Gen Kuldip Bajwa’s fifth book- ‘Pakistan War: Military Triumph and Political Failure’…

Gen Kuldip Bajwa’s fifth book- ‘Pakistan War: Military Triumph and Political Failure’...

by staff reporter

 Gen Kuldip Bajwa’s fifth book- ‘Pakistan War: Military Triumph and Political Failure’, unveiled by General VP Malik

Releasing Maj Gen Kuldip Singh Bajwa’s fifth book ‘Pakistan War: Military Triumph and Political Failure’, General VP Malik, former Chief of the Army Staff regretted the absence of a viable, robust strategic culture in the country… The book launch took place at the India International Centre, New Delhi today, in front of a distinguished audience including writers and analysts on defence and strategic affairs.

While releasing the book, General Malik praised the book and said that, “General Bajwa’s writing style is commendable. I fully endorse General Bajwa’s views regarding political failures in earlier wars starting from 1947-48. What has impressed me is General Bajwa’s analytical and objective abilities and his perceptive praise as well as criticism of the political and military leadership of the time.” All in all, he felt this was a most useful addition to a deeper understanding of the strategic implications of geopolitical decisions.

Mr Maroof Raza, General Editor, military affairs services, presided over this function. In his remarks he said, “Across India, the media, a number of academics and intellectuals have started to debate issues of national security and military affairs, especially so in an era when India faces and fights terrorism unleashed by Pakistan. General Bajwa’s book is an important addition to the start of this healthy tradition in the country. I would strongly recommend this book to all serious students of military affairs and geopolitics.”

The author, Maj Gen KS Bajwa said, “The political executive failed to assess the long-term significance of the conflict on the geo-strategic dynamics of the Indian subcontinent. Such a lacuna exists till date in our strategic thinking at the highest level.” He said that is why he felt the need to write this book.

Explaining his work, General Bajwa said that, the “Indian strategic dynamics to tackle the profoundly adverse impact of Pakistan’s military crackdown in East Pakistan on Indian national security and to overcome it the employment of Indian military power as a vital instrument of state policy have been critically examined. Before embarking on this study I had solemnly resolved to get at the truth without sparing reputations of the participants in the historic events of 1971.”

In the 1971 War, General Bajwa felt that the perfect co-ordination achieved by the Armed Forces under the dynamic leadership of General Sam Maneckshaw, the then Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, was largely responsible for the victory. This was made possible by a political leadership in the shape of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and her political colleagues who backed up their considered decisions to the hilt.

The book has been favourably reviewed by eminent military historians and thinkers. General Raj Mehta, while calling, “The book an insightful read” has further appreciated the sequencing as well characterisation in the book. Further he said, “I think the coverage is succinct and to the point and the military deductions objective.”

Major General Rajendra Nath, noted military writer, has called the book, “an interesting, well-woven account… The book logically analyses the territorial strategic considerations, including the terrain, before dealing with the war. The Indian strategic operational design was of attacking East Pakistan simultaneously from all sides on to achieve a quick victory, which it did. While analysing various important battles the author first discusses plans of opposing commanders, then describes the way the battles were fought and, finally, gives his assessment. He is quite frank in praising successful commanders and equally critical of those who did not conduct the battles properly… It is a well written book on the 1971 India-Pakistan war and should make a good addition to any library.”

The book has been published by Har Anand Publications.

Author: sarkarimirror