It is sad to note what happened to a 4-year old child.  She is a rape victim and the illiterate Panchayat leaders are further victimizing her by putting all sort of stops towards her education.  She is not allowed to join her school under the pretext that she will be a bad example for the rest of students in that school.  There has to be a limit of myopic thoughts and lack of common sense.  Instead of evincing some type of empathy for a poor victim, she is being tortured more by the illiterate Panchayat leaders.  Good news is that the governmental authorities are looking into it and will bring the culprits to face a legal music.  In order to avoid this type of any future Panchayats' unacceptable decision, it is required that the criterion of electing Panchayat's leaders is looked into.  These leaders need to have some kind of basic academic education along with a close supervision by a governmental authority.  BEFORE   PANCHAYAT'S DECISION ARE IMPLEMENTED, THEY NEED APPROVAL OF A SUPERVISOR.

China considers and has declared Arunachal Pradesh - an Indian territory - as part of China.  As the whole world knows, China is forcefully occupying Tibet since 1959 and now it has labeled Arunachal Pradesh as 'southern Tibet'.  China has been occupying Leh/Siachin area -again an Indian territory - since 1962.  China has installed a Maoist government in Nepal, the northern border of India.  Needless to say, China is like hands in gloves with Pakistan and providing all sorts of fiscal, military and technical help.  For the brevity of this situation, one can conclude that China's aspiration of territorial expansion is insatiable.  It appears that Chinese Defense Minister will be visiting India soon to show a gesture of tightening military ties between the two countries which sounds very ironical because on the one hand they are aggressively flexing their muscles to grab Indian territory while on the other hand they are trying to show their soft side by arranging friendly visits to India.  Before India gets into any deal, Chinese moves need lot of probing and thorough analysis.  India ought not to forget what happened in 1962.  India should not yield to any Chinese pressure and sign any agreement unless China first signs MoU to leave the Indian occupied territory- Leh/Siachin area and Arunachal Pradesh - along with the territory of a separate sovereign country -Tibet.  INDIA BE AWARE OF CHINESE CHESS-LIKE MOVES.

China's Defense Minister is visiting India to discuss military ties and outstanding issues between India and China.  It is a good idea to have open dialogues on all territorial issues because exchange of dialogues is the only way to have a long term peaceful agreement and environment in which both countries can live.  War cann't solve the territorial issues.  However, the question right now is the 'timing'.  Why China is interested in having these dialogues?  If one evaluates China's relationship with the countries around South China Sea, one leads to only one conclusion and i.e. that China feels being isolated in that part of the world.  Also, of course, one ought not to under estimate the close ties which are in the works between India and the USA.  A feel of being isolated and close ties between India and the USA are the main concern of China because they are directly affecting the hegemonic and territorial aspirations of China.  India should not forget what China did in 1962.  Right after Chou-en-lai's -then Prime Minister of China -visit to India and a loud slogans of 'Hindi-Chini-Bhai-Bhai', China attacked India and rest is a history which everyone is aware of.  China is playing a chess-game, and it is in the interest of India to make sure that its 'KING' (territorial integrity and security of India) is protected before arriving at any conclusion and agreement with China.  INDIA NEEDS TO BE VIGILANT OF CHINESE MOVES.

What Mr. Bashir - a Pakistani Ambassador to India - is saying is nothing new.  Actually, he is not saying anything.  So many important questions were posed to Mr. Bashir and instead of providing any specific answer, he used his prototype diplomatic language - too many words without any substance.  India and Pakistan have been exchanging dialogues since 1947 on all important topics including an issue of Kashmir, but no concrete result has come out of these discussions.  So what is the purpose of these discussions?  More or less it has limited itself to a photo shoot opportunity to assuage their respective citizens that the governments are not ignoring these outstanding political issues.  I feel talking to Pakistan is a sheer waste of time, energy and resources.  These resources ought to be channeled towards the welfare of Indians, improvements of infrastructure and some other social needs.  India has to keep in mind that so long as there are militant establishments in Pakistan, there is not even a remote possibility to see any amelioration in the relationships.  Yes, Pakistani government is an elected government, but, unfortunately, it has no power when it comes to dealing with India on all outstanding issues - hence, a bottleneck in dealing with Pakistan.  I THINK MR. SINGH SHOULD NOT VISIT PAKISTAN UNLESS HE JUST WANTS TO HAVE A PHOTO SHOOT OPPORTUNITY.

