In his letter on Friday, Mr. Gowda, while stating that he fully appreciates the Prime Minister\u2019s decision to call for a meeting of Opposition leaders to discuss the India-China situation and to ensure a bipartisan environment for discussions, urged that \u201cnationalist rhetoric should be toned down\u201d in order to ensure that the matter is not escalated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Mr. Gowda also warned the government against encouraging \u201creactionary language of economic boycott\u201d which can have deep implications. \u201cWe should here be guided by pragmatism,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking of media outlets \u201cspreading fake information and cheap rhetoric\u201d, he said it could end up endangering the lives of soldiers and diplomatic staff. \u201cThis is not the time for a language of provocation and revenge,\u201d he said, warning particularly about social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He suggested that a senior serving military officer and a senior serving diplomat make a detailed presentation to Opposition leaders on the ground situation, and the progress of talks. \u201cOnly with this information could there be a meaningful exchange of ideas between the government and Opposition leaders. Most of the information that is now available to us is from the media, and it cannot be always trusted as accurate. The demand here is not for classified details, but truthful information,\u201d he said in the letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Gowda also urged Opposition leaders not to use intemperate language. \u201cThis is an hour for cooperation. Domestic politics and national security interests cannot be equated. Having said this, I do not mean we should not question the government. It should be done keeping in mind that there are larger issues at stake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Gowda said that it is the duty of political leadership to quell anxiety that \u201cwe are engulfed by hostile nations\u201d with proper information. \u201cUnderplaying certain developments and overstating certain information may be a bad strategy in the long run,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The former Prime Minister also warned against the \u201ceffort to politicise the armed forces\u201d which he described as \u201cdangerous.\u201d \u201cThey should be allowed to remain a professional force. When they remain a professional force, they will advise the government of the day fearlessly and correctly,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n