Great Game East

The term ‘Great Game’ was coined to describe the rivalry between the Imperial Britain and the Tsarist Russia for control or influence in the Karakoram. Various explorers, surveyors and army officers, both the British and Russians were roaming the area. This game ended when boundaries were defined and the British left India. It spilled over to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The term ‘New Great Game’ was coined for the conflict between Russian and China and western powers for control of the Central Asia.

The author has coined the term ‘Great Game East’ for the new conflict played out in Asia, in eastern Indian borders. Three countries involved are China, Burma and India. They are so much in proximity of each other that at one point, tri-junction at Diphu La, their border meet. Several expeditions and explorers moved freely across this pass and roamed in three countries. These explorers include the Swedish born Lintner and his Shan wife from Burma. In 1985 they undertook an eighteen month, 2275 km overland journey from the northeastern India, across the northern rebel-held areas of Burma to China. This journey is covered in his first book Land of Jade. Thus author is well qualified to observe and comment on the rivalries between three great powers.

The power centre has now shifted to the east, between India, China and Burma. This game is played in the foothills of the Himalaya and it effects the range and beyond. The Chinese move to extend its boundaries led to war with India in 1962. After descending almost to the plains of Assam they withdrew in face of oncoming winter. That was almost the last war in the area. But they kept alive their claim on entire Arunachal Pradesh. With the presence of the strong Indian army any further military ventures were now not possible for China. Thus began the low intensity ‘wars’ to ferment local discontent. Caused due to local aspirations and inept handling by the government in Delhi, these movements were harbinger for a long term conflicts. The author considers such conflicts in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. They started as most violent movements and the first two are still festering. The Chinese are involved in this game by way of money, weapons and support. In Burma there was a constant conflict of interest between China and India due to presence of oil and its strategic position. India went out its way to support military dictators ruling Burma. Indian diplomats visited Burma and the Burmese government extended support to keep Indian rebels in check in their territories. In a unique picture the Burmese dictator, who had killed many, was shown offering flowers on the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace. Each side was appeasing the other.

In 1971 Bangladesh was created out of war between India and Pakistan. Thousands of Muslim Chakma refugees migrated to neighboring Assam throwing this Hindu state in turmoil. Soon support was extends to both conflicting sides by China and Burma. Many leaders of separatist groups were trained in the Burmese territories by China while India watched. Thus waters were muddy on all sides by now.

The author describes the above conflicts in detail with all the mechanism of different groups and their interactions. In last chapters he considers the Great Game East in the Indian Ocean where the conflict of interest continues. The area located at the strategic crossroads of Southeast Asia has a major bearing for peace of the area and for the world. This a good reference for anyone who wishes to understand the political future of the continent and as it effects the eastern Himalaya.

Harish Kapadia