A NASTY GUST BLEW MY COVER. I WAS CAUGHT PANTS DOWN. HAVALDAR NATHU WITH A BEEDI BETWEEN HIS LIPS HAD A STRICKEN LOOK. THE JAWANS STOOD LIKE ZOMBIES IN ‘SAVDHAAN’

I wistfully recall my early years in the Indian Army. Life was tough but wholesome.

Since the past four years, the armed forces have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Sparring generals, the age rigmarole, murky defence deals and more. The one rank one pension (OROP) disquiet was beginning to settle when the 7th central pay commission raised hackles again and then, the unseemly controversy regarding the selection of the army chief. There was a time when the army did its job quietly, and then retreated into its cocoon, the cantonments where it trained and honed its skills unobtrusively for the next kill. No political capital surgically milked the outcome of such operations.

Some years ago, a routine training move by a parachute and a mechanised infantry battalion had the then beleaguered government seeing ghosts where none existed. As if this was not comic enough, an artillery regiment in Nyoma, Ladakh, also ran amok. Reason: A woman bathing in a tent got exposed. I’m certain by accident not design. Such accidents have occurred earlier also, but we dismissed these as minor hazards of military service.

In 1979, I was posted to a unit in Nagrota, which was in tents. Tucked in one corner was the Officers Mess, I was billeted in a tent. An attached smaller tent served as a toilet. The place was given to stormy weather. Often nights were spent retrieving tents and equipment blown away by the wind. By daybreak it was business as usual.

The soldier’s routine from reveille to retreat was tough. It’s during small interludes that one takes life easy. After early lunch, army units are broken up into small groups. Each group is allotted a task for general maintenance of the unit. These tasks are often repetitive and sometimes allotted to keep the jawans busy and out of mischief. One such group under the command of a havaldar used to be sent to the Officers Mess. Its task was to repair the fencing, prune the hedges, and shear the grass.

Officers broke off for lunch around 2pm. After a quick bite I would head towards my tent. The havaldar in charge on seeing me would adopt a suitably industrious demeanor. He would bark ‘savdhaan (attention)’ to the group flailing scythes to cut non-existent grass. I would mutter ‘at ease’ and disappear inside the tent. The jawans outside thought this was Lt Sahib’s siesta time. The only instructions I ever heard the diligent havaldar whisper to the men under his command was ‘talk softly, if sahib hears us we will have it’. Inside the tent I would tiptoe to the toilet and squat on the pot from where I could hear their hushed banter. The earthy humour regaled me. Often officers were the butt of their jokes, but with no malice or disrespect.

One fateful afternoon, a nasty gust blew my cover. I was caught pants down. Havaldar Nathu with a beedi between his lips had a stricken look. The jawans stood like zombies in ‘savdhaan’. I look back in amusement and thank my stars that it was a different age. Today’s evolved jawan, besides a soldier’s paraphernalia, also carries a telltale smart phone. No prizes for guessing that it is one clip that would certainly have gone viral.

STRAIGHT TALK Gen Bipin Rawat says India will play along if Pak chooses peace

NEW DELHI: India would carry out more precision strikes on militant bases across the Line of Control if Islamabad rejected New Delhi’s peace overtures, army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Rawat said India had made an offer of “peace and tranquility” to Pakistan but if Islamabad did not reciprocate, “this method of execution of operations will continue”.

“As far as surgical strikes are concerned, the aim was to ensure peace and tranquility. We are trying to ensure there is no requirement to conduct such strikes. If you (Pakistan) accept peace, we will go along,” Rawat said at a customary press conference ahead of Army Day on January 15.

Rawat stressed as far as the Pakistani response was concerned, India would have to adopt a “wait and watch” policy.

“We have told the adversary to accept peace and in case that offer is not reciprocated, then this method of execution of operations (surgical strikes) shall continue,” he said.

The army’s special forces conducted “surgical strikes” against militant pads in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir across the Line of Control last September, the first direct military response to the Uri attack that left 19 soldiers dead that month.

The strikes saw bilateral relations nosedive and resumption in border hostilities with daily firings and casualties on both sides

Pakistan denied the “surgical strikes” as India moved to isolate Islamabad diplomatically.

Rawat said the credit for the strikes, authorised by the government, should go only to people who executed the operations. The strikes had triggered a domestic political clamour with opposition parties alleging the BJP was trying to gain electoral mileage out of the army operation.A day after taking over as chief on December 31, he had said the army’s role was to ensure peace along the borders but it would not hesitate to use force if needed.

Promises `10,000-cr annual bonanza for voters, but probity in govt; no VIP culture, CM to be brought under lokpal ambit

The Congress believes it lost the 2012 Punjab elections to the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal’s populism. So this time round, the party manifesto for the February 4 elections promises the moon to voters, leaving no “section” untouched from cows to chowkidars (watchmen).

AJAY AGGARWAL/HT PHOTOFormer PM Manmohan Singh (R) and Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh release the party manifesto for Punjab assembly polls, in New Delhi on Monday.

The manifesto was released on Monday by former prime minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi along with state party chief Captain Amarinder Singh and simultaneously in Chandigarh by manifesto committee convener Manpreet Badal, who said the bonanza will cost the state exchequer `10,000 crore annually.

While the Congress gave fiscal prudence the go-by, it promised probity in the government. The party said it would loosen its purse strings for the needy but check government expenses.

There will be a two-year ban on foreign trips of MLAs and bureaucrats, 90% cut in the number of securitymen guarding VIPs, no red beacon on government vehicles except emergency services and no helicopter rides for the chief minister except during emergency situations. It announced a ban on dinners and banquets at state expense.

The manifesto also promises to bring the chief minister under the ambit of the lokpal. The fight against corruption would include vetting of all government contracts/tenders above `50 crore by an ethics committee.

It said the party will end the “politician-police nexus promoted by the system of halqa in-charges of SAD” and set up fast-track courts for drug cases and confiscation of property of drug dealers.

The 120-page document with pictures of Manmohan, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Amarinder and the Congress symbol ‘hand’, has left no section untouched. Cows may not be voters but they can make a vote bank. The Congress manifesto tries to steal the BJP’s thunder and vote bank by promising to open one ‘gaushala (cow shelter)’ in every block and provide help in running them to NGOs at the rate of `30 per cow, per day. For chowkidars, it has declared an increase in remuneration to `2,000 a month.

SUBSIDISED TAXIS, TRACTORS

After rolling out schemes to register youth for 50 lakh smart phones with one year free data and one job, per family, the manifesto promises to give 1 lakh taxis and commercial vehicles to youth every year at subsidised rates under the ‘Apni Gaadi, Apna Rozgar’ scheme. After registering farmers for debt waiver under ‘Karza-Khurki Khatam’ scheme, the party manifesto also offers them 25,000 tractors and other agricultural implements at subsidised rates. The state government will stand guarantee for the loans, which they will have to repay in 5 years.

The poll doles don’t end here. The party promises to bear expenses of 200 meritorious poor and Scheduled Caste students every year at universities abroad under a scheme named after late chief minister Partap Singh Kairon who, Manpreet said, had studied at Michigan university and was the architect of modern Punjab. For the “less meritorious” students from all sections, it has promised free textbooks.

Taking inspiration from late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa’s ‘Amma’ canteens, the Congress promises a “decent meal” for Rs 5 in state canteens. From the Aam Aadmi Party, it has borrowed the idea of setting up mohalla clinics and from West Bengal, the “Community Medical Srevice” comprising trained health volunteers. To outwit neighbouring Haryana, it has announced a jump of Rs 2 crore in prize money for Olympic gold and silver medalists from the state.

QUOTA POLITICS

The manifesto promises 33% quota to women in government jobs and educational institutions and increase in quota for other backward classes (OBCs) from 12 to 15 percent in jobs and 5 to 10 percent in educational institutes. It has come up with another 3% reservation in government jobs and 5% in educational institutions for those living within 30 km of the international border.

