tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301393732024-02-28T11:46:17.566+05:30उत्कर्ष - Turning Point IndiaIndia is passing through her most critical - perhaps dangerous - times. World's largest Democracy, India has today become the largest cesspool of official corruption, crime, political opportunism and caste/communal animosities. Political Parties are now Family Corporates, Bureaucracy their franchisee and crony capitalists their partners as they embark upon plundering the Nation together. Time for India to wake up and restart! One Anna or Kejriwal is not enough - Karan KharbAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289634026094709452noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-71919122856589412922020-06-26T13:23:00.000+05:302020-06-26T13:23:27.542+05:30Tutorial for Common Man on Recent China-India Face-off in East Ladakh (By Col Rajinder Singh , Author of 'Kashmir - A Different Perspective') <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="6"><b>Tutorial for Common Man on Recent China-India Face-off in East Ladakh </b></font></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="5"><b><br /></b></font></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="5"><b>By Col Rajinder Singh </b></font></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#222222" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><b>(Author of the currently bestselling book <i>'Kashmir - A Different Perspective')</i></b></font></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">PART ONE </span> </div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">First of all, let me dispel some of the misgivings on recent Chinese incursion in Eastern Ladakh. Some of the scribes created the confusion based on half fiction and half-truth. It is no doubt that the situation has developed like Kargil-99. It seems that Indian intelligence agencies, both civilian and military, have been in a state of deep slumber while China had built up its troops on the LAC. Maybe the Generals were busy with similar activities as was during Kargil-99. Some funny excuse is being given by Govt sources that Russians misled to say that Chinese were only carrying out an exercise. What rubbish! Russians said, and Indian agencies went to sleep! </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But what is strange is deafening noise by some scribes about the whole incident. It is no doubts that some of them have inside information from intelligence agencies or the army sources, but they had run amuck with their imagination. Half - baked information they acquired either through a deliberate leak or by payment from saleable persons within the Army, is not the real truth. But they have been able to create doubts in the mind of the general public. </div></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">They give the impression that Chinese soldiers were superhumans, and Ladakh would be swallowed by them in no time. They should not lose their sleep over it as nothing is going to happen. India is firmly in Control on the LAC. Scare - mongers are all clueless about the actual situation. It is doubtful if any one of them has really visited these high altitude locations. They might be unwittingly supporting Chinese tactics of intimidation. </div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">The basic principle of offensive warfare demands a requisite manpower superiority. Therefore to launch an offensive in mountainous terrain, a minimum superiority of troops needed is 6::1. And in a High altitude terrain, above 12000 feet, it goes up to a minimum of 9::1. From all sources available information, China has only about 2.25 Lakhs troops with accompanying logistics and arms ammunition are located in Tibet. India has more than matching, if not more troops, to blunt Chinese offensive in Ladakh and elsewhere. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">The nearest military region is Xinjiang which is 3000 Kms away with a driving distance of a single-vehicle for 96 hours. But do not forget the advantage of DBO, which can be a launchpad for blocking reinforcements on the Western Highway. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">These critics have no idea of High altitude warfare, and they are also not clear about the ground reality of Chinese soldiers. The Chinese leadership knows that Chinese soldiers were “softies” because of one Child family norm. A recent study in China had shown that one child was. Pampered and loved at home, which made mentally and physically very weak. Consequently, as soldiers, they can not face hardships for prolonged periods. This is why China is now advocating more than one Child families. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">These Indian critics do not know that China was more scared than India. (Galwan incident has proved that despite in a higher ground —- Chinese suffered more casualties —- I will talk in last Part). Indian Army was better trained in mountain warfare and also was more battle-hardened. A recent article in a Chinese magazine admitted this. So, half baked experts, both veterans and journalists, who have never been tonLadakh, should stay away. Do not mislead people. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">“At present, the world’s largest and experienced country with plateau and mountain troops is neither the US, Russia, nor any European powerhouse, but India,” wrote Huang Guozhi, senior editor of Modern Weaponry magazine. