Whispers of the Dragon Written by Ilmaz Syed
Published by- The Café Table (ISBN : 978-93-89873-62-7) January 2024
This Article is written by Col. Rajiv Kumar Srivastava – Defence Commentator
47th International Bool Fair at Kolkata added a new book on intangible impact of China in the sensitive and fragile society of North Eastern states of India. Ilmaz Syed, a prominent news anchor of Kolkata, dusted his notebook covering nostalgic odyssey to the North Eastern borderlands in November 2022 titled, Whispers of the Dragon. One of the most unique aspects of this book has been his truthful reporting on common people, of the places and the situations that needs to understood if one wants to fully understand the complexities of the region and degree of Chinese influence in their day-to-day activities. Unorthodox reporting or subject treatment of common residents through whom trail of logistics of army passes towards the Line of actual Control (LAC) with Tibet Autonomous Region or border areas with Myanmar was not attempted before as main emphasis of media were always on the place of trans border incidents involving armies or non state actors. Another uniqueness of this book is that it does not follow a set narrative involving 4 W ( When, Where, What , Which) and one H ( How).
For military operation planners at national level this book is invaluable for Human Terrain Analysis, a very important aspect of Info or Influence Operations (IIO) of 5th Generation Information Warfare (IW). Fifth Generation Warfare is not about the technology alone but indomitable spirit of men who fight for every inch of their motherland and safeguard their sovereignty with last drop of their blood and breath. Psychological Operations, an important component of IW ,of World Wars now under high technological conditions has changed and Human Terrain Analysis covering psychological build up of citizens in support of nation cause needs no introduction. In India, systematic studies have been slow and more time are allotted to military aspects and national level political acrimonies for incidents at the sensitive border areas with China. If certain quantum of dissatisfaction against democratically elected government of state or centre persists in the border areas town and society for longer duration, then it impairs cultural vibrancy in the society, a root cause of harmful unrest. Ilmaz has attempted to gauge mood of people by interacting with a large diaspora which included cultural artists, reporters, village heads, students, teachers, guides, self-help group, NGOs , retired servicemen and even tea vendors. His notebook brings out very encouraging positive outlook of citizens towards their soldiers. They exude their unflinching confidence in defence capabilities. Ilmaz Syed uses his reporting integrity to showcase his experience truthfully which becomes primary source of input for conclusion to be drawn by the user. Thus, this book also serves as datum point of the region to calibrate its happiness and ethnic based cultural liveliness which has somehow got disturbed in May 2023. It will be prudent for Ilmaz to revisit those areas and actually see the margin of prevailing bitterness which may again be basis for national policy makers to induce remedial measures,
Narrative is set in four parts , each dealing with exclusively subject. In the first part Ilmaz physically travels towards Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh but his mind races to his presence and interactions with young servicemen guarding inhospitable heights of Himalayas. He even goes on patrolling to experience first hand account of LAC. He took into account laments of young grazier Tenzin at Doklam in Sikkim. First hand account of skirmishes with China narrated by ex serviceman soldier in Sikkim has been heart-warming. He beautifully linked and crafted a literary bridge full of personal recall of valour and hardship experienced by soldiers and middle level officers. His interaction with two women officer in Sikkim also highlighted their valiant actions in harsh conditions.
In Part two, Ilmaz Syed travelled to Manipur, Nagaland and did a shallow crossing to Myanmar through border town of Moreh. His description of the region is more prosaic. His narrative is not a chronology of historical events or terrorism. He appears to be wielding a mike and going among common people seeking their life experiences in day to day affairs. He highlights lurking danger of drug trafficking menace in the society. He has been proved to be prophetic in pointing out informal trade as root cause of present-day turmoil in the society. His vivid description of an evening in a tribal village or dance attributes in a cultural academy is very lively. Readers gets easily connected to the folk activities. Ilmaz reflects his intellectual powers by offering his observations in part Three .He sliced the society in groups and offer his findings on impact of protracted terrorism on the society. Almost everyone blames past bout of terrorism as waste. They exude confidence for a bright future. In conclusive part Four, Ilmaz expresses his confidence in capabilities of sentinels in Himalayas mitigating intangible impact of Chinese IIO in the region.
Ilmaz had access to operational sensitive areas where photography is strictly prohibited probably that may be the reason for absence of visuals which he successfully compensated through his lucid, simple and melodious flow of words. Those who had the opportunities to walk through the region will be able to connect the places and build up appropriate mosaic. Recommended for all defence libraries, sociologists, educational institutes and for those who have interest in security related reporting of the region.
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