STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY

We were not Very happy at the partition of India in 1947. It caused us immense sorrow to find that the land of the great Punjabis was divided—one half of it formed part of Pakistan. But we accepted the Partition Plan in the hope that India and Pakistan would live in peace and amity. We had hoped that the two would live as good neighbours and would embark on the path of economic progress. It is a matter of deep regret that ever since her creation, Pakistan has preached hatred against us. Pakistanis have called us Kafirs (infidels). Now they are preaching the slaughter of Kafirs in order to invoke heavenly blessings. Pakistan has launched aggression against us more than once. In 1947, Pakistan invaded Kashmir. Despite this provocation, we chose the path of peace. We agreed to cease-fire and a cease-fire line was drawn. Even after the cease-fire, Pakistanis continued to infiltrate into our territory year after year, and indulged in arson, loot and sabotage. They tried to build up dumps of ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has continuously indulged in these nefarious activities for the last so many years.

            In April this year, Pakistan invaded the Rann of Kutch. We resisted the invasion. Even after the Pakistani aggression in Kutch, I opted for a peaceful approach. I did not want war between India and Pakistan as war would inevitably cause death and devastation. I was of the view that a peaceful settlement consistent with our honour would be an ideal solution. Ultimately, an agreement was signed between India and Pakistan. While the agreement was being signed, Pakistan was making feverish preparations for an attack on Kashmir and on other parts of India. It became obvious that Pakistan wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Under these circumstances, the duty of the Government of India was clear. The Government could not stand by idly. The Government had already given proof of utmost patience in dealing with Pakistan. Our patience could not be allowed to mean that Pakistan could attack us with impunity and occupy any part of our territory. We had to give a suitable answer to the aggressor. We had to meet force with force.

            Pakistan’s attitude convinced me that no talks were possible. It is not consistent with our self-respect that we should bow down to aggression. No Indian worth the name can condone aggression. Any attack will be met with a fierce counter-attack. This is our firm resolve.

            A cease-fire has been agreed to. It is obvious that in the present world a war cannot continue for long. There is always intense international diplomatic activity. There was a time when a war could be fought to the finish and an issue could be decided by victory or defeat. Now the world is drawn much closer. A small war in any part of the world can easily assume the proportions of a world conflagration. It is for this reason that almost all countries are vitally concerned with conflicts anywhere. Big and small powers are naturally anxious to avoid a big conflagration.

            India is a peace-loving nation. She is pledged to peace. It is our firm resolve to extend our support to all genuine efforts aimed at the promotion of peace. We would like the world to take a close look at our reasonable stand and not try to pressurise us. We cannot submit to anyone’s dictation.

            We are waiting to see what attitude other nations adopt. We are waiting to see what decision the Security Council takes. We are anxious to carry the world opinion with us. We desire the friendship of all nations. We have ill will towards none. Unfortunately, Pakistan and China have generated ill will and hostility towards us. Except these two countries, we have friendly relations with every country, be it the USA, the USSR, Germany, France, or countries of Africa and Asia. We have close relations and feelings of friendship for all these nations. We are naturally keen to carry all these nations with us in our just struggle against aggression. Much, however, depends on the attitude of these nations. We do not have an iota of doubt that truth and justice are on our side. If unfortunately some nations fail to see it, it does not mean that we should abdicate our responsibility. It is for us to determine what our duty is. Our brave and enthusiastic people possess the quality of cool deliberation. Important decisions have naturally to be taken after cool deliberation and not under the stress of emotion. The conflict with Pakistan called for vital decisions on my part. I may not have shown it but I had my share of excitement too. But the decisions to march our armies to Lahore, Sialkot and Barmer Road were taken after cool deliberation. I told the Generals that it was necessary to take this step and that it should be taken immediately. We should undoubtedly be enthusiastic but we cannot afford to lose nerve. We have to build up our strength….

Extracts from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Speech, 03 October 1965, New Delhi, Selected Speeches of Lal Bahadur Shastri, 1964-66