India PostUri

 This period of stress  for the country post-Uri has not been without its benefits. The PM  personally has in the last two days proved a major point re leadership by the quiet but determined manner in which he has mobilised national sentiment and resolve without uttering a word.

Prompt international reaction  showing anger against the Uri attack and forceful support for India are primarily the result of his own strategy of close personal contact with world leaders. He defied protocol and followed a course dictated by his instinct, good sense and belief in the power of friendship. Even China will not be able to ignore the sinister  role of their friendly Pakistan in the Uri attack.

People are generally beginning to see Modi as one different from their perception of the past. He was seen as a silent and tolerant  witness to many indiscretions of some members of the ruling group. Over time, however, when they found him reacting in his own way in his own time to show disapproval and curb unhelpful practices there was a change in  general attitude. I know people now see him as one who is capable of handling a crisis quietly but effectively. Even the Pak premier cannot but feel guilty over his betrayal of one who tried to build bridges defying public opinion.

In the present situation which is military in nature he has done wisely to leave the military to give him the options which they can implement. The military should then be left totally to plan and strike. Meanwhile diplomacy should be actively at work. 

I list three issues for PM's attention. These may appear to be of not too much consequence but which really are crucial  in practical terms and particularly in times such as now..

TV reporting  in India seems to have fallen victim to intense competition. Ethics and protocol have no role in this business which seems to be keener on prominent displays of their success rating vis a vis competition. A news channel reporting from Uri was casually narrating movements of VVIP’s that day in the area and I have written immediately  to the Defence Minister  about this. We seem not to have learnt from the consequences of  a major reporting indiscretion during 26/11.

TV channels on the air proudly flaunt copies of official documents such as internal notes of ministries, even cabinet notes and sensitive investigation reports claiming exclusive access. How are these documents accessed ? I was  shocked to see yesterday one of the channels  proclaiming “PM’s review meeting –exclusive access” on their Inside Track programme.   This meeting was the PM’s top level CCS meeting. True or false, these patently unacceptable  practices have to be challenged and dealt with severely. 

Finally , I have to refer to our representation in UN and the presentation of our papers at UN meetings. Although these are  ready scripts I would have imagined that these are meant to be presented forcefully and not merely read as if from a text book in class. I mean no disrespect to the individuals concerned but in UN where oratorical skills are very much on display – and relevantly so – the right person has to write and another right person to present it if necessary. In my view, a representation has to be forcefully visible and audible.