PU seminar calls for 'institution' to study Pakistan 'deeply'

Chandigarh : Various experts have pressed for the need to set up an institution for exclusive and deep study of Pakistan.

The demand was echoed at a two-day national seminar on 'Emerging Geo-strategic Manifestations in Pakistan - implications for India', which was organised by the Department of Defense and National Security Studies, Punjab University, Chandigarh.

The inaugural address was given by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi, and the Keynote address was delivered by Lt. Gen. M.M. Naravane, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command.

Both the speakers set the ball rolling by listing out the geo- strategic importance of Pakistan and its significance as far as India is concerned. What emerged was the need to set up an institution for exclusive and deep study of Pakistan, its people, their psyche and their language so as to understand a neighbour better which cannot be changed.

While speaking on escalating infiltration and cease fire violations, Lt. General D.S. Hooda (retired), former Amy Commander of the Jammu and Kashmir based Northern Command, opined that the emerging peace that was witnessed in the state in 2012 could possibly be a trigger for the escalating violence levels, with the intention of keeping the proxy war and terrorism alive.

He maintained that the Jammu region is being specifically targeted with suicide attacks to revive the terrorism signature which is at a negligible level presently.

While speaking on Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Col. Jaibans Singh (retired); a reputed defense expert who specialises on Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and China; said that the people of the region along with their diaspora are raising their voice against gross subjugation by the Pakistani Government.

"Of late, there have been massive protests against rigging during elections, attempts by the Pakistan Army to grab land and imposition of illegal taxes," said Col. Jaibans.

He asserted that the Government of India should come up with tangible diplomatic, social, economic and military options to assist the PoK people, who are citizens of India, and suffering immensely due to virtual colonisation by Pakistan.

The seminar held on 27 and 28 February at the Golden Jubilee Hall of the Punjab University campus witnessed participation by many serving and retired army officers, bureaucrats, academicians and students from many universities.

There were two panel discussions in which noted defense experts from across the country participated.

Informed discussions were carried out on Pakistan's military capability, strategic culture and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Four technical sessions gave students of other universities and all research scholars of the department an opportunity to present their papers on various subjects related to Pakistan.

The valedictory address was given by Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in- Chief, Western Command.

Manpreet Singh Badal, Finance and Planning Minister, Government of Punjab, attended the seminar as the guest of honour.

In his address, Badal highlighted the important role that Punjab can play in building relations with Pakistan, in view of the shared culture and heritage.

The seminar was held under aegis of the Vice Chancellor, Punjab University, Prof. Arun Kumar Grover who keenly participated in the proceedings, especially the inaugural and valedictory sessions.

The organising committee of the well conducted event was comprised of Dr. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson of the department; Lt. Gen. KJ Singh (Retired), Chair Professor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair and Dr. Rakesh Datta, Professor.

All students of the department keenly participated in the event and assisted in its smooth conduct.