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He is affiliated to China’s leading maker of equipment for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He further contends that mountaineering was an “essential skill” for each Indian soldier deployed in the mountains. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">This is what Chinese military minds think of Indian soldiers. They are getting cold sweat and here are so-called defence analyst of these 3-4 magazines and TV channels are making them super soldiers. These clueless experts are a joke. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Chinese action could have four-fold objectives in the following order of priority : —</span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">a) Dissuade India from aligning with the USA in Conflict with China. In so doing, puncture “ Modi Doctrine” of seeking US Umbrella till militarily and economically India comes up at Par with China. In fact, Modi Doctrine is nothing but a replica of Deng Xiaoping’s (architect of modern China) principle of “Tao Guang - Yang Hui”, meaning bide your time and accomplish your mission over a period of time before challenging your adversary. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">b) Encourage Pakistan to ramp up “Irregular war” in Kashmir to annex it, while holding India with a threat in being in Ladakh and East. If possible capture DBO through Paratrooper action. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">c) Divert US attention from the South China Sea ( SCS), Hongkong, and Taiwan to South Asia and leave SCS - Taiwan - Hongkong at a platter to China. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">d) a military conflict with India, whatever the scale, would divert domestic attention from internal issues to Nationalism and patriotism. Thus mishandling of Covid-19 and democracy movement in Hongkong would be pushed into the background. </span></div></div></div></blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>History and Backgrounder </b></span><font size="2"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">Having tackled scaremongers, let me give you a historical backgrounder. Such unsubstantiated comments by these fake noisemakers on the Chinese troop movement are actually masking the big blunder of the Indian leadership at the time of independence. </span><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">Geographically, high mountains of Himalayas were a great barrier between India and China. With Tibet as a buffer state between India and China. There was no possibility for China coming any way closer to India. And Nepal would not have dared to act funny at Lipulekh- Limphyadhuria - Kalibari. India is paying for that blunder today. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">By accepting Chinese suzerainty over Tibet, India not only lost the advantage of Tibet being a buffer state, but it also compromised the great advantage of the Himalayas as a natural barrier. What is more, we provided logistics support to Chinese troops when they came to Tibet. The noise-making Nehru - Gandhi family and the dying Congress party should first atone these sins. It was Nehru ‘s love affair with the idealism that India had surrendered the greatest advantage of Himalayan defence of our country. Poet Dr Mohammed Iqbal had boasted about this barrier as:—</span><br /></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>“ ——Parbat wuh sab se ūṉchā, hamsāyah āsmāṉ kā</i></span></div></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Wuh santarī hamārā, wuh pāsbāṉ hamārā—</i></div></div></div></blockquote><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">(That highest mountain which rubs shoulders with the Sky is our sentinel and our defender) </div></div></div></blockquote><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">But we lost that advantage of the Himalayas when China’s lordship over Tibet was accepted by India. Undoubtedly everyone knows that Nehru was a great leader, but he was strung in his Moralistic and Gandhian thoughts and lacked pragmatic vision on international relations. He also had NO IDEA on National security. He thought: IF HE SAID PEACE; THERE WOULD BE PEACE! He was too confident of his charisma as a self - acclaimed world Leader. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">In spite of Nehru’s great achievements yet his three great blunders Would haunt him in his “Shanti Van” and his generations of political heirs. It exposes Nehru’s saintly ignorance of a real and pragmatic world. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">The three blunders of Nehru were: firstly, accepting Chinese suzerainty over Tibet. The second was Kashmir imbroglio when J& K had already acceded to India. There was no need to go to UNO and that too under a wrong chapter. His third biggest blunder was rejection of the US offer of a UNSC permanent berth to India. He not only rejected it but wanted China instead to get the seat. </span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">It shows he was too engrossed and tied with moral and ethical strings. He had no idea of the pragmatic world. His investment in ethical and moralistic beliefs led to his conviction that India had NO enemy. Thus he preached Panchsheel and non- alignment. His reply to Army Chief, General Roy Bucher was most absurd when he told the General, “What rubbish! India has NO enemy . We can do with Police; dismantle the Army... “ or words to that effect, gives out his lack of understanding of national security. He was too romantic with the idea of peace and harmony. