Baruah returned with the newspaper in his hand and, pointing to an article, said, ‘Listen to this, I’ll read it out to you. A New China News Agency report alleged that Indian troops on 10 October attacked Chinese Frontier Guards in Southern Tibet and inflicted eleven casualties. The news agency said that the Chinese Frontier Guards near Chihtung were compelled to hit back and the battle was still continuing. According to China, in the Chedong area which is north of the so-called McMahon Line, the Indian Army has intruded and established a few posts in the north of the Kechilang River and injured Chinese oldiers near Chihtung. To maintain its position and in self-defence, the Chinese troops were compelled to retaliate. In the protest note delivered to our government, China said that if India did not stop armed aggression immediately, China would certainly take necessary action for self-defence. India will have to take complete responsibility for all the consequences.’

‘Why should India take responsibility? Has India attacked China? They have crossed the McMahon Line and set up posts on Indian soil. They have fired at our soldiers,’ one of the guests said angrily.

‘You say that in such a way as if you have visited the border. Who knows what is happening actually!’ a CPI worker shot back.

‘What do you mean to say? China has not attacked us?’ another guest confronted the CPI worker.

‘Why do you get agitated whenever we criticize China?’

‘When did I get agitated? Can’t I say what I feel? If I can’t share this with you who else do I go to?’

‘That’s true. But it is high time to shed our sympathy for the Chinese.’

‘But Nehru himself has not withdrawn his sympathy for China. He is still talking about discussion. He should have already expelled the Chinese troops from Indian soil. China occupied Longju long back, in 1959. Chinese troops returned after that, but India did not reoccupy Longju. Even if they haven’t reoccupied, they should have been alert. India should have realized that those who have attacked once might do so again.’

‘Baruah is right. These days I too feel irritated at the sight of these Chinese. China has been disturbing us at the border and these Chinese are silent.’

‘What are you saying? What can they do? Who will listen to them? They are Chinese Indians.’

‘Indian? How do you know?’

‘If not Indian, then what? We’ve seen them here since we were born. They have been here since much before Independence. Those who have been living here since before 1947 will naturally be Indians.’

‘Not all of them were here before Independence. I have heard now and then that the Chinese are still coming, though less in number.’

‘Don’t advocate on their behalf. These are bad times. You can never tell what might happen.’