‘Nehru made a statement in Colombo that there could not be the slightest doubt, historically and factually, that the territories occupied by the Chinese belonged to India. Even if the Chinese did have any claim to such territory, aggression was not the means of upholding it … Mr Nehru said that it was extremely difficult to deal with the Chinese. “Each time we move about in our own territory, the Chinese keep on sending us protest notes saying that we have trespassed onto their territory,” Mr Nehru said. “China has seized about 12,000 square miles in the Ladakh area, but not much in the north-east. But if we do not stop them, they will march further and further.” He added, “Our mentality is opposed to this military conflict. Apart from the fact that it is a burden on India and we have to try and build up our country, we are not interested in fighting.” He also commented that in a treaty between China and Burma, the Chinese also have, in effect, agreed to the continuation of the McMahon Line as the border of Burma. He said, “I think that applies to India, too. It is the same borderline.” On the other hand, the New China News Agency claimed yesterday that two more Indian planes flew over Chinese territory. The agency alleged that the first plane flew over the Migyitun area of the Tibet region, repeatedly circled over and reconnoitred the sentry post and the areas behind it, before flying off. The report followed a Chinese protest to India about aggression on their border and a warning that Chinese troops will surely continue to strike back resolutely if it continued. Against that, in a protest note India has said that the allegation was totally baseless and no air space violation had occurred.’

Ali took out a packet of cigarettes. Pulling out one for himself and offering another to Thakur Prasad, he asked, ‘What news have you brought? How come I haven’t seen you for a couple of days?’

‘It wouldn’t be right for me to come every day.’

‘Why?’

‘The Chinese in Cheenapatti have perhaps guessed that I give you inside information. They look at me with red eyes. They have bad motives, sir.’

‘What is new about that? They already know that you are our man.’

‘That is true. Everyone knows that I go to you with cases of dacoity and theft. They always say that I am a government agent. But now whenever they see me, they stop talking.’

‘Do you have any new information?’ Ali asked, trying to mask his irritation.

‘Yes. Last night, three or four Chinese men came to C Hoi’s house, sir. They came quietly like thieves. I went to find out who they were but they wouldn’t let me enter, the son of a …’ Thakur paused and looked at Ali innocently, trying to gauge his reaction.

‘Is it? Who were they?’