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">Further, look at Nehru’s confusion! Accepting Chinese suzerainty over Tibet, while Sardar Patel has written to him to stop him. But then, in 1959, he gave asylum to DALAI LAMA. Two self-contradictory actions! Thereafter, it should have been realised that China would not like it and would seek revenge. Efforts should have been made to equip and strengthen the Army. But nothing was done. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">In fact, as soon as India had accepted the accession of J& K from Maharaja Hari Singh, it should have taken measures to take over Gilgit - Baltistan and Aksai Chin by stationing troops in Gilgit and Fort Shahidulla. However, nothing was done. Instead, the issue was further complicated by going to UNO, on the advice of Lord Mountbatten. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">Despite inaction, India continued to believe in the authenticity of WH Jonathan line of 1865, which ran along the KUNLUN mountains range and thus included Aksai Chin as part of J& K. It might be noted that in 1899 , British India had brought this line back to Karakoram Range thus excluding Aksai Chin and accepting Tibet’s jurisdiction over it. But it was not published. Then in 1954, Nehru ordered publication of the maps based on Jonathan Line to include Aksai Chin. It is strange while no physical action was taken to control Aksai Chin, but we dreamt of it as Indian territory. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">And when in 1962, Nehru had resented Aksai Chin loss as something where not a blade of grass had grown, Mahavir Tyagi, another Parliamentarian had retorted: As I am bald Should I cut my head being useless. It is not that people did not question Nehru on these matters, but his towering image silenced everyone. His dislike of the Army and belief in his Panchsheel and non- alignment had given him no time to have a practical view of the world. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, the 1962 Sino- Indian WAR had started with Nehru’s “EVICT THE CHINESE ORDER to Indian Army and rest is history. An Unprepared Army was pitched up against PLA. This is amply brought out in the latest book, “A Chequered Brilliance: VK Krishnamenon” by Jai Ram Ramesh a Congress leader. Nehru had promoted pliable Generals and did not listen to them. General KS Thimayya is one such example. Jai Ram Ramesh reveals the nexus of scheming Generals and bumbling Nehru being the cause of 1962 debacle.</div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div dir="auto" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;">——— To be continued in two more parts ———</span><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Akkurat Std", sans-serif; font-size: 19.125px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-77479429012939708202017-09-02T19:06:00.001+05:302017-09-02T19:11:00.959+05:30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">(</span><u style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Courtesy</u><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">: China-India Dialogue Magazine)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 27.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Expectation for BRICS and the Xiamen Summit</span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">BY </span></i><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Dr SWARAN SINGH JASWAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">September 2, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="color: inherit; font-size: 36.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">China-India Dialogue recently interviewed Professor Swaran Singh Jaswal. He expressed his expectations for the Xiamen summit and his hopes for future BRICS cooperation. This article is edited from a full interview.</span></span></i></div>
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<b style="color: inherit; font-size: 36.8px;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Expectation for the Summit</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">The Xiamen Summit looks like it will be successful considering that all BRICS summits so far have been full of cohesion and consensuses. No problems between BRICS countries have disturbed any consensus building. The highest levels of the Indian government have repeatedly expressed hope that China’s hosting of BRICS would be successful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">During the summit, we may see several important announcements and declarations concerning BRICS. India is particularly looking forward to some clear announcements or action plans to address problems like terrorism, which plagues all these countries. China is also keen to tackle cyber security issues. Initiatives in other specific areas such as women empowerment, human trafficking, and climate change will certainly be launched. China leads in the world in implementing climate change measures, as demonstrated in their commitments in Paris. India has also made important promises. As a result, several issues will see important declarations made in Xiamen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Of course, China is extremely good at hosting such grand events, and China has considerable experience hosting successful meetings of all kinds as big as the Olympics. The Chinese will produce another great event, and the summit will be organized nicely. It will show that BRICS is really moving forward with strength. The summit will ignite a wave of multilateral efforts from these countries.