“Lost Without a Fight: How Congress Gifted 828 Sq Km of Indian Land to Pakistan in 1968" - Trikaal Voice

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“Lost Without a Fight: How Congress Gifted 828 Sq Km of Indian Land to Pakistan in 1968" - Trikaal Voice

I. Introduction

In the annals of post-independence Bharat's history, the Rann of Kutch arbitration of 1968 stands out as a stark reminder of how military victory can be undermined by political weakness and foreign appeasement. Despite India's successful repulsion of Pakistani forces in the 1965 skirmish, the Congress-led government under Indira Gandhi ceded 828 sq km of strategically crucial land to Pakistan—a move that was opposed by the entire Parliament but executed unilaterally. This Article explores the historical background, the tribunal process, and the national betrayal.


II. Historical Background

1. The Rann of Kutch – A Disputed Land

  • The Rann of Kutch, located in present-day Gujarat, is a vast salt marsh bordering Pakistan's Sindh province.

  • Its borders were vaguely demarcated by the British colonial authorities. Post-Partition, Pakistan laid claim to parts of the Rann, claiming historical ownership.

2. Pakistani Aggression: Operation Desert Hawk (April 1965)

  • In April 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Desert Hawk, a military intrusion aimed at capturing the disputed territories, particularly Biar Bet, Kanjarkot, and Chhad Bet.

  • India responded swiftly. Under the command of General Harbaksh Singh and Indian Army units, Pakistan was decisively repelled, with Indian troops successfully holding most of the contested area.

III. The Tribunal and the Betrayal (1965–1968)

1. The International Tribunal Agreement

  • Despite military success, under British mediation, India agreed to settle the matter via an international tribunal.

  • On 7 October 1965, both sides decided to submit to arbitration.

  • The tribunal consisted of:

    • Nasrollah Entezam (Pakistan’s nominee – Iranian ex-Foreign Minister)

    • Ales Bebler (India’s nominee – Yugoslav jurist)

    • Gunnar Lagergren (Chairman – Sweden, nominated by the UN Secretary-General)



2. The Verdict – 19 February 1968

  • The tribunal awarded 828 square kilometers to Pakistan, including Kanjarkot and Chhad Bet.

  • This was roughly 10% of the total disputed territory Pakistan had claimed.

  • India accepted the verdict without protest—despite holding those regions militarily during and after the conflict.

[Source: Official tribunal summary – Page 37, RESTRICTED Document]
 “It however awarded to Pakistan an area of about 828 sq km, which included the Kanjarkot and Chhad Bet areas...”

IV. Nationalist Opposition

1. Whole Parliament Opposed It

  • Reports from that time and subsequent political recollections confirm that the Indian Parliament across parties opposed the decision, demanding retention of Indian territory defended by the Army.

  • Yet Indira Gandhi’s government proceeded, citing international diplomacy and peacekeeping.

2. A Diplomatic Surrender Post Military Victory

  • Nationalists termed it a “diplomatic surrender”.

  • Swatantra Party, Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and even Congress MPs objected, stating:


     “What is the point of our jawans sacrificing their lives if the government gifts away territory through foreign arbitrators?”


V. Aftermath & Lessons

1. No Strategic Gains

  • Unlike the 1971 war, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, the Kutch arbitration brought no strategic or political benefit to India.

  • It weakened India's stance in future conflicts—especially during the Simla Agreement (1972) where again India gave up leverage (93,000 POWs) without settling Kashmir.

2. A Pattern of Appeasement

  • The loss of 828 sq km in 1968 set a precedent:

    • China: 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin (1950s–60s)

    • Pakistan: 5,180 sq km in Shaksgam Valley (1963, Pak-China deal)

    • Rann of Kutch: 828 sq km (1968, under Congress)

  • This pattern reflects a strategic surrender of Bharatiya civilizational space in favor of Western validation and misplaced peace diplomacy.


VI. Conclusion: A Forgotten Betrayal

The Rann of Kutch arbitration is a forgotten but deeply consequential betrayal in India's post-independence history. Indira Gandhi, often hailed as the “Iron Lady,” failed the test of national courage by surrendering territory that had been defended with blood and honor.

Nationalist Reawakening demands that we revisit such events—not to dwell on the past, but to build a more assertive, civilizationally-conscious Bharat Mata, where no inch of Her sacred land is ever bartered away.


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