For SCs, there are free homes or 5 marla plots, 30% quota in government residential and commercial plots and free education up to graduation, including free board and lodging in professional colleges. To woo industry, the party promises to freeze power tariffs at Rs 5 per unit for five years and a “no jail clause” under a new industrial policy. The document, which starts with the party’s vision for Punjab, also includes a 10-page chargesheet on the ruling SADBJP government titled, ‘Its a SAD Bad Show here’.

 

MANPREET RAINS SOPS,

CHANDIGARH: He parted ways with not just the government but also his party and family over sops, mainly free power to farmers. But as a Congressman, former finance minister Manpreet Badal, the chief minister’s estranged nephew, is raining freebies.

DALJEET KAUR SANDHU/HT

While releasing the Congress manifesto at Chandigarh here on Monday, Manpreet said it had a “strong imprint” of his People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) — which merged into the Congress last January — but it was a “new wine, in new bottle”.

The Congress had failed to promise sops in the 2012 polls as then union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee wanted the manifesto to be “workable”. But after the “vanilla” manifesto pitched on idealism, both Manpreet and the Congress have got a taste of realpolitik. They did not have to look far for inspiration. The party’s rival, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), had rained sops in the 2012 manifesto and romped home, even though most of what it promised remains unfulfilled. After two back-to-back poll drubbings, the Congress also needs to outwit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a formidable challenger, which is releasing a series of manifestos to woo all sections of voters.

No wonder, Manpreet justified the poll doles as the “need of the hour”. The manifesto begins by saying: “The Congress is committed to end despair and insecurity among people of Punjab and restore the state’s honour.” It is another matter that not very long ago as the state’s finance minister, Manpreet had invoked state’s honour to give up freebies so that the “state does not have to go with a begging bowl to the government at the Centre, seeking a bailout”.

The manifesto had few surprises. Party’s poll strategist Prashant Kishor was already putting the manifesto in action through the many campaigns that are creating a database of voters, such as Coffee with Captain, Halke Vich Captain, debt waiver, free smartphones and one job per family. The 11-member manifesto committee of the party led by former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Manpreet came up with few more promises by meeting various sections of voters for a wishlist.

“The manifesto is a result of labour of six months. We met every section of society, from traders to industry, women to youth. The youth want jobs and the industry wants lower power tariffs. The choice is between letting industry flee to other states or making it stay by offering incentives. In the long run, it will create more jobs and more taxes,” Manpreet told HT after the manifesto release.

The former FM has done his math to explain the annual outgo of ₹10,000 crore on the sops. “We will spend big on welfare schemes by reining in government expenditure and mafias that deprive the state of its revenue. One way would be to trim bureaucratic flab and political appointees.

There are 100 commissions, boards, improvement and other trusts in Punjab that are a drain on its resources. Each runs an annual bill of about ₹5 crore. There are also many unnecessary posts such as district transport officers (DTOs) and divisional commissioners. We can simply do away with them,” Manpreet said. Interestingly, Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh has promised to “reward” rebels vying for party tickets in the many boards and corporations.

The party believes it could unlock another few thousand crores by bringing the end to “mafia raj” of the present SADBJP government.

“The sand mafia collects goonda tax. The liquor mafia, cable mafia, land mafia and transport mafia have all robbed state government departments of their money to ensure the businesses of the ruling family flourished. We will end it all. And ₹3,000 crore a year revenue will come to the state once this is done,” Manpreet said.

The Congress has also factored in the goods and services tax (GST) to back its profligacy. “I believe Punjab will be a net gainer up to the tune of ₹5,000 crore annually under the GST regime. So we will ensure a welfare government by mopping up more revenue and reducing government expenditure,” he said. Denying that he had quit the SAD over free power, the former FM said, “The farmers are already in such a bad state. We cannot burden them with power bills.”

Congress releases manifesto, to revive city’s sports industry

The party has promised a skill development centre, a new focal point exclusively for sports industry, modernisation of equipments and a research base

JALANDHAR: In its much hyped manifesto that was simultaneously released by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi and by local PPCC wing in Jalandhar, the Congress has promised to revive the depleting sports industry of Jalandhar.

PARDEEP PANDIT/HTCongress leaders releasing the party manifesto at the Congress Bhawan in Jalandhar on Monday.

The manifesto was released in Jalandhar by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) vice-president Amar Singh, district Congress president Rajinder Beri and PPCC spokesperson Dr Navjot Dahiya.

The party has included the demand to set-up a new focal point at Jalandhar exclusively for the goods of sports industry.

The party has also promised to set up a skill development centre where labours will be trained with the latest technique exclusively for the sports industry to overcome the problem of shortage of skilled labour.

The party has also promised to open a research and development centre exclusively for the sports industry.

Notably, the party has included all the issues raised in the demand charter submitted by the sports manufacturing leaders to Manpreet Badal led manifesto drafting committee.

The Congress has also set up a district level industrial grievances committees.

“These boards have become an eyewash to appease a few of SAD-BJP office bearers,” reads the manifesto.

A full page in the manifesto has been dedicated to cover the issues of sports goods industry.

Over the issues raised by the bat manufacturing units regarding the tough availability of Kashmir willow clefts in Jalandhar, the party has promised to take up the matter with the Jammu and Kashmir government.

“Not only this, our government will also take effective steps to modernize the manufacturing of sports items,” reads the manifesto.

As per the manifesto, “The policy will be formulated to replace the imported sports items by manufacturing these in Jalandhar .

SPORTS INDUSTRY WELCOMES THE MOVE

Ravinder Dhir, president of Jalandhar Sports Manufacturers Association, who had submitted the demand charter before the drafting committee of the manifesto, has welcomed the move .

“We are happy that demands of Jalandhar’s sports industry have been given a prominent space,” he said

“However, the Congress has to win our confidence in promising that they will deliver it in a time bound manner,” the president of Jalandhar Sports Manufacturers Association said.

“Mere inclusion of these issues wont help us. The Congress should discuss the issues with us and show us how these issues will be resolved in case Congress comes to power,” said another sports manufacturer Karan Sachdeva. “

Keeping in view the past records of the Congress governments, it’s tough to believe on these promises,” said the sports manufacturer.

PATIALA: With the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fielding former army chief Gen JJ Singh (retd) against Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh from Patiala in the state polls to be held on February 4, the ex-servicemen stand divided in the constituency.

While some are accusing Gen Singh of “lowering the prestige of the post of an army general”, there are many who are set to join his campaign.

The All India Ex-Servicemen Joint Action Front (Sanjha Morcha) on Sunday lambasted Gen Singh, also for his comments against Amarinder.

“The general has not only downgraded the status of a former chief of army staff (COAS) but also disgraced the high office of governor (a post he held in Arunachal Pradesh),” said retired Lt Generals JS Dhaliwal, SS Brar and KS Dogra; and Maj Gen SPS Grewal (retd).

“If at all he wanted to contest polls, he should have done that for the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, instead of downgrading himself to the level of assembly elections,” said Dhaliwal.

Brig Devinder Singh Grewal (retd) went further: “When he was made army chief, the media underlined that he was the first Sikh to hold the post. But Gen JJ Singh said, ‘I am Maratha’, as his regiment was Maratha Light Infantry. Why has he come to Punjab to contest polls? He should go to Maharashtra. He has no connection with Patiala. Amarinder is here and often meets ex-servicemen.”

Gen Singh, who has cited family connections and childhood days in Patiala for a local connect, hit back, saying, “Some ex-servicemen with vested interests, and motivated by Capt Amarinder, are hitting below the belt. They are afraid of my popularity.”

“Does having held the rank of COAS stop you from serving the nation through politics?,” he asked, and added, “Amarinder never faced a bullet in his three years in the army, while I led from the front in all important operations.”

Many of his ex-colleagues have started coming to Patiala to campaign. Lt Gen Jagdish Singh Dhillon (retd), under whom JJ Singh once served, said, “I will certainly campaign in Patiala as JJ remained my junior in the army. I am here to support him.”