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Transformation of BRICS</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">BRICS has changed drastically from the original concept of BRIC incepted by Jim O’Neill. The group was first conceived because the four countries started growing so rapidly that it became clear they would overtake the total economy of G7 industrialized countries. Within two years, another study named <i>Dreaming with BRICs</i></span><span style="font-family: "ms gothic"; font-size: 13pt;">:</span><i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The Path to 2050</span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;">, argued that the initial forecasts for the group were too ambitious and that more time would be needed for them to make such an impact. Another predicted that BRIC won’t overtake G7 until 2040. But these writeups were looking at four unrelated countries without imagining that BRIC would become a united force.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">BRIC foreign ministers first met on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in 2006. In 2009, Russia hosted the first official summit. The transformation from a concept to an actual group was quick. The nation of South Africa, which had never been considered by O’Neill, was eventually added to bring the total to five countries and changed the acronym to “BRICS.” Soon, the five countries collectively began serving as the driver of global financial governance transformation. From 2009 to 2017, BRICS have expanded its agenda greatly and is now considered the torchbearer for climate change. The Xiamen Summit will feature specialized discussions among top leaders on topics such as human trafficking and woman empowerment. The agenda has expanded beyond what anyone could have imagined. In the future—at least the near future—the time will be ripe for BRICS to consolidate instead of expanding, either in terms of agenda or members, although many countries and organizations are eager to join the grouping. And the agenda needs to be consolidated rather than expanded for the time being. In the near future, BRICS focus should be put on further consolidation of its members. Many mechanisms hold regular meetings but lack a secretariat. Speeches from leaders often focus too much on their own national achievements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">The future demands a shift from individual focus to the focus of the grouping. It will happen as the group shifts from state-to-state relations to people-to-people relations and from inter-state to inter-association connections. Realms such as film, sports, education, information and personnel exchange will emerge as key drivers in creating a BRICS culture. A shift from cooperation in culture to joint work on BRICS culture is the direction BRICS should look in the future. Otherwise, the member will remain disjointed. The sizes of the economies vary, they’re physically far apart, political systems are different, growth rates don’t match and the languages are totally unrelated. How can such a grouping with members so drastically different from each other move closer together? Future focus must be on connecting people and creating BRICS culture. At BRICS forums, the focus should be completely on BRICS, which will happen after BRICS culture evolves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">BRICS has evolved and transformed so rapidly that it’s hard to keep up with the changes. Just a few years ago, the group was just an idea in the head of a Wall Street banker. If the organization continues transforming and evolving so rapidly, it will be difficult to steer. The original focus was to improve and transform global financial governance, towards which the group has taken two important initiatives: New Development Bank and the currency pool. These are solid initiatives. But if BRICS expands to every area, its initiatives will lose power and effectiveness. The attention and energy of the participants cannot be spread to too many areas. Therefore, BRICS needs to consolidate, focus on specific areas, take initiatives that can produce results and effectively implement programs as they did with the New Development Bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">New Development Bank: Example of Success</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">BRICS New Development Bank is a successful example of BRICS work. BRICS founded a bank to finance development projects and create a new model of governance. This governance model is influencing financial institutions created in the wake of the Second World War—the Bretton Woods institutions. It should be noted that some voting rights in those institutions have already changed. BRICS stands for democratizing international relations, democratizing global financial governance and especially giving developing countries a voice in decision making. BRICS New Development Bank is a model of this new kind of governance. It is helping as a new model, but also by influencing transformation in old models. The bank is active, employs more than 400 and is already financing projects. We are lucky that the founding president of the New Development Bank hailed from India. This is the concrete example of BRICS success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;">Swaran Singh Jaswal is a professor from School of International Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-57782079941121609112017-08-29T19:25:00.001+05:302023-10-09T13:13:17.879+05:30China's Military Modernisation - Global Security Implications!