When Reagan became President of USA, the world thought that the cold war days between the USA and USSR were over and people can direct their attention and resources towards other productive areas.  Unfortunately, that thinking had a short life span.  Killing or overpowering one monster does not mean the end of monsters.  Once the seeds of ill will, jealousy, ego and territorial expansion are sown, they do not die.  The devil's tree is bound to come up and that is what the world is witnessing while watching China's military moves.  China has successfully produced ICBMs able to hit targets up to 14000 KM range.  Needless to say, the intent behind this arsenal is not to hit any neighboring country, but the targets in the United States only.  With the increasing military might, China is also threatening its neighbors in the Asian Region which is a reflection of its hegemonic attitude.  THE QUESTION NOW IS, DO WE HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER MR. REAGAN IN THE USA TO TACKLE THIS MONSTER BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE?   

It is shame to learn the treatment met by Shamima Akhtar in UK in the hands of her family.  She was kicked, got her hair hacked off and abused very badly because she kissed a white man on her birthday.  One understands the wrath expressed by the family predicated on their religious belief and following, but it is equally important for the Muslim families living in the western world that they cann't live without being touched by the western culture.  However, this type of cruelty is not required in a civilized society.  They have to learn how to assimilate and live together.  If that is not acceptable, they should go back to their respective countries where they feel safe and secure.  This incidence also highlights the problem with the spineless law not only in the UK but all over Europe.  Muslims in Europe do not care about the local laws.  They are driven by their fanatic ideas of Islamisation.  The way Muslim population is increasing in Europe, it is a matter of few years when whites will be in minority.  IS THAT WHAT EUROPE (INCLUDING UK) IS WAITING FOR?  WAKE UP GUYS.

It was very sad what happened in the Sikh Gurudwara in Wisconsin about three weeks ago.  Unnecessary innocent civilians were killed by a brain washed lonely white supremacist.  The whole world is sympathetic to the Sikh community.  This is not needed in a civilized society.  However, it is equally sad to hear that the Sikh community is pondering upon an idea to bear guns to avoid this type of incidents.  This raises two questions; are Sikhs thinking of bearing guns while visiting Gurudwaras also or are they just contemplating to have these guns for their personal safety in the street, at their home and work places?  If the latter is true, it may not be out of line.  There are so many people in the USA bearing guns - legally or illegally.  But if the former is true, then it is something to think about.  Sikh Gurudwaras or any other religious place where people go to seek divine peace and eventual salvation are very sacrosanct places.  Bearing guns or hoarding guns at such religious places will be in complete violation of the sanctity of these shrines.  Guns and religions need not to be mixed under one pretext or other.  ONE HOPES THAT THE SIKH COMMUNITY WILL THINK SOME OTHER AVENUES TO TACKLE THIS TYPE OF SITUATION INSTEAD OF ENCOURAGING AN IDEA OF PROLIFERATION OF GUNS.

Is Mr. Haqqani - the ex Pakistan's Ambassador to the USA - really saying that he is not aware if the military/ISI establishment was involved in hiding OBL near the fortified military area in Pakistan or is he trying to hear from the horse mouth if the Pakistani government was involved.  Mr. Haqqani, it is a well known fact that the Pakistani government was involved in this scenario.  Mr. Hamid Gul, the ex officer of ISI has claimed on the Pakistani TV that Mr. Musharraf knew the whereabouts of OBL even though Mr. Musharraf always claimed of having no knowledge of Mr. OBL being in Pakistan.  Mr. Haqqani ought to know that nothing moves in Pakistan without a green signal from the military/ISI.  The so called democracy in Pakistan is a mockery.  The elected leaders in Islamabad always dance on the tune of military/ISI nexus.  Not only Mr. Hamid Gul but many other officials affiliated with the military and diplomatic circle of Pakistan have affirmed on the public TV the covert involvement of the Pakistani government, military and ISI in helping Mr. OBL to reside in that area.  So, the world knows the truth.  Yes, Mr. Haqqani is right in asking the Pakistani government to come out with an official response and claim responsibility of this act.  DO THE LEADERS IN ISLAMABAD HAVE THE GUTS TO LISTEN TO WHAT MR. HAQQANI IS ASKING FOR?

