‘War rules in ancient India still world’s best’

Kolkata: Wars in ancient India were more civilised, humane and ethical than the conventional strifes of today, according to Bangladeshi writer and human rights campaigner Shahriar Kabir.

"The do’s and don’ts followed during wars in ancient India were more civilised and humane than those followed now," he said.

Citing examples from Indian epics, he said the wars followed ethical norms like non-use of weapons on the unarmed enemy, no strike after sunset and humane treatment of prisoners of war.

"Lakshmana and Arjuna are said to have refused to use weapons of mass destruction in wars against Ravana and the Kauravas, although such weapons have been used in modern-day wars," Kabir said during the release of his book on war, war criminals and their trial last evening.

Kabir’s relentless campaign for the trial of war criminals of the 1971 Bangladesh liberation struggle had prompted the Sheikh Hasina government to set up a Special Tribunal for their trial.

"The trials of the prisoners are needed to wipe out the scourge of war and prevent genocides," he said.

Bangladesh deputy high-commissioner in Kolkata Mustafizur Rahaman said the government was taking all steps to ensure that the trials followed international conventions and remained above controversy.

"Once complete, the trials will wipe out a black chapter from the history of Bangladesh," he said.