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>(Author: Dr Balwant Singh Negi)</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The book of the Moment!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For over two months soldiers of the Chinese Army - the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China - had been wrestling with the Indian Army soldiers staking their claim on the Bhutanese territory at Doklam. Thankfully, sanity prevailed and the duel has not flared up into a war between the two Asian Nuclear powers, and the PLA has reportedly withdrawn from the Bhutanese territory. Belligerent outbursts of the Chinese media are also somewhat subdued now. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Fully illustrated, indexed,</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But is the problem really over? What are China's strategic aims in the region and beyond Asia? <b>Lt Gen Balwant Singh Negi, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM**, PhD</b> provides a forthright analysis of China's military preparedness and her global ambitions in his latest book "<b>China's Military Modernisation - Global Security Implications</b>" published by <b><span style="color: red;">Turning Point Publishers</span></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enquiries and orders can also be mailed to <span style="color: blue;">bestbooks.turningpoint@gmail.com</span> or directly to <b>Turning Point Publishers, 1201, (Mahavir Apartments), Sector 29, Noida (UP) - 201303.</b> </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About the Book</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Readers, military commanders, bureaucrats, diplomats and anyone concerned with Defence, National Security, Foreign Policy never needed it more! A book that exposes China's military capabilities, intentions and limitations, comes at a time when the dragon is fuming fire at Doklam and other hotspots along the LAC! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">‘<strong>China’s Military Modernisation – Global Security Implications</strong>’ is a timely call for India and the world to wake up to the new geo-strategic realities that are not only directly affecting India but also transforming power equations in the emerging global scenario. Verily, this book acquires the top niche in its genre because it is the work of one of India’s top military brains who has been a direct participant in the strategic planning and the tactical tug of war that has marked India-China relations for decades. India and China are both fastest growing economies, and both are nuclear powers. Even as trade and economic cooperation between India and China continue to grow, unresolved border disputes between the two still linger. China's strategic initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); annexation of the South China Sea isles and her growing interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) now lay bare her expanding hegemonic ambitions in the region. Projects like the <em>One Belt One Road</em> (OBOR) and the <em>Maritime Silk Route</em> diplomacy are already causing concerns not only for India but also powers like the US, Australia, Japan and smaller nations in the Indo-Pacific. A new boost given by President Xi Jinping to the extensive military reforms and modernisation programme of the PLA has further heightened these concerns.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Written in a simple, direct, lucid style and lavishly illustrated, this book is a concise, compact compendium of knowledge on China’s military and strategic disposition today. It catalyses curiosity and leaves the reader enriched about the emerging geo-strategic matrix in this part of the Globe.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Meet the Author</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRp4AWHJ05wIta6xBYEUiacwEC-PkVscXmk_IpTtrhYN3DVbNJd31Ol79uA-rvXyCdRhTJZC48Pg0JpYpcEukah0xcvfTOSQDNszf1NWCL0YGxFXEnkUqbsjeNrC4YDTVFBlg/s1600/Lt-General-Balwant-Singh-GoC-in-c-central-command.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRp4AWHJ05wIta6xBYEUiacwEC-PkVscXmk_IpTtrhYN3DVbNJd31Ol79uA-rvXyCdRhTJZC48Pg0JpYpcEukah0xcvfTOSQDNszf1NWCL0YGxFXEnkUqbsjeNrC4YDTVFBlg/s200/Lt-General-Balwant-Singh-GoC-in-c-central-command.JPG" width="166" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dr Balwant Singh Negi is an acknowledged scholar on China matters. Counted among India’s top thinkers on strategic affairs, he is a much sought-after guest speaker on China affairs. He holds an enviable record of academic excellence, strategic and military competence. Besides his double Masters and M Phil degrees, he also holds a PhD from Madras University for his extensive research on China’s Military Modernisation. During his fellowship at a foreign University, the subject of his research was: <i>‘Prospects for Peace in South Asia with the domino effect of China’s footprints in IOR’</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As in his scholastic pursuits, so in his professional career, the author has excelled as a military commander as well. A bachelor and teetotaller, he is known for his spartan lifestyle and altruism. Having ascended to the coveted position of Army Commander (GOC-in-C), Lt Gen (Dr) Balwant Singh Negi is one of the highly decorated generals of the Indian Army. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Chinese President Xi Jinping who is also the Chairman of Central Military Commission said on 30 July 2017 while addressing the PLA's 90th Anniversary Parade at Zhurite, Inner Mongolia:- </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue;">“Today, we are closer than ever to our goal of the 'great rejuvenation' of the Chinese Nation. And more than any time in history, we need to build strong Armed Forces of the people.....I firmly believe that our gallant military has both confidence and ability to defeat all invading enemies."</span></span></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-31838980323764470272017-08-20T18:09:00.000+05:302017-08-20T18:09:14.697+05:30Secularism Vs Communal Prejudice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Look how our vote hungry politics has made Secular India a Communally biased country! The system has been progressively vitiated ever since Independence by the <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Party that has ruled us longest in the past seventy years.</span></div>
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It is expedient for all Indians - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jain, Buddhists and other brethren to seek an honest reaction from their Conscience on the following facts vis-a-vis the real idea of SECULARISM. </div>
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<b><u>Note:</u></b> The following text is quoted here as received on Whatsapp:-</div>
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This one should make good sense to all Indians by heart. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I think every Indian needs to read this carefully! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Without Malice! </span></div>
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1. There are nearly 52 Muslim countries. Show me one Muslim country which provides Haj subsidy. (Secular India does!).</div>
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2. Show me one Muslim country where non-Muslims are extended the special rights that Muslims are accorded in India? </div>
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3. Show me one country where the 85% majority craves for the indulgence of the 15% minority.</div>
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4. Show me one Muslim country, which has/had a Non-Muslim as its President or Prime Minister.</div>
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5. Show me one Mullah or Maulvi who has issued a <i>'fatwa' </i>against terrorists/terrorism or <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/antinational?source=feed_text&story_id=10154695994997595" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Anti-national</span></span></a> politicians & <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/selfproclaimed?source=feed_text&story_id=10154695994997595" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Self proclaimed</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/religiousleaders?source=feed_text&story_id=10154695994997595" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Religious Leaders</span></span></a></div>
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6. Hindu-majority Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala, Pondicherry, etc. have in the past elected Muslims as Chief Ministers. Can you ever imagine a Hindu becoming the Chief Minister of Muslim majority J&K? (There has been none so far and it is unthinkable in the future as well).</div>
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7. In 1947, when India was partitioned, the Hindu population in Pakistan was about 24% of its total population. Today it is not even 1%. In 1947, the Hindu population in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was 30%. Today it is about 7%. Probably even less!</div>
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8. What happened to the missing Hindus? Do Hindus have human rights?</div>
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9. In India, on the contrast, the Muslim population has gone up from 10.4% of the total population in 1951 to more than 14% today whereas the Hindu population has come down from 87.2% in 1951 to less than 85% in 1991. In the context of questions<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 7 & 8 above, do you still think that Hindus are fundamentalists?</span></div>
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10. In India today, Hindus are close to 85%. If Hindus were intolerant:- </div>
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<li>How come Masjids and Madrasas have proliferated and flourished? </li>
<li>How come Muslims are offering Namaz on the road? </li>
<li>How come Muslims are proclaiming 5 times a day on high decibel loud speakers that there is no God except Allah?</li>
