If it’s a matter of extreme sorrow that on the first day itself of the violent face-off with China in Eastern Ladakh the country has lost 20 of its valiant soldiers in a most brutal manner, some solace can be derived also, if various reports which say that the Chinese had also suffered as many as 35 casualties are to be believed. The current situation carries a definite indication that if things do not cool down soon, more such bloodsheds are waiting. But, that what was missing till now which is the ‘openness’ over this vital issue and taking into confidence the political establishments of the country has at last arrived since the Prime Minister is going to conduct an all-party meeting on June 19 to discuss the situation. Encouragingly, after a long gap of almost more than six weeks when trouble showed first signs of development, the PM has finally spoken by assuring the nation that: “India is capable of giving a befitting reply, be it any situation.” The External Affairs Ministry, also coming out of its initial ‘restrain’ on Wednesday categorically made it clear to China that it’s all being executed as per their premeditated plans and India can never be blamed. It will need no retelling that under a context of a war-like situation, such ‘replies’ carry importance, both in the context of warfare and the psychology associated with it.

The long and short of the story is that, as of now, the situation is extremely serious. Comparative analysis of death counts with the earlier encounters with China are being made. But all attractions have converged on the macabre way the killings had been made this time with just through physical brawls and objects such as, sticks and stones and even without guns, leave aside the sophisticated ones such as rockets, missiles and fighter jets. Clearly, the brutal methods engineered by the Chinese has the sole intention to dilute India’s psychological strength. It must also be remembered that this is after the long series of military and diplomatic talks, a conspicuous signal that it might just be the trailer.

A war between these most populous nations who are also believed to be equipped with nuclear arsenals will be most unfortunate. Nevertheless, if it continues to be a ‘one way traffic’ from China, nothing doing. But India, along with making necessary preparations along the 3500 km long de-facto border with China must also fight it out diplomatically, taking into confidence the high rankers of the global geo-political family. Garnering support will not be that much a difficulty, since China is already a ‘cornered dragon’ after Covid.

At any cost, the top political leadership, through its sagacious steps must assure the citizens that the country is safe.