Author: Samudra Gupta Kashyap,
Shillong
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: May 26, 2002
Introduction: No option left but
make sure civilians are not harmed, even in Pakistan
His house is a landmark for residents
of Lumdemthring, on the outskirts of Shillong. Inside, Lieutenant Keishing
Clifford Non-grum's mother, Sally, spends most of her time dusting the
two shelves on which are displayed photographs and other souvenirs of the
Kargil martyr "Most of these photographs have been printed from the roll
that we found in one of his bags that was sent back with the body," says
Sally. With tears in her eyes, she points at one. "You can see him standing
against a cliff holding a gun."
And with talk of war once again,
she says: "Another war means another series of bad news, of deaths of young
boys like my son. But I am sure our country has no option left but to go
to war with Pakistan." On a more aggressive note, she adds: "Theek se ladai
karke Pakistan ko poora thanda kar dena chahiye. Pichle bar ka jaisa nahi
hona chahiye." Her husband, K. Peter, a chief manager in the State Bank,
echoes her words. The PM is right. It is time for action. I think everybody
in this country is now in favour of a war. We need to teach such a lesson
to Pakistan that the country will not be able to stand up again. We must
crush them because they are supporting and encouraging terrorism," he says.
And of the casualties, he adds:
"What if another two to three hundred brave boys like my son sacrifice
their lives and ensure that the country is rid of Pakistan's evil designs?
But we should make sure that civilians are not harmed, even in Pakistan.
The whole world has seen how brutal Pakistan can be when terrorists killed
those women and children in Jammu recently. We should set an example by
fighting a real war."