“There can’t be double standards. Another former army chief, Gen VK Singh (retd), also contested elections. Why the objection against Gen Singh? It’s his personal choice,” he said.

Brig Ramesh Bhatia (retd), a batchmate, is among those who has come to native Punjab from Dehradun to support Gen Singh. “Many of my colleagues are coming to give a befitting reply to Amarinder in the polls,” said Gen Singh.

Ex-servicemen matter not only in terms of population but also perception in Patiala, which has a cantonment with nearly 5,000 votes. Add to that, around 6,500 votes of serving soldiers and ex-servicemen, who have been known to vote for Amarinder and his clan in the past. Patiala in all has 1.5 lakh votes.

PUNJAB DIARY

Congress had the ‘upper hand’

PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh and his supporters at the party headquarters in Chandigarh. Tribune photo

Chandigarh: At the Punjab Congress headquarters in Chandigarh, it was an unusual scene at the joining of AAP leaders from Gidderbaha last week. A number of Congress supporters who had come with Gidderbaha candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring were made to sport AAP caps reading ‘Mai Aam Aadmi’. For a moment, those wearing AAP caps outnumbered those wearing Congress robe. A few minutes later, AAP caps were in the air before landing in the feet of those assembled there. The Congress had the upper hand over AAP, at least at the event.

FASCINATING FACEOFF

Brig vs Major in Balachaur

AAP candidate Brig Raj Kumar campaign with their supporters in Balachaur on Sunday. Tribune Photo: Sarabjit Singh

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Balachaur, January 8

If it’s a Captain (Amarinder Singh) versus a General (JJ Singh) from Patiala Urban, a retired Brigadier is taking on a Major from Balachaur. While the Aam Aadmi Party picked Brig Raj Kumar (60), party worker Major Jarnail Singh (49) turned rebel and recently became a nominee of the Aapna Punjab Party (APP).Raj Kumar is a Gujjar, just like two other contestants — four-time MLA Ch Nand Lal (SAD) and Darshan Manguwal of the Congress. Jarnail, a Jat Sikh, claims that he is in the fray to bring justice to non-Gujjar communities as the Gujjars, having remained in power here, have enjoyed most of the benefits. Gujjars comprise about 30 per cent of the population in the constituency.Campaigning at Saroya village, Raj Kumar terms Jarnail a “party-hopper”, having switched over from the Congress to AAP and then to APP, while the latter terms the former an “outsider”.There are about 1,100 ex-servicemen and 2,200-odd serving Army personnel in Balachaur; both leaders are claiming their support. While Raj Kumar served the Army for 36 years, Jarnail took premature retirement in 2007 after 20 years of service.Talking about his family, Raj Kumar says, “My daughter, Neha Chaudhary, is a commercial pilot in New Delhi, while my son, Capt Arjun Chaudhary, is posted in Leh. Both can’t come for campaigning because of their jobs.”“Me and my wife were putting up with our daughter in Delhi when I observed AAP’sworking. Iwas impressed. Having retired two years ago, I felt that this party could provide me a platform to work in my native place,” he adds.“Then, we moved here. I was born in a village near Garhshankar. My schooling up to Class IV was in a government school at Balachaur, after which I went to Sainik School, Kapurthala. My father, Dhyan Chand, served as a patwari in Balachaur. This constituency is so backward that some villages don’t even have water supply. Women have to fetch it from neighbouring areas.”Jarnail’s wife is a lecturer at Fatehgarh Sahib, while his daughters are studying at Panjab University and DPS School in Chandigarh. “My family is too busy to do canvassing,” he says.The two officers have a common take on the two kinds of battles. “You have to strategise in both cases. You can somewhat predict the enemy’s next move from across the border, but not in a political contest. It was a regimented life for us in the Army, but here things are chaotic — but more interesting. The meal times, in particular, have become erratic.”

Manmohan to unveil Congress manifesto today

Manmohan Singh

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 8

Former PM Manmohan Singh will unveil the Congress manifesto for Punjab at the party headquarters here tomorrow in the presence of state leaders, including PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh.The manifesto, which Congress leaders are describing as unique, will promise sops for several sections, mainly farmers, the poor and the homeless, girl students, youth and Scheduled Castes.A major promise will be houses for the homeless across rural and urban sections. A job for one person per household is another tall promise the Congress is likely to make. Also on cards is tuition and hostel fee waiver right up to the doctorate level for girls from economically weaker sections.For farmers, the manifesto will hold a greater promise given party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s involvement on the issue of loan waiver and revised MSP for farm produce.With Punjab farmers’ dues running into some Rs60,000 crore, the Congress is expected to promise a loan waiver.Speaking to The Tribune today, chairperson of the Congress manifesto panel Rajinder Kaur Bhattal said: “The manifesto will not be a routine text of promises. We have explained therein how we will fulfill these promises. In fact, the finer points of the manifesto were earlier discussed with Dr Manmohan Singh and we explained to him the details of financial inflows and outflows. Our manifesto is a genuine document of the party’s intent.”Screening panel meets againThe Congress screening committee, headed by Ashok Gehlot, met again in Delhi today to discuss 40 pending seats. The Tribune has learnt 18 seats have been sealed and discussions on the remaining will continue ahead of the central election committee’s meeting on January 10.

Mann Ki Baat: I want to be CM

AAP MP Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh/Jalandhar: The tug of war between AAP leaders for the CM’s post has come out in the open. One of the main contenders, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, has started campaigning for the post. During a rally in Jagraon on Friday, Mann asked the audience to raise their hands if they wanted him as the Chief Minister. He repeated this exercise at other rallies. However, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had said recently that only the elected candidates would take a call on picking the CM. When asked about the matter, party’s political affairs incharge Sanjay Singh quipped in Jalandhar on Sunday, “Mann has said that if the party makes him the CM, he will be happy. No person will ever say that he will be unhappy to be CM.”  TNSEC scissors threaten AAP filmChandigarh: When a party has actors Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi and Bhagwant Mann in its ranks, reaching out to the masses through films is an obvious choice. The Aam Aadmi Party has made a film highlighting issues such as the drug menace, sacrilege, lack of development, and family rule in Punjab. AAP wants to show the movie during its rallies, besides posting it on social media. But the party will have to wait .The Election Commission has asked for 10 cuts. “We have appealed against the cuts. There is nothing objectionable in the film. It is based on our manifesto,” said a party spokesperson. TNSSGPC member Gora joins Congress Muktsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and SAD leader Gurpal Singh Gora, along with his supporters and some sarpanches, joined the Congress in the presence of PPCC vice-president Manpreet Singh Badal, Indian Youth Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Congress candidate from Malout Ajaib Singh Bhatti in Gidderbaha on Sunday. Gora told the gathering that he was upset with the SAD after the desecration incidents. TNSCong MLA’s brother, nephew join APP Gurdaspur: Dera Baba Nanak Congress MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa’s brother Inderjit Singh and nephew Deepinder Singh Randhawa joined the Sucha Singh Chhotepur-led Aapna Punjab Party (APP) here on Sunday. Soon after joining the party, Chhotepur announced that Deepinder Randhawa would be the party candidate from the Dera Baba Nanak seat. He will be engaged in a four-cornered contest with Sukhjinder, GS Khushalpur (AAP) and former minister Sucha Singh Langah (SAD). TNS

 

Party vows to depoliticise police force

Sarbjit Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

The Congress manifesto will focus on “complete elimination” of the VIP culture, besides laying down a code of conduct for the party’s elected representatives, including MLAs.Sources said the manifesto would promise to make the police functioning immune to political interference, besides implementing the Parkash Singh committee report regarding police reforms in letter and spirit. For the past few years, political interference allegedly by halqa chiefs in the police functioning remained a burning issue in the state.The Congress would promise to rid the department of that sort of political culture. The eight-hour duty norm will be implemented for police personnel. Security cover would be provided only on merit.There would be a list of dos and don’ts for the elected representatives. Promise would be made to enact new laws to tackle existing problems such as monopoly of cable network. All officers will have to declare their assets and the Lok Pal will be strengthened.The manifesto would announce to protect Punjab’s right over riverwaters and to restore the primacy of the state at the national level. There is likely to be a special package for border belt. Other major focus would be on women empowerment and gender equality.

