Narayan, who had so far been a local newspaper reporter, had started to write political articles. This one was about the tensions at the border – ‘Will Nehru be in trouble because of his ego? And with him, his India?’

‘Can you write like this about our Prime Minister?’ Pulok asked.

‘Everyone seems to be using this tone now. Read it and tell me what you think.’

Will Nehru be in trouble because of his ego? And with him, his India?

At this moment this is a major question for which many Indians want an answer. Nehru’s latest statement and the news published in the media relating to defence makes us feel that we are going towards that possibility.

The border skirmishes between the two countries are creating a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction among the general public. Questions began to arise over the determination, foresight and commitment of the leadership of our state.

On 11 October, at Nehru’s behest a meeting was convened with the top brass of the defence establishment. Defence Minister V. K. Krishna Menon, the chiefs of the Army and Air Force, the members of the Cabinet, the secretaries of the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, the director of the Intelligence Bureau, B. N. Mullik, and other important personalities including B. M. Kaul were present.

Nehru had a discussion with Lt General Kaul, the commander of the ‘Four Corps’ formed to oust the Chinese intruders from the eastern sector of the Indian border, and Lt General L. P. Sen, the general officer of the eastern command, regarding the present situation and the defence arrangements.

According to the media, Kaul, who is stationed at the operational headquarters of the Four Corps in Tezpur, has been studying the ground situation. General Sen also surveyed the current situation in the NEFA area and Lt General Umrao Singh spent a night in the forward positions at the NEFA border as well. It has been reported that these higher-ups of the army had already informed Nehru in detail about the situation at the NEFA border. It is known that the information which was given to Nehru was totally different from what he had been getting before that. It is also known that after he was informed about the actual position, Nehru paused to rethink for the first time.

It is clear that the position of the Indian defence at the border is not favourable for India. When it comes to communication, arms and ammunition, and even more minor issues like proper clothing and food, India is not in an advantageous position. If India takes an offensive stance and tries to oust the Chinese soldiers, China may retaliate in both the eastern and western sectors.

After discussing the issue with the higher-ups Nehru had decided to maintain the present position. Nehru had also decided that India would not take an aggressive stance to oust the Chinese soldiers from the north of the Namka Chu river.