history shows that the
chauvinism never pays. Rather it erodes the strength of the country in the
long run. One may recall the past experiences in the history of our
country. International experiences also show no exception. Once upon a
time, a German chauvinist, with the slogan of "only Germans are Aryans,"
promised to subjugate all the nations under German hegemony. History tells
unequivocally that none has harmed the German nation more. Under the
circumstances, the fight against national chauvinism has become imperative.
In view of the fact that national chauvinism in our country offers communal
fascists the opportunity to put on the guise of patriotism, it is all the
more necessary. After all, two under developed poor countries like India
and Pakistan need no war to settle bilateral issues. While being
incompatible with their real interests, it is suicidal for both the
countries.

Secular democratic forces with the inclusion of the Left should discard
their present disappointing role and come out with the slogan in one voice,
"Stop this suicidal war-mongering." Our jawans should not be used as cannon
fodder unnecessarily to promote the political ambition of a handful few.

(Ashim Chatterjee is the general-secretary of the Communist Revolutionary
League of India, and a former leader of the Naxalite movement)

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