On 29 June, Sarmila was interviewed by The Times of India. When asked why she had written a book on a topic that, in India, is so well known, she replied: Actually there are hardly any dispassionate researched studies. The vast majority of material consists of personal accounts of those directly involved or partisan accounts. Some memoirs are very useful as primary data, but theyre not researched studies. Many accounts show little regard for fact checking and sometimes contain deliberate misrepresentation. The only major researched work is the book published 20 years ago by Richard Sisson and Leo Rose. Its excellent on a macro level of policy. Mine focusses on the opposite end of the spectrum, using detailed information on particular incidents. The 1971 conflict needs many more well-researched studies. A few are on the way, but there is scope for more. The full article can be read here.
On 1 July, Martin Woollacott wrote a review of the book in The Guardian, commenting that: Sarmila Boses attempt to set the numerical record straight in her aptly named book is a contribution to a debate that ought to have taken place a long time ago but instead has hardly started. He adds, Bose has written a book that should provoke both fresh research and fresh thinking about a fateful turning point in the history of the subcontinent. The full article can be read here.