SAD nominee faces tough questions

Sacrilege, police firing incidents haunt Akalis in Faridkot segment

Suba Singh Badal

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, January 8

Akali Dal’s candidate from Jaito Suba Singh Badal faced a volley of tough questions from the son of Krishan Bhagwan Singh, one of the two persons killed in police firing while they were protesting the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at Behbal Kalan village on October 14 last year.During campaigning at Niamiwala village today, the Akali leader was listing out “achievements” of the government when Sukhraj Singh, son of the deceased, questioned him why the government and Akali leaders had been ignoring Niamiwala and other villages in the area for the past 10 years.“Where were you in the past 10 years? You never came before. Why now?” Sukhraj asked Suba Singh.The village sarpanch, Jagdev Singh, tried to put up a defence by saying that Sukhraj Singh was a first-timer. He claimed that once elected, Suba Singh would develop villages. The nominee soon left after that.Not only in Niamiwala, the SAD candidate is facing a tough time in Bargari, Sarawan, Burj Jawahar Singh Wala and Behbal Kalan villages as well. These villages were the centre of the agitation for more than three months in the light of sacrilege incidents.Though the government has laid the foundation stones of community centres in the memory of two persons killed in police firing — one in Niamiwala village and the other in Sarawan village — the government has been unable to pacify villagers.Congress’ candidate Mohammad Sadique and AAP’s Master Baldev Singh, meanwhile, are focusing on these villages. The two candidates are promising to arrest those responsible for the sacrilege incidents and prosecute policemen who had killed protesters in Behbal Kalan.Sadique began campaigning by visiting gurdwaras at Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala villages. He says the Justice Zora Singh Commission report on sacrilege incidents is a cover-up. “The CBI is not making any headway after more than six months of investigation.”

In the line of fire

• While campaigning at Niamiwala village, the Akali leader was listing out ‘achievements’ of the government when he was interrupted by Sukhraj Singh — son of Krishan Bhagwan Singh who was killed in police firing while he was protesting a desecration incident on October 14. Sukhraj questioned him, “Where were you in the past 10 years? You never came before. Why now?”

Stones hurled at Sukhbir convoy in Jalalabad, 4 hurt

FAZILKA: Four persons were injured and a police vehicle damaged when stones were hurled at the convoy of deputy chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal by a group of protesters at a village in his constituency, Jalalabad, in Fazilka district on Sunday.

HT PHOTOAfter the incident, cops deployed at Kandhwala Hajar Khan village near Jalalabad in Fazilka district on Sunday.

THE SAD LATER BLAMED AAP, WHICH DENIED ANY INVOLVEMENT, THOUGH A VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT WAS SHARED BY AAP ON ITS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

The SAD later blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which denied any involvement, though a video of the incident was shared by the AAP on its social media accounts.

Sukhbir was unhurt as his car had already gone past the dozen-odd protesters, who were reportedly miffed at not getting a chance to talk to him about an issue with public toilets. This was Sukhbir’s first visit to the segment — where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded its firebrand leader Bhagwant Mann — after officially being declared the party candidate.

It occurred around 6pm, when Sukhbir was moving towards Fazilka after a public gathering at Kandhwala Hajar Khan, 20 km from the district headquarters. Ketan Baliram Patil, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Fazilka, acknowledged that the vehicle of SP Amarjeet Singh, who was deployed for Sukhbir’s security, was among some vehicles damaged. “A probe is on and very soon the culprits will be taken to task as per law,” he said.

After the incident, a large number of policemen, besides a battery of officials, reached at the spot. Among those injured were Akali leader Palwinder Singh, who is a former sarpanch, and Manpreet Singh. They were taken to the Fazilka civil hospital but the injuries were not reported to be serious. Village sarpanch Harjinder Singh Bhullar alleged, “This was the handiwork of AAP workers who cannot digest the eventuality of an Akali Dal victory.” But AAP’s Mann refuted it. “Our party does not believe in violence. Rather, this is the outburst of the common man against 10 years of misrule by the Akalis.”Before Kandhwala Hajar Khan, Sukhbir had addressed gatherings at three other villages.

Balbir Sidhu’s wife campaigns in Mohali

Balbir Sidhu’s wife Daljit Kaur interacts with residents at Phase I in Mohali on Sunday. Tribune photo: Vicky Gharu

Mohali, January 8

Daljit Kaur Sidhu, wife of Balbir Sidhu, Congress candidate from Mohali Assembly seat today carried out an extensive campaign for her husband at Sector 70 and Phase 1 here today.Accompanied by Mahila Congress leaders and workers, Sidhu sought vote for development. Talking to residents during campaigning, Daljit Sidhu said that after Congress came to power in Punjab, the self-employment process for women would be strengthened and special women training centers would also be opened to help women make both ends meet.—OC

(From L) Congress leaders Ambika Soni, Virbhadra Singh, Capt Amarinder Singh and Harish Rawat with OROP leader Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd) in New Delhi on Thursday. Mukesh Aggarwal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 5The Congress headquarters here turned into a political rally ground with scores of ex-servicemen raising anti-government slogans as they pledged support to the Congress in all upcoming poll-bound states.Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh, Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh and Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat welcomed the move with Singh saying: “I too am a soldier first and a politician later. I understand your pain.”Speaking for the veterans, Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd) cited the BJP’s “betrayal” on the promise of OROP to say: “One of the options available to us is interference in elections to educate voters about who will fulfil the promises made to us. We fully support the Congress for accepting all our demands.”Maj Gen Singh, convenor of the All India Ex-Servicemen’s Movement, however, ruled out contesting elections.Capt Amarinder released his 21-point agenda for the welfare of defence personnel in Punjab, saying the Congress manifesto would promise an ex-servicemen cell in the CM’s office besides setting up a department called “Guardians of Governance” comprising ex-servicemen posted at every village.Virbhadra said: “It is shameful that soldiers have to hit the streets to press for their demands. A soldier can die for his country, his regiment. It’s a shame you all have to struggle for your rights.”Rawat said: “We are hurt at the way the government is bulldozing the demands of ex-servicemen. We welcome veterans’ support for the Congress to expose the betrayal of the BJP government, which diluted the definition of OROP drafted by the UPA.”

Ex-servicemen body to support Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday got a boost with a prominent ex-servicemen organisation lending support to it, alleging that PM Narendra Modi has done “precious little”. The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), spearheading an agitation for one-rank-one-pension (OROP) here, announced the support in presence of Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh and CMs of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand ,Virbhadra Singh and Harish Rawat, respectively.IESM chief Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), hit out at Modi for not fulfilling his promise of OROP to all soldiers and accused the government of changing the definition of OROP.

Ex-servicemen body to support Cong in assembly polls

The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, led by chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), is spearheading an agitation for OROP. — File photo

New Delhi, January 5The Congress on Thursday got a boost with a prominent ex-servicemen organisation lending support to it for the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done “precious little” for their welfare.

The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), which is spearheading an agitation for OROP implementation for last 571 days here, announced to support the Congress in presence of PCC president Amarinder Singh and chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Virbhadra Singh and Harish Rawat, respectively.

