Author – Maloy Krishna Dhar
Country – India
Genre – Memoir of Service
Pages – 552 (Hard Cover)
Publisher – Manas Publications
Published in – 2005 (Fifth Impression: 2015)
Cost – Rs 795 INR
Illustrations – Nil.
Who would benefit – History Students, in service personnel related to the field
Strength of book
The very strength of the book is the insight it provides into the functioning of the various machineries of India. Gripping story-telling and appropriate use of words is another strength. Each chapter begins by a quote which invariably set good background for the readers to begin with. his book teaches us to handle situations in life. Factors for a successful plan find mention
Weakness of book
It is quite lengthy a book for students to read. Lack of illustrations. Though the subject does not necessitate use of illustrations. But these are important from reader’s point of view. Next is the intro of too many characters in the memoir. The reader ends up in a state of shallow reading. The book is more of a personal experience and less of a holistic view.
About the author
Maloy Krishna Dhar is a 1964 batch ex IPS officer. No other books by him. An officer of earmarking scheme to IB. Till his retirement in 1995 he served the prestigious organization.
Summary of the Book
The book has 34 chapters.
1. The author starts by narrating his first deputation to Darjeeling. He had close skirmishes with the Naxals. Witnessed the rise of the movement. He brings out the involvement of China in the rise of Naxalism. In the tradecraft of an intelligence operative he brings out the importance of repeated analysis and examination. The requirement of a human touch in handling situations is also brought out.
2. Training at Anand Parvat. The author was earmarked for IB during his stint at Naxalbari. After reporting at IB headquarters, he was sent for training at Anad Parvat. In the book he brings out the basics of IB organisation. The history of its formation and the seniority within. Then to state of Manipur for his field duty.
3. The Manipur stint
Dhar brings out the nitty-gritties of the state of affairs in Manipur during 1969. The speaks about the Meities & Manipur. The reason for uprising and the neglect by Delhi. The ideological doubts in the minds of the locals of Manipur is brought out. He wrote about the various aspects of political machinery. The author brings out the traits of an Intelligence operative of mixing with the target population. He starts to know the art of friending people. The book covers the grant of statehood to Manipur.
4. The 1971 Era. Open Secrets describes the era of 1971. The small incidents that were happening during that time. He brings out the role of ISI in the events. The capability of ISI to penetrate deep into the events is surprising.
5. Religious Dilemma. The author frankly speaks about the religious inclination towards the majority. However, he is true to reflect in the book about events that led to his understanding the minorities as well.
6. Sikkim Stint. Open Secrets brings out the timeline of the inclusion of the state of Sikkim with the Republic of India. Kazi and Kazini are deliberated upon. The steps taken by the then government of India are also brought out. Though the holistic view is lacking.
7. Indira chapter
During his posting at Delhi, he was intricately involved in providing the inner circle knowledge to the bosses. He explains in detail the various personalities involved in the political situation of that era. The era of 1971 & 1984 is given in detail. Enumerated are the various situations related to it and the events leading to it. It is interesting to know the tenets of the functioning of an intelligence operative.
8. Love of RSS.
Maloy Krishna Dhar very clearly tells the readers the reasons for his inclination towards the RSS while serving Congress government. And he describes in detail the instances of his interactions with RSS pracharaks. These interaction of his later manifested to his inclination towards the Sangh.
9. Unethical Ethics.
Coming down from the love of RSS, he explains his dual face within. The author was unethical while working for dual channels. Though it is briefly mentioned about the information of this to his Director.
11. Canada deputation and Pakistan cell
In continuation to his in-depth knowledge of the affairs in Punjab the author was again imbedded in the handling of situations from Canada. He was able to cultivate human assets there as well. While his job on the Pakistan desk at Delhi, he again got into serious business. ISI and its penetration is in the book.
12. Conclusion.
All in all, the author is good in bringing out in detail the events of that era. However, it is quite evident that it was a match with fire. Dualmanship, parallel channels of working and personal inclination towards other side are getting mention. It brings out the delicate fabric of a human.
Recommendations.
Open Secrets may help the current in service agents to certain extent. Medhini appreciates the services rendered by the veteran IPS officer. The words well chosen and the transparency good.
Open Secrets is a great book. It tells us about the life of an intelligence agent. Their sacrifices & hardships. Mr M K Dhar is quite deliberate in bringing out events of his era. – Tweet This
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