LETTER FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF

Chinese Dragon continues to play dirty games in India’s Eastern Sector particularly bordering Arunachal Pradesh. Ever since, India fought war with China in 1962, Chinese government is behaving as if Arunachal Pradesh belongs to them. Today, India is much stronger than what it was in 1962. It has improved its Defence capabilities and infrastructure in the bordering areas. The speed with which infrastructure is being constructed has caused pain in the stomach of China. Thus, the PLA has escalated its presence in three sectors in Tawang which are Lungrola, Zimithang and Bumla. Our cover story this month “Chinese Dragon Cometh” gives you an insight into the issues with reference to Arunachal Pradesh.

This month we have carried an article on the formation of new QUAD forged by the USA, India, Israel and the UAE, which focus on trade, climate change, energy and maritime security- all emphasized by the more established Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among Australia, India, Japan and the United States formed in 2007. The so-called new Quad is not as focused on countering China’s rise as the original one, its future trajectory is uncertain on it. That does not mean China is a nonfactor in the arrangement. The United States likely sees the Quad as an opportunity to convince Israel and the UAE to wean themselves off Chinese investment. That goal dovetails with India’s interest, as it would welcome a reduced Chinese footprint in a region where it is keen to expand its experience. India’s joining the new Quad first reflects a desire to play a greater role on the world stage besides engaging more deeply with the Middle-East countries and to strengthen cooperation with the United States. India sees Middle East as strategically significant as it depends heavily on its energy imports and nearly 9 million Indian workers live in the Persian Gulf. Also Israel & UAE each boast advantages that can benefit India. Already a major arms supplier to India, Israel also has cutting edge agricultural technologies that could help enhance water management. Meanwhile, the UAE can provide India with much needed infrastructure financing. Therefore, the recent Quad is more of rooted in cooperation rather than competition with the dragon one.

In Meghalaya, the Khasi Community has a very unique tradition. According to this tradition, only the youngest of the house is the custodian and owner of the property. She also has the responsibility to look after the family. A bill has been tabled to change this tradition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). The bill aims to amend the traditional law and provide equitable distribution of wealth among all the members of the family, including male and female.

Dr. K.K.Jhunjhunwala