Speaking at the AICC headquarters, IESM chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh (retd), hit out at the Prime Minister for not fulfilling his promise of granting OROP to all soldiers and accused the government of changing the definition of OROP as spelt out by Congress-led UPA before it was voted out of power.In an apparent dig at the Prime Minister, he quoted Chanakya to say the king is not worthy of respect if a soldier has to go to him to seek something for him or his family.Insisting that IESM, which is a federation of ex-servicemen’s organisations all over the country, has agreed to back the Congress in the poll-going states as also elsewhere in the country as the party leadership has agreed to a charter of demands on OROP and related issues for welfare of soldiers, Satbir Singh said.”The Congress has given its agreement on implementation of OROP… We fully support the Congress in all the state in these elections,” he said.The League has also taken upon itself for educating people to cast vote to those who fulfill their assurances. “We will be with you if you don’t break our assurances,” he said.

Amarinder Singh said most of the ex-service organisations throughout the country will be working together for the benefit of the Congress.He said the movement entered its 571st day of protest at Jantar Mantar, on issues which they feel as ex-servicemen are vital for welfare of servicemen, like OROP, 7th Pay Commission and most importantly the downgrading of precedence of various ranks of the Army in relation to civilian counterparts.”The last issue is the biggest thing.

The ‘Izzat’ of a serviceman is more important than anything else. These issues are not limited just to Punjab. But, is affecting everybody,” he said.Amarinder said there is great strength in servicemen. “We have all come on the same stage to work for benefit of all,” he said.”We have agreed to an ESM cell at the Chief Ministers Office and we have started a new department called ‘Guardians of Governance’,” the PCC chief said.”This will be a paid organisation which will employ ex-servicemen down to village-level and monitor how funds are spent. We hope this will help us improve the governance of Punjab,” he said.

Criticising the Defence Minister for his remarks against two top Army commanders, Amarinder said, instead of focusing on important issues, the Defence Minister is criticising for the sake of criticism.”We took umbrage at the comments made by Defence Minister against the two Army commanders, both of whom are outstanding soldiers.

Then he said IB looked into them. That is an insult to the Army Commanders,” he said.Virbhadra Singh said Himachal Pradesh is a state with a large number of serving and retired service personnel.”We are here to give support to ex-servicemen, who are agitating for the real implementation of the promises made to them. OROP has in reality not been fulfilled and falls short of expectations. Service personnel are people of Honour. They live with Honour. The Centre should not ignore their demands,” he said.”It is shameful that our soldiers have to sit-in Jantar Mantar for their demands which are just and we fully endorse them. The government is totally oblivious of their demands and are adding salt to their wounds.”It is not a question of money but a question of honour for soldiers,” Virbhadra said.

Rawat said the way ex-servicemen were treated by the Prime Minister is not “acceptable”, even as he accused the government of not just diluting the OROP issue but also of diverting from the issue.”Their right demands and concerns are being bulldozed and we are feeling very hurt and rejected over it,” he said.Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Prime Minister Modi promised to give OROP to ex-soldiers but changed it to ‘One Rank and 5 pensions’ and by doing so has betrayed the ex-servicemen.”There has been proud history of Congress and soldiers and former soldiers have decided to support the Congress all over the country and expose and highlight the Modi government’s betrayal,” he said.Senior Congress leaders Ambika Soni, Asha Kumari and former CLP leader in Punjab Sunil Jakhar were also present. — PTI 

Two-front war a threat, preparing for it | Studying China’s theatre commands | Looking for new tank

Gen Bipin Rawat meets Vice-President Hamid Ansari in New Delhi. PTI

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 3

The Indian Army has been tasked to maintain a strict vigil along the contentious Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China while presenting a friendly face to their counterparts from across the Himalayan divide.Newly appointed Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, in an interview to The Tribune today, gave his opinion on maintaining peace at the LAC: “Maintain a vigil while presenting a friendly face.”Gen Rawat, who took charge of the 1.3-million strong Army on December 31, was responding to a question as to how would he ensure that peace was maintained along the 3,488-km-long LAC, the de-facto boundary between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.The soldiers of either country patrol in areas perceived as their own and often come face-to-face. Asked whether the recent restructuring by China of its commands into ‘theatre commands’— one man commands resources of all three services — would be done in India too, Gen Rawat said, “We are studying the Chinese format. We will also have our own format to operate jointly with the IAF and the Navy, which may not necessarily be a theatre command format.”On the probability of a two-front collusive war with Pakistan and China, the Army Chief said, “A two-front war threat does not loom immediately, but is very much a possibility and we are preparing for it. That is the mandate.”The Army, Gen Rawat said, was also looking for a new tank beyond the T-90 from Russia and the indigenous Arjun. “At present, we are upgrading T-72 and T-90 tanks and getting newer infantry carrying vehicles (these are armour-plated running on tank-type tracks).”  Asked whether the new tank would be of Russian parentage, he said, “We will design and develop on our own. We have the capability.” The Army, like the Navy, recently opened its own design bureau, which aims to work closely with the DRDO. On building infrastructure in the Himalayas, which is needed to rapidly move troops and equipment, Gen Rawat said, “We have identified spots where tunnels need to be built to ensure all-weather access to remote areas.” The Mountain Strike Corps was coming up as per plan, he said.

AFT gets new chief, 10 posts still vacant

 

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 3

After remaining vacant for 10 months, the post of the Chairman of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) has finally been filled with the appointment of Justice Virender Singh, former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, today.The appointment comes in the wake of the Supreme Court taking cognisance of a letter by the AFT Bar Association to the Chief Justice of India pointing out that work at the tribunal had virtually come to a standstill due to non-appointment of judicial members. At present 10 out of 17 posts of judicial members are vacant and, consequently, out of the AFT’s eight Benches located across India, those at Chandigarh, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata and Guwahati are non-functional. Courts were being held at these places occasionally, with judicial members from Delhi, Jabalpur and Lucknow Benches being deputed for a few days temporarily.The AFT hears cases pertaining to court martial, service matters, promotions, pay, pensions and disability benefits. Non-functional Benches have adversely affected defence litigants. More than 16,000 cases are said to be pending before the AFT. At the time of AFT’s establishment in 2009, the number of such cases pending before the High Courts was 9,449. The Bar Association had also pointed out the lack of proper judicial review of AFT orders. While civilians aggrieved by the orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal could approach the High Courts within their states, defence employees and their families were not allowed to challenge any orders of the AFT except in the SC and that too only in cases involving points of law of general public importance.

Haryana-Punjab link

• Justice Virender Singh (pic) is an alumnus of the Government College, Rohtak, and has worked as Deputy Advocate General, Haryana, for about five years
• He was elevated as Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in July 2002. He has also been posted to the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir

ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਨਜ਼ਰਅੰਦਾਜ਼ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਤਰੇ

 BY LT GEN JASBIR SINGH DHARIWAL (RETD)

ਦਹਾਕਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਸਮੇਂ ਤੋਂ ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਦੀ ਨਿਯੁਕਤੀਆਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਕਮੇਟੀ (ਸੀਸੀਈਏ) ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੀ ਨਿਯੁਕਤੀ ਸਮੇਂ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਸੂਚੀ ਉੱਤੇ ਅਮਲ ਕਰਦੀ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਅਤੀਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਦੋ ਮੌਕਿਆਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਦੇ ਸਿਲਸਿਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਤੋੜਿਆ ਗਿਆ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਪਿਆ ਕਿ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਸੂਚੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ੍ਹ ਤੇ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤ ਸ਼ਖ਼ਸੀਅਤਾਂ ਸਨ ਜੋ ਸਿਆਸੀ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧ ਦੇ ਸੂਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਨ ਬੈਠਣੀਆਂ।
ਲੈਫ਼ਟੀਨੈਂਟ ਜਨਰਲ ਐੱਸ.ਕੇ. ਸਿਨਹਾ ਦੀ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਵਿਸਾਰ ਕੇ ਲੈਫ਼ਟੀ. ਜਨਰਲ ਏ.ਐੱਸ. ਵੈਦਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਥਾਪਿਆ ਗਿਆ। ਜਨਰਲ ਵੈਦਿਆ ਭਾਵੇਂ ਅਤਿ ਸਨਮਾਨਿਤ ਤੇ ਅਲੰਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਅਫ਼ਸਰ ਸਨ, ਪਰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਇਸ ਇਰਾਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੀ ਗਈ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਸਿਆਸੀ ਹੁਕਮਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਬੇਝਿਜਕ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਫੁੱਲ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਉਣਗੇ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਵੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ, ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਅੰਦਰ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ (ਸਾਕਾ ਨੀਲਾ ਤਾਰਾ) ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਠੋਸ ਤੇ ਨਿੱਗਰ ਮਸ਼ਵਰਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਤਬਾਹਕੁਨ ਨਿਕਲੇ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਜ਼ਾਹਿਰ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਜਦੋਂ ਸਰਕਾਰ, ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਵਰਗੇ ਅਤਿਅੰਤ ਅਹਿਮ ਅਹੁਦੇ ਲਈ ਲਚੀਲੇ ਤੇ ਜੀ-ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀਏ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਅਫ਼ਸਰ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਵੀ ਢੁਕਵੀਂ ਤੇ ਨੇਕ ਸਲਾਹ ਦੇ ਲਾਭਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਵਾਂਝੀ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਹਲਕਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ ਆਮ ਰਾਇ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਜਨਰਲ ਐੱਸ.ਕੇ. ਸਿਨਹਾ 1984 ਵਿੱਚ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਤਾਂ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸਮੂਹ ਅੰਦਰ ਫ਼ੌਜ ਨਾ ਭੇਜਣ ਦੀ ਸਲਾਹ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਦੇਣੀ ਸੀ।
ਇਹ ਸਹੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਅਧਿਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਪੰਜ ਜਾਂ ਛੇ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਅਫ਼ਸਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਇੱਕ ਨੂੰ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਚੁਣੇ, ਪਰ ਉਸ ਕੋਲ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਦੀ ਲੜੀ ਤੋੜਨ ਲਈ ਬਹੁਤ ਨਿੱਗਰ ਕਾਰਨ ਹੋਣੇ ਚਾਹੀਦੇ ਹਨ। ਕਈ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਵਿਸ਼ਲੇਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਦੋ ਵੱਧ ਸੀਨੀਅਰ ਜਨਰਲਾਂ ਦਾ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਵਿਸਾਰ ਕੇ ਜਨਰਲ ਬਿਪਿਨ ਰਾਵਤ ਨੂੰ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਥਾਪਣ ਦਾ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਫ਼ੈਸਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਚੁਣੌਤੀ ਨਾ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਜਾਣ ਦੀ ਰਾਇ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਉਹ ਭੁੱਲ ਗਏ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਭਾਰਤ ਇੱਕ ਲੋਕਤੰਤਰੀ ਮੁਲਕ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਜੇਕਰ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਕੋਈ ਫ਼ੈਸਲਾ ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਤਾਂ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ ਖ਼ੁਦ-ਬਖ਼ੁਦ ਬਿਆਨ ਕਰਨੇ ਸਨ। ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਅਫ਼ਸਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਉਲੰਘੀ ਗਈ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਬੜੇ ਸੁਯੋਗ ਅਫ਼ਸਰ ਹਨ। ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਸੂਚੀ ਦੇ ਸਿਖਰਲੇ ਅਫ਼ਸਰ, ਲੈਫ਼ਟੀ. ਜਨਰਲ ਪ੍ਰਵੀਨ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੀ ਨੂੰ ਤਾਂ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਸੁਯੋਗ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਹਲਕਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਬੜਾ ਮਾਣ-ਸਨਮਾਨ ਹੈ।  ਜੇਕਰ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਅਫ਼ਸਰ ਨੂੰ ਅਣਗੌਲਿਆ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਨ ਵੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਨਿੱਗਰ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣਿਕ ਹੋਣੇ ਚਾਹੀਦੇ ਹਨ।

