SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar here on July 12 released a book, “The McMohan Line: A Century of Discord”, authored by General J.J. Singh (Retd), the first Sikh General elevated to Chief of the Indian Army, at the Raj Bhavan here.
This is Gen JJ Singh's second book after his first book is his autobiography, A Soldiers General". The book deals with India-China relations and boundary issue. It was launched in 2019.
The Book has received accolades from reviewers, with many terming the book as a "seminal work on Indo-China relations". Gen Singh was conferred the Legion d 'Honneur', one of the highest decoration by the President of France.
General J.J. Singh served as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh from 2008-2013 and Chief of Army Staff from January 31,2005 to 30 September 2007. This book is based on his experiences and research on the India-China border dispute while he was in the army.
Governor said this book gives strategic insights into the border dispute and how should we prepare for it.
General J.J. Singh has given his experience, research and practical knowledge through the book which could prove beneficial, he said.
He said this country is capable of solving any problem and we are fully prepared to face any difficulty.
The book is a window into how we see history, to which General J.J. Singh deserves appreciation, he said.
Governor said people know little about McMahon line, while there is enough to hear about it.
He said that a solution is possible only through dialogue between India and China.
He said that India's history has always been of believing in dialogue. “Our tradition has been that of peace, he added.
Arlekar said even today we want to solve such problems peacefully. But if someone attacks us, we know how to retaliate, he added.
He said General J.J. Singh has written a book on a sensitive issue. The book has laid emphasis on the politics, history, structure and geography of the McMahon Line area.
The book has uncovered many interesting aspects that are still relevant to the ongoing negotiations on the diplomatic front.
Governor said the book would be liked by readers and show the way towards the resolution of the conflict.
General J.J. Singh revealed that the book is based on six years of study and research on the India-China border dispute.
A short film related to the McMahon Line was also screened on the occasion. Lt. Gen. Pradeep Bali also spoke on the occasion.
Gen Singh has been awarded with an Achiever Award by the Punjab Government in 2019 on the historic occasion of 550 years of Parkash Diwas of Guru Nanak Devji for his meritorious services to Indian Army. Gen Singh had joined Shiromani Akali Dal of Parkash Singh Badal in 2017.
He contested Punjab state assembly election against Capt Amarinder Singh from Patiala Urban unsuccessfully. he left SAD in 2018 and joined BJP in January, 2022.
Gen Singh is married to Anupama Singh, a renowned painter. He has a son and a daughter.
