ON THE OTHER SUBJECT THREATENING THE NATION Taslima I want to add a note of caution on the subject of local Indian opposition to the building of the dam which excited some Bangladesh and Probash individuals and organisations. India is usually very resolute in preventing foreigners becoming allied to local issues, especially in war torn parts of that country like the North-East. It should surprise and alarm Bangladesh and Probash campaign groups that India seems to be allowing such interaction. In fact, some people from Indian affected areas have been allowed to come to Bangladesh to make their protests known, and to form alliances. I would strongly urge Probash to warn Bangladesh lobbies and campaign groups not to become involved with such Indians. Where we agree we must do so at arms length. Otherwise, it will easily constitute gross interference in India's internal affairs. We must not give India any more ammunition to work against Bangladesh. India could openly and overtly start doing some even more daring interferences of her own. Indian planners have a very good grasp on the situation, especially as the region is infested with wars-like situation against the Indian state for most of the last 62 years. It is perfectly possible the local Indian anti-dam campaigners are being handled by RAW and other agencies. Being handled is being managed. That means security agencies and other state apparatuses are managing and directing the anti-dam campaigns. Please understand many of the campaigners will themselves will not necessarily be aware of the hand of the Indian state and its security agencies. Even if such were not the case, and one strongly suspects otherwise, we must not in any way be seen to be supporting interference in the affairs of another state, especially one that is in a state of war against its own citizens. It must not be forgotten Arunchal Pradesh (South Tibet or Zangnan in Chinese language) is a disputed territory to which China is paying more attention. And Arunchal Pradesh or Zangnan is about 100 miles away from Bangladesh. Our priority should be to take up the issue with all international stake holders along this river system, including Nepal, China and Bhutan (Bhutan is very much a weak link as it has India's gridlock over her until China can encourage a change). Secondly, to all the water related international NGOs, international think-tanks, environmental lobbies, concerned citizens of the world, political parties and national governments, and of course the UN bodies. I urge our Probash and Bangladesh not to rely on pity sympathy or "big and powerful" against a powerless entity. It's a gross insult. We must stop humiliating Bangladesh, and by extension our Probash. There is just no reason to be defensive. |
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