ਜ਼ਾਹਰਾ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਜੋ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੇ ਮੱਦੇਨਜ਼ਰ ਜਨਰਲ ਬਿਪਿਨ ਰਾਵਤ ਨੂੰ ਦੋ ਸੁਯੋਗ ਤੇ ਕਾਬਲ ਅਸਫ਼ਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਉੱਪਰੋਂ ਦੀ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਠੋਸ ਆਧਾਰ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਉਂਦਾ। ਰੱਖਿਆ ਮੰਤਰਾਲੇ  ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸੁਝਾਈ ਗਈ ਵਜ੍ਹਾ ਕਿ ਜਨਰਲ ਰਾਵਤ ਨੂੰ ਬਾਗ਼ੀਆਨਾ ਸਰਗਰਮੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੱਝਣ ਤੇ ਅਤਿਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਅਪਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਵੱਧ ਤਜਰਬਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਜੰਮੂ ਕਸ਼ਮੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੰਟਰੋਲ ਰੇਖਾ (ਐੱਲਓਸੀ) ਉੱਤੇ ਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਸਮਾਂ ਬਿਤਾਇਆ ਹੈ, ਆਪਣੇ ਆਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਹੁਤੀ ਵਜ਼ਨੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਪਦੀ। ਅਜਿਹੀ ਦਲੀਲ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਮੰਤਰਾਲੇ ਅਤੇ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਵਿਸ਼ਲੇਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਦਾ ਹੀ ਅਹਿਸਾਸ ਕਰਾਇਆ ਹੈ।
ਜ਼ਾਹਿਰ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਤੀਜੀ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਜ ਮਹਿਜ਼ ਇਲਾਕਾਈ ਵਿਦਰੋਹ ਜਾਂ ਅਤਿਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਕਦੇ-ਕਦਾਈਂ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਮਲਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਟਾਕਰਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਨਹੀਂ। ਨਾ ਹੀ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜਿਆ ਤਜਰਬਾ, ਏਨੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਫ਼ੌਜ ਦੇ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਦਾ ਫ਼ੈਸਲਾਕੁਨ ਆਧਾਰ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਦਰਅਸਲ, ਭਾਰਤੀ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਦੀ ਤਿਆਰੀ ਤੇ ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਬੁਨਿਆਦੀ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੀਆਂ ਸਰਹੱਦਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਾਖੀ ਕਰਨ ਤੇ ਇਲਾਕਾਈ ਅਖੰਡਤਾ ਬਰਕਰਾਰ ਰੱਖਣ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਜ ਵਾਲੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਅਤਿਵਾਦੀ-ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਜਾਂ ਬਗ਼ਾਵਤ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈਆਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਇਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਲਾਇਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਸੂਬਾਈ ਤੇ ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਬਲ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੀਆਂ ਚੁਣੌਤੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੱਝਣ ਪੱਖੋਂ ਖ਼ਰੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਉੱਤਰੇ। ਖ਼ਰੇ ਨਾ ਉੱਤਰਨ ਦੀ ਮੁੱਖ ਵਜ੍ਹਾ ਵੀ ਸਿਖਲਾਈ ਦੀ ਘਾਟ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਤਰ-ਪ੍ਰੇਰਨਾ ਦੀ ਕਮੀ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।
ਭਾਰਤੀ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀਆਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਵਿਆਪਕ ਹਨ। ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਰਣਨੀਤਕ ਤੇ ਨੀਤੀਗਤ ਮੁੱਦੇ ਵੀ ਨਜਿੱਠਣੇ ਪੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਸਹੀ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਜੰਗੀ ਸਾਜ਼ੋ-ਸਾਮਾਨ ਤੇ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਲੈਸ ਕਰਨਾ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣਾ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਅਪਰੇਸ਼ਨਲ ਮੰਗਾਂ ਮੁਤਾਬਿਕ ਦੂਜੀਆਂ ਦੋ ਸੈਨਾਵਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਇਕਸੁਰਤਾ ਵੀ ਬਿਠਾਉਣੀ ਪੈਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਸਾਡੇ ਵਾਲੇ ਭੂਗੋਲਿਕ ਖਿੱਤੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਾਵਲੀ ਵੀ ਹੁਣ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਖਾਵੀਂ ਨਹੀਂ। ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਵਿਗੜਦੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਸਬੰਧ, ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨਿਸਤਾਨ ਤੇ ਮੱਧ ਪੂਰਬ ਅੰਦਰਲੀਆਂ ਅਸੁਖਾਵੀਆਂ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ, ਚੀਨ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਗੁਆਂਢੀ ਮੁਲਕਾਂ ਅੰਦਰ ਆਪਣਾ ਦਾਬਾ ਵਧਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਯਤਨ ਅਤੇ ਸਮੁੱਚੇ ਦੱਖਣ ਪੂਰਬ ਏਸ਼ੀਆ ਵਿਚਲੇ ਘਟਨਾਕ੍ਰਮ ਨੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੀ ਕੌਮੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਅਸਰਅੰਦਾਜ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। ਅਜਿਹੇ ਪੇਚੀਦਾ ਤੇ ਉਲਝਵੇਂ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਮੁੱਦਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੰਮੂ ਕਸ਼ਮੀਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਖਾੜਕੂਵਾਦ ਨਾਲ ਨਜਿੱਠਣਾ, ਕੰਟਰੋਲ ਰੇਖਾ ’ਤੇ ਛੋਟੀਆਂ-ਮੋਟੀਆਂ ਝੜਪਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਉੱਤਰ-ਪੂਰਬੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਥੋੜ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਬਾਗ਼ੀਆਨਾ ਸਰਗਰਮੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਨਿਪਟਣਾ ਮੁਕਾਬਲਤਨ ਗ਼ੈਰ-ਅਹਿਮ ਕਾਰਜ ਜਾਪਦੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿਚਲੀ ਮੁਹਾਰਤ ਵੀ ਬਹੁਤੀ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਪਦੀ।
ਚੀਨ ਦੀ ਇਹ ਨੀਤੀ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਭਾਰਤ ਨੂੰ ਅੰਦਰੂਨੀ ਬਗ਼ਾਵਤਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਅਤਿਵਾਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਉਲਝਾਈ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਇਹ ਅੰਦਰੂਨੀ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਉਲਝਿਆ ਰਹੇ। ਉੱਤਰ ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਉੱਠਦੀਆਂ ਬਾਗ਼ੀ ਸੁਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਚੀਨ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਗੁੱਝੀ ਹਮਾਇਤ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂਕਿ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੀ ਪੱਛਮੀ ਸਰਹੱਦ ਉੱਤੇ ਦਹਿਸ਼ਤੀ ਹਮਲੇ ਉਤਸ਼ਾਹਿਤ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇਹ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਧਿਰ ਬਣਾਉਂਦਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਦਾ ਇੱਕੋ-ਇੱਕ ਮਕਸਦ ਭਾਰਤ ਦਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਖ਼ਿੱਤੇ ਵਿਚਲੇ ਵਿਆਪਕ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਾਂ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਅੰਦਰੂਨੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਤਕ ਹੀ ਸੀਮਿਤ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ। ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਨਵੇਂ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੀ ਨਿਯੁਕਤੀ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਐਲਾਨ ਇਸ ਤੱਥ ਵੱਲ ਇਸ਼ਾਰਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਚੀਨ ਦੇ ਮਨਸੂਬਿਆਂ ਮੁਤਾਬਿਕ ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਅਤੇ ਤਰਜੀਹਾਂ ਵੱਡੇ ਯੁੱਧਨੀਤਿਕ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਰਹੱਦੀ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਵੱਲ ਹੋ ਗਈਆਂ ਹਨ।
ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਸਿਰ ਉੱਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਣੂ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਸਲਾ ਵੀ ਮੰਡਰਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਲਈ ਪਰਮਾਣੂ ਹਥਿਆਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਾਬੰਦੀ, ਭਵਿੱਖ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਜੰਗ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਨਵੇਂ ਆਯਾਮ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਅਗਾਊਂ ਸੂਚਨਾ ਸਮਝਿਆ ਜਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਦੋ ਮੁਹਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਜੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਲਝਣ ਦੀ ਗੁੰਝਲਦਾਰ ਸਥਿਤੀ ਬਣਨ ਦੀ ਵੀ ਸੰਭਾਵਨਾ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ। ਯੁੱਧਨੀਤਿਕ ਦਿਸਹੱਦਾ ਵਸੀਹ ਹੋਣ ਕਾਰਨ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਨੂੰ ਆਧੁਨਿਕ ਜੰਗ ਦੇ ਤੌਰ-ਤਰੀਕਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਗੁੰਝਲਦਾਰ ਮਸਲਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਚੰਗੀ ਸਮਝ ਹੋਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਵੱਡੀ ਫ਼ੌਜ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਿਤ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਦੂਰਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀ, ਸੂਝ-ਬੂਝ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਰਦਾਰ ਦੀ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤੀ ਲਾਜ਼ਮੀ ਹੈ।
ਕੇਂਦਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਨਜ਼ਰਅੰਦਾਜ਼ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਇਹ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਢੁਕਵਾਂ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਸ਼ਾਲੀ ਕਾਰਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੱਸ ਸਕੀ। ਸਿਆਸੀ ਲੀਡਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਨੂੰ ਕੌਮੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਸਲਾਹ ਨਾ ਦੇ ਸਕਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੇਸ਼ ਲਈ ਬਿਪਤਾ ਹੀ ਸਹੇੜ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਵੇਂ 1962 ਵਿੱਚ ਚੀਨ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਜੰਗ ਸਮੇਂ ਜਨਰਲ ਥਾਪਰ ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ। ਦੂਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਮਾਰਚ-ਅਪਰੈਲ 1971 ਵਿੱਚ ਪੂਰਬੀ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਉੱਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨ ਸਬੰਧੀ ਸਿਆਸੀ ਦਬਾਅ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਸੈਮ ਮਾਨਕਸ਼ਾਅ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਲਏ ਗਏ ਸਟੈਂਡ ਨੇ ਸਿਆਸੀ ਲੀਡਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਫਾਇਦਾ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਇਆ।
ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਇਹ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਸ਼ਾਇਦ ਸਿਆਸੀ ਕਾਹਲ, ਉਤੇਜਿਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਖੁਫ਼ੀਆ ਸੂਚਨਾਵਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਚੁਣੇ ਗਏ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਦੇ ਲਚੀਲੇਪਣ ਕਾਰਨ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਸੂਚੀ ਨੂੰ ਤੋੜ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ। ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਇਸ ਗ਼ਲਤ ਕਦਮ ਉੱਤੇ ਬਗ਼ਾਵਤ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈਆਂ, ਖ਼ਤਰਨਾਕ ਅਤਿਵਾਦੀਆਂ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਅਤੇ ਕੰਟਰੋਲ ਰੇਖਾ ਉੱਤੇ ਤਾਇਨਾਤੀ ਜਿਹੇ ਬਣਾਉਟੀ ਕਾਰਨ ਦੱਸ ਕੇ ਪਰਦਾ ਪਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਸਭ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਜਾਣਕਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਹਜ਼ਮ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਰਹੀਆਂ।
ਸਿਵਿਲ ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਵਰਗੇ ਨਿਆਂਸੰਗਤ ਭੱਤੇ ਤੇ ਸਹੂਲਤਾਂ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਕਾਰਨ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਬਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਨੋਬਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਮੀ ਆਈ ਹੈ। ਅਜਿਹੇ ਮਾਹੌਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀਨੀਆਰਤਾ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਕੋਈ ਵਿਵਹਾਰਕ ਅਤੇ ਢੁਕਵਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਦੱਸਿਆਂ ਥਲ ਸੈਨਾ ਮੁਖੀ ਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਬਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਜੋਸ਼ ਤੇ ਜਜ਼ਬੇ ਨੂੰ ਘਟਾਉਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਕਦਮ ਹੈ। ਸੋਸ਼ਲ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਉੱਤੇ ਬਿਪਿਨ ਰਾਵਤ ਦੇ ਭਾਜਪਾ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਟਿੱਪਣੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਹੜ੍ਹ ਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਜੇ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਇਹ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਫ਼ੌਜ ਅਤੇ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਲਈ ਮਾੜਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਫ਼ੌਜ ਦੇ ਸਿਆਸੀਕਰਨ ਵਰਗਾ ਮੰਦਭਾਗਾ ਕਦਮ ਚੁੱਕਿਆ ਹੈ।