The management committee of the Sikh Gurudwara in Joshimath in the state of Uttrakhand has shown a gesture which needs to be appreciated and admired by all  religious communities in the world.  The Muslim community in that city does not have a Mosque and on the occasion of Eid, the Sikh Gurudwara management committee offered their premises to the Muslims to recite their hymns and complete their Namaaz services.  Needless to say, the Muslim community was very grateful, and I am sure, the gesture of the Sikh community has sowed the seed of friendship between Sikhs and Muslims in that part of India.  This type of religious tolerance is required to remove the trust deficit among Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jews and Hindus.  India being a secular country has shown many a times this type of tolerance.  Can any Muslim country match this gesture?  May be not.  HENCE, THE NEED FOR THE MODERATE MUSLIM COMMUNITY TO PRESSURE THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS AND MULLAHS TO MEND THEIR WAYS OF PREACHING AND LIVING IN A CIVILIZED WORLD

This article about Hindus in Pakistan accepting Islam  willingly is very contradictory.  It is so ironic that this article on one hand states that the Hindus in Pakistan try to hide their identity by becoming Muslims so that they are not discriminated and then use a word 'willingly' converting to Islam.  Irrespective of what is happening to the Hindus, it is a very sad situation.  As the whole world knows, there is no law and order in Pakistan, Executive Branch does not listen to the Judiciary and militant groups are running the country predicated on their own volition, The other sad part of this scenario is that the government authorities are cognizant of the fact of what is happening to the minorities, especially the Hindus, but no remedial action is enforced.  I guess now it is incumbent upon the Indian government to help the Hindu families in Pakistan and expedite their migration to India.  IT IS A QUESTION OF THEIR SURVIVAL AND EXTENDING A HELPING HAND IS INDEED REQUIRED.

This memoir of a Hindu girl is one of the sad stories we all have heard, read and witnessed in a Pakistan society - a society that is led by fanatics, outlawed and radicalized group of people.  The leaders of militant groups roam around with full impunity in Pakistan and, due to devoid of law and order situation, they are perpetrating all kinds of cruelties and tortures on non-Muslim community.  This is the result of misinterpretation of Koran's message about human beings.  Koran teaches love all human beings, but Mullahs mesmerize and brainwash their audience by preaching wrong message of Koran.  Unfortunately, no one in the audience has the courage to question the mullahs preaching wrong messages with the result the whole Muslim community gets misguided about its dealing with the rest of the world.  Hence, the problem faced by the non-Muslims.  It is very sad, but there is no immediate solution.  The only solution is to change the thinking of 1.2 billion Muslims in the world which is insurmountable and long term task.  I don't think it is doable in our life time.  The only way it is doable is to change regimes in a few countries - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran - confiscate their available oil assets and establish moderate governments short of any long term war.  ARE THE WESTERN NATIONS READY TO PROMPT THIS ACTION FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY KEEPING ASIDE THE POLITICAL AND SELFISH MOTIVES?

