A book on Indo-China relations titled ‘Shadow of the Dragon and Recent Developments’ by senior Sikkim-based journalist Amalendu Kundu was released during a programme in Gangtok on Monday.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling released the book in the presence of the author, Major General (Retd) KK Ganguly, India Tibet Sahakari Manch patron Indresh Kumar and the publisher Pradip K. Chaudhary.
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The programme was organized by the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS).
The book chronicles the Indo-China relations from the time of Panchsheel policy of Jawaharlal Nehru till the Doklam issue of 2017. It delves on various issues pertinent to Sikkim and the adjoining areas close to the China border.
Poets Foundation has published the 399 pages book which also has old photographs. The book was earlier released in Kolkata on February 4, earlier this year.
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Amalendu Kundu worked as a journalist in Sikkim for over four decades since 1977. He was last posted as the Sikkim correspondent of The Times of India.
The author said the book is based on Sikkim and recalled his journalistic experiences in the state.
Major General Ganguly recalled his long association with Sikkim while serving the armed forces and lauded Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s role in the transformation of the State. Questioning neighbouring China’s intentions, Ganguly said most Indians don’t know the actual border situations but are secure due to the armed forces guarding the frontiers. He added that it is crucial for the country to know the ground realities of border States by reading the book.
Indresh Kumar, in his address, called for a cautious approach on China’s expansionist policy and boycott use of Chinese goods in the country. “China was never a natural neighbour of India,” he stated.
Ministers Ugen T. Gyatso Bhutia and Somnath Poudyal, Lok Sabha MP PD Rai, MLAs Shyam Pradhan, Pintso Chopel Lepcha, Gangtok mayor Shakti Singh Chaudhary, officials, civil society members, litterateurs and journalists were also present on the occasion.