ENGLISH TRANSLATION 

Breaking Chain of Seniority

                      by

 Lt Gen J S Dhaliwal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd).

For over three decades Appointments Committee of Government of India has followed the seniority list in appointing Chief of Army Staff. It is only on two previous occasions that the chain of seniority was broken. In both these cases government felt that those on top of the seniority list were strong personalities, which did not seem to suit the then political dispensation. Lt Gen S K Sinha was superseded by Lt Gen Arun Vaidya, a highly decorated officer who, it was felt would follow political bidding without a demur. Sure enough he did just that and failed to render firm advice to the government against military action at the Golden Temple, (Operation Blue Star) which resulted in disastrous consequences. 

       So when government selects a pliable officer for the highest post in the military, it denies itself the benefit of appropriate and good advice. It is universally believed, within military circles, that had Gen SK Sinha been the COAS, he would have certainly advised the government against a military attack on the Golden temple. Decidedly it is the government’s prerogative to select an army chief out five or six names, but it must have some very solid reasons to break the chain of seniority, especially when merit too is being overlooked.

      Some defence analysts have questioned the very need to challenge the government on this issue, forgetting that India is still a democracy and therefore, such questions can be raised or else, where was the need for the government to justify its action of superseding some very capable officers. Even if one is to ignore the fact that presently the one on top of the list is universally acknowledged as, well above the rest and is highly regarded within military circles, there have to be some very compelling and valid grounds to bypass him. In the instant case there appears to be no such grounds or rationale to promote Gen Bipin Rawat superseding other two very competent and deserving officers. 

        The ministry’s reason to break this over three decade old practice of following seniority list, is that Gen Bipin Rawat has experience of counterinsurgency and operations against militants, besides spending considerable time at the LoC in J and K. In this argument the MoD as also a number of defence analysts have missed woods for the trees. Surely the raison d’ etre for the third largest army in the world cannot be merely to deal with, low level insurgency and random attacks by militants! Nor experience in these two fields can be the deciding factor in selecting chief for such a large army, whose essential task is to safeguard territorial integrity of this vast country and meet the emerging security challenges in the region and whose chief must have the vision and ability to comprehend complex issues related to national security.

      Indian Army is equipped and trained essentially for the defence of India. Its involvement in anti militancy and counter insurgency operations is primarily due to inability of state and central police to measure up to these tasks, due to their lack of training, and motivation. India’s Chief of Army Staff has to handle issues at the strategic level, equip the army with the right type of weaponry, integrate his forces with other two services based on operational demands. He has to mesh military actions and plans with those of the aims and policies of the political executive.

      The security scene in the region is least reassuring and the deteriorating relations with Pakistan, the developments in Afghanistan, Middle East, and China’s assertions in the immediate neighborhood and developments in Southeast Asia, all impact India’s national security. In the face of such complicated and involved security issues, dealing militancy in J and K, being on the Line of Control and tackling low level insurgency in the North East of India fade into insignificance and so does the alleged expertise in these areas.

       It has been China’s policy to involve India in insurgency and militancy so as to tie it down locally. While insurgency in the North East, have had China’s tacit and material support, it has been using Pakistan as a proxy to promote terror attacks across the border in the West. The ultimate aim being to narrow down India’s attention and focus on local security issues rather than the larger security imperatives of the region. The rationale of appointing the new chief, as enunciated by the Government of India, points to the fact that government vision and priorities have shifted from the larger strategic issues to these peripheral tasks, engineered by China.

        The nuclear issue looms large on the Indian horizon, where development and deployment of Tactical Nuclear Weapons by Pakistan portends to add yet another dimension to any future conflict. Then there is the distinct possibility of having to fight a two front war with all its complexity. So for the Indian Army Chief, the strategic horizon is wide open and demands clear grasp of complex issues inherent in modern warfare and a vision, intellect and strength of character to inspire this large army. 

      This government has overlooked seniority in the selection of army chief, but has completely failed to come up with any cogent or compelling reason for the same. An army chief who cannot render firm advice to the political leadership in matters of national security and operational issues, can be a liability and for sure bring about a national disaster which Gen Thapar did in 1962 war against China. On the other hand Sam Manekshaw’s firm stand against political pressure to invade East Pakistan during March-April 1971, paid off to the great advantage of political leadership.

     Unfortunately this government has broken the convention of following the seniority criteria , presumably due to political expediency, motivated intelligence inputs or supposedly pliability of the selected and has tried to cover its tracks on this misstep by assigning the untenable and specious cover of experience in low level counter insurgency etc. All this does not wash with the well informed.

      Due to the ongoing painful struggle by Indian Defence Forces for an equitable dispensation vis-a-vis civil services ( OROP, NFFU etc ) and consequent low morale, this side lining of a very capable officer, without any viable and cogent reasons is yet another blow to the already declining spirit of the defence forces. The social media is awash with Bipin Rawat’s BJP connection. It is a sad day for the Indian military and the government, which has taken an unfortunate step and in the process politicised the military. Government may have shot itself in the foot.

LT GEN JASBIR SINGH DHALIWAL(RETD) PVSM, AVSM, VSM.

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About Author

Lieutenant General Jasbir Singh was  Col of the DOGRA Regt & DOGRA SCOUTS an alumnus of National Defence Academy was commissioned into the DOGRA Regt on 31 Mar 1972. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Willington, he has held various staff and command appointments. He has attended the prestigious Higher Command and NDC Courses. His key command assignments are that of an Infantry Battalion in Counter Insurgency environment in J&K, an Infantry Brigade in the Western Theatre and an Infantry Division in Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism environment in J&K. He has also been the Defence Attache in Yangon, Myanmar for three years. He held the appointment of Director General of Infantry at Army Headquarters wef 01 Dec 08 to 12 Mar 10  after the post fell vacant following the retirement of incumbent Lt Gen Rajendra Singh.

The General is married to Mrs Jas Dhaliwal, now settled down in Mohali(Punjab), who was  an active environmentalist and a social worker, untiringly worked for the improvement in quality of life of families of all ranks posted to Northern Command. Her genuine concern for the well being saw quantum improvement in critical areas such as accommodation, care of differently abled children, welfare of Veer Naris and resolution of marital discord cases.

During his tenure as Chief of Staff of the elite Northern Army, the General had a challenging task of being responsible for the multifarious man management issues related to the officers and troops. He was instrumental in implementing and ameliorating the service conditions of all ranks and overall improvement in the quality of life. His unstinted dedication to this cause of troop welfare is a hall mark of his distinguished service in this appointment.

Now he is Chief Patron of Sanjha Morcha and dedicated himself for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen of Punjab.