Pakistan, for the last few decades, has tried all sorts of tricks to create chaotic situation in India, but failed.  Now if it is relying on the cyber war to achieve its mission, one wonders why India is so confused and worried.  India ought to expect any means from Pakistan to disrupt the economic and social fabric of India.  By the way, I don't think Pakistan has that kind of cyber warfare intelligence.  Pakistan is doing it with the  Chinese blessings.  The author is right in insinuating and advising the Indian government to keep its counter cyber warfare machinery ready 24/7 instead of blaming Pakistan.  Needless to say, India is one of the leading countries in IT and it should utilize that intelligence to its advantage whether to use it what Pakistan is doing against India or to really affect Pakistan's military and nuke power establishments.  Gandhiji had said that 'means justify ends' - unfortunately, that time is gone.  When you are at war, declared or implied, any means to accomplish your goal is justified.  AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS WORLD LISTENS TO THOSE ONLY WHO HAVE THE POWER

What the US government is insinuating needs to be considered very seriously.  Needless to say that India and USA have a common enemy - China.  China's increasing economic and military might is evincing an hegemonic attitude in South Asian region.  China has declared openly not to allow any foreign ships in the South East Asian sea area.  Hence, all the neighboring countries - Vietnam, Philippines,Indonesia etc. are feeling deprived of not being able to explore the sea bed for natural resources.  China believes in 'might is right' theory and flexing its muscle to achieve its long term goal to expand its territorial appetite.  India should know this too well because China has objected to the drilling contract Indian company was awarded in that area.  Yes, India has come a long way from 1962 scenario as respects to strengthening its defenses, but it still is no match to the Chinese military establishment.  HENCE, A NEED TO HAVE A STRONG DEFENSE AGREEMENT WITH A SUPER POWER.

''What Tehrik-e-Taliban leaders are saying is something the leaders in Islamabad should pay heed to. It is not just a matter of attacking an air base or destroying public property, the T-e-T leaders have a bigger agenda and that is to convert Pakistan as a caliphate state. TeT leaders move in the country with full impunity, destroy public property without any kind of hitch, killing innocent people without any hard feelings. One wonders why there is no counter action on the part of Pakistani police or military. Are they incompetent? If not, one can only conclude that these TeT leaders have the blessings of politicians, military/ISI and the police. These TeT leaders operate modern equipments presumably supplied by the military which further corroborates the collusion between the nexus of military/ISI and the outlawed groups. Islamabad should understand that these outlawed groups are not friendly to Pakistan and their main motive is to radicalize the whole nation. WAKE UP PAKISTAN.''

The new Prime Minister of Pakistan is boasting of  freedom of human rights in Pakistan and blames the media of his country of not showing the positive things happening in Pakistan.  Mr. Ashraf has been put on the PM throne recently, but has lived in Pakistan all his life.  One would like to question him what type of freedom of human rights is he referring to.  Is he professing the forced Hindu females being married to the Muslim families, is he talking about forceful conversion of non-Muslims to Islam, is he accepting the torture and rape of Hindu females in his country as the main ingredients of his so called freedom of human rights?  Recent outflow of Hindus from Pakistan to India and the narrative of their miserable tales in the hands of Pakistani government is a live example of what type of human rights prevail in Pakistan.  Mr. Ashraf should check the history of his country in the arena of human rights before making baseless statements.

What Mr. Zardari is saying in his independence message is just an eye wash, a political statement just to appease the public.  Mr. Zardari is indicating people-to-people contacts between India and Pakistan as well as normalizing the procedure of issuance of visas for their citizens.  What Mr. Zardari is not acknowledging is that India is already doing it.  Pakistan's film actors, comedians, singers and movie makers are already working in India.  India does not prohibit their visits.  Can Mr. Zardari claim the same for Pakistan?  Of course not.  Why, because the government in Pakistan is dancing on the tune of militant groups which do not want any amelioration of relationship between the two countries.  Mr. Zardari is stressing again and again to open up dialogues to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan.  These kind of statements and dialogues have been going on since 1947 - nothing constructive has come out of it.  What kind of dialogues Mr. Zardari is indicating?  It is beyond my comprehension.  The picture of relationship between India and Pakistan is very dismal and only a strong leadership in Pakistan can save it.  The leaders in Pakistan have to eradicate the influence of militant groups, change the organizational chart of ISI and the military, earmark the resources  for the welfare of its citizens instead of making bombs, improve the infrastructure and  build manufacturing facilities which will eventually improve the economic condition of Pakistan.  IS MR. ZARDARI INTERESTED IN TAKING THESE STEPS?