India- Bangladesh Accord: A historical opportunity for North-East India

Even though I was on a blogging sabbatical, I could not resist when I heard about the India-Bangladesh accord.

This is a historic opportunity for the North-East India that has lagged behind primarily because of geography. Readers may go through this article to understand how beyond the Chickens Neck area, a different world exists.
Prior to 1965 war, India had transit rights over East Pakistan. But even after 1971 they were not given.

I am not going into the details of the benefits to both countries as it has already been widely written. Here are two articles - 1 and 2 that sum it up. But ofcourse, there are no free lunches. India would need to pay high transit fees. This may also give higher bargaining power to Bangladesh vis-a-vis Water disputes. But is that really a price too much? I think not as economic growth could finally bring an end to the insurgency in the region.

Sabbatical

Hello Readers,
I am sorry to say that I am taking an indefinite blogging sabbatical. I am not in the right frame of mind to continue this blog. I hope I shall return soon, but can't promise. I have thoroughly enjoyed here.


- Sandy

Interesting Reading

Here are two interesting articles.

The first article appeared in the Pakistani Newspaper Dawn. It start by stating that in Pakistan prayer are offered before any commercial aircraft takes off. There after it reveals how Delhi Airport is today under serious risk because of a construction of 80-foot statue of Lord Shiva. The article goes on to give similar examples on how religious fundamentalism is growing in India.

The second article is by senior journalist Swapan Dasgupta . He has praised Narendra Modi and his policies. He points out how and why Modi's latest compulsory voting bill can reduce money power and block voting in politics. He also points out how the "Indian of the Year" awards are given and why Narendra Modi would never get it even though he usually gets high number of votes by the public.