Diplomat’s Arrest – A Political Scheme

Gul-e- Rana

            Ambassadorial duties demand high degree of professionalism, strong moral fiber and committed posture to personify the national character and the state the concerned diplomat is representing. In addition these selected individuals called diplomats must be sharp enough to acclimatize with the political, social and cultural environment of the host country for better communication impact. The diplomatic interactive sessions, however, are required to be held in a frank and friendly manner according top priority to the human values, ethical norms and social moorings of the host country. Developing mutual intimacy among humans (diplomats) and understanding view points / pledges based on principled positions of host country, seem to be the normal outcomes. Showing sense of accommodation, tolerance, mutual respect and dignity contribute in putting across the lines of persuasions dictated by their political governments in their homelands. Involving diplomats in political schemes to draw advantages against the targeted countries is totally unfair and bizarre. Such tactics is used when country concerned has developed aggressive designs against the host country.

            Unfortunately, India has started a new drama in which a junior diplomat Madhuri Gupta, who was working as a Second Secretary in the information service of Indian embassy, in Islamabad has been arrested on charges of spying against her own country (India) and passing valuable information to Pakistani intelligence officer. She was summoned by Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the pretext of discussions over SAARC summit, being held in Thimphu, Bhutan. On arrival at New Delhi she was arrested by special investigators and handed over to police for facing a joint probe by police and home ministry detectives. She has also been charged with violating India’s Official Secret Act which carries a jail term for 14 years.

            Reportedly Ms. Gupta has confessed that she being a spinster had developed intimacy with a Pakistani intelligence officer named Rana who might have indirectly extracted some information from her. This appears to be a simple confession of a romantic relationship rather than divulging valuable information wittingly to her Pakistani contact. Never mind her 53 years of age, (she must be an extraordinary attractive figure) especially when the purpose is to build a sex scandal to defame ISI and Pakistan.

            No doubt it is an internal matter of India and disposal of a government official for breaking certain items of Official Secret Act of India using penal court procedures would have been the normal course of action. The question is as to why did India decide to media projection of a junior diplomat who probably had no or least access to information of strategic importance? Timing of using media campaign against Ms Gupta coincided with SAARC summit where Prime Minister of Pakistan was likely to have a face to face meeting with his Indian counter part. Hence the aim was to sabotage the SAARC summit by indicating to Indian Prime Minister to avoid any commitment on resumption of composite dialogue with Pakistan. As a good statesman Mr. Manmohan Singh listens to the rational arguments and logical reasoning behind any issue and gives good decisions. He understands that resolution of core issues of Kashmir and water between India and Pakistan are the key to development and progress in South Asia. Unfortunately Indian establishment and hardliner political pundits follow the narrow mind-set and insular Hindutva philosophy which is absolutely anti Pakistan. In fact Indian extremist elements including Establishment / RAW / IB / BJP / RSS / VHP / Bajrang Dal are so strong that they virtually dictate terms to the Indian Prime Minister who is a visionary leader with a serious sense of purpose and cosmopolitan nature. By going to the media Indian extremist elements not only succeeded in creating a fresh case against ISI / Pakistan, but also achieved political mileage against Pakistan by targeting a junior level diplomat. Such negative political schemes are dangerous for Indian internal stability and her external good will.

            Some analysts are of the view that Ms Gupta is an independent thinker who is intellectually sophisticated and socially accommodative. She disagreed with the irrational and intransigent stance of Indian government on Mumbai attacks and terrorism. She also stood convinced that composite dialogue between India and Pakistan must start as soon as possible. She understood that avoiding negotiations between India and Pakistan will remain a destabilizing factor in the region. She is probably being punished for her rational thinking and for maintaining a dissenting viewpoint on critical issues such as fake drama of Mumbai attacks and avoiding negotiations with Pakistan. This is not the first example of Indian coercion used against her own officials. In fact Hindutva ideology spreads only through intimidation and oppressive techniques.