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11. If Muslims and Christians are enjoying <i>'Minorities' status </i>in Maharashtra, UP, Bihar etc., why are Hindus not granted '<i>Minorities</i>' status in J&K, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya etc? Why are only Hindus denied <i>minority rights/privileges</i> in these states?</div>
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12. When Christian and Muslim schools are teaching Bible and Quran, why can't Hindus teach Gita or Ramayan in their schools?</div>
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13. Do you now admit that Hindus do have problems that need to be addressed - in their own country, at least? Or do you think that those who call themselves Hindus are themselves the problem?</div>
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And the last...</div>
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14. Abdul Rehman Antulay, former CM of Maharashtra, was made a trustee of the famous Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Can a Hindu- even Mulayam or Laloo – ever dream to become a trustee of a Masjid or Madrasa or the Wakf Board?</div>
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"Hinduism is not a religion, it is a way of life since 8000 BC"!</div>
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A <b>Uniform Civil Code</b> is indeed true SECULARISM because the State then will not distinguish between "Religions" or "Faiths". Anything other than "Equality" in governance is "biased" or lopsided. Every individual must be treated at par without prejudice in a genuinely secular State. Let us rise against the prevalent prejudicial, divisive culture of Pseudo-Secularism and demand for a genuine Secular system of governance in India.</div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-26963780107311849602017-08-01T19:13:00.000+05:302017-08-01T19:13:33.996+05:30India Vs China in Asia!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Why is India worried about China consolidating in Sri Lanka? </span></h1>
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by Prof. Swaran Singh</h1>
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(<u>Courtesy</u>: Institute of National Security Studies of Sri Lanka) (http://www.insssl.lk/preview.php?id=81) </div>
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On Saturday, Sri Lanka finally signed a $ 1.1 billion deal selling China 70 percent stake in its strategic Hambantota port. The fact that the Chinese signatory, the state-run China Merchant Port Holdings, is a Hong Kong based firm reminds not just of a similar 99 year lease that Chinese had signed in 1841 following their Opium War with Great Britain. Much closer example would be China's recent 43 year lease for managing Pakistan Gwadar port and adjoining 2,282 acre special economic zone that was singed in November 2015.</div>
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But this time round, China has moved several steps forward from than those older models. First, its Concession Agreement for 99-year lease of running operations of the Hambantota port and an enormous special economic zone of 15,000 acres around it has formalised much anticipated "debt-into-equity" swap model. Second, this 99-year Concession Agreement comes after protracted negotiations following their original 2014 draft under the Rajapaksa government but more recently following their January 2017 framework agreement and these negotiations have since been accompanied by widespread public criticism and concerns in Sri Lanka and abroad.</div>
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Sri Lankan government had accordingly promised to re-negotiate the deal and has now changed the ratio of Chinese ownership from original 80 to less than 70 per cent. It has also provided security assurances for Colombo's other partners including India, Japan, United States etc as also inserted newer provisions for relocation and compensation for thousands of villagers who will be uprooted from their traditional homes. This wheel of time appears increasingly unstoppable and its pace is likely to be further accelerated as part of China's Belt and Road juggernaut which will ensure that this evolving new model will be further improvised and replicated elsewhere as well.</div>
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China has clearly emerged as the fastest growing investor nation in Sri Lanka. This trend had witnessed an upsurge especially following the brutal civil war of 2009. Hambantota that was completed in 2010 represents today as the most symbolic 'flagship' project of their ever expanding partnership involving a slew of several mega projects. Indeed, the new coalition National Unity government came to power in 2015 riding the wave of anti-Rajapaksa sentiment promising to review all Chinese projects sanctioned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. After a brief period of haggling and talking tough, however, the reality of external debt was to dawn upon these new set of leaders who have gradually moved to accommodating Chinese demands and drifted towards Beijing for Sri Lanka's much needed financial relief and redemption</div>
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Rising debt has made Sri Lankan leaders admit having landed in debt-trap which remains their most formidable existential challenge with limited exit options. As of April 2017, Sri Lanka's total outstanding external debt stood at $25.61 billion. This means it has to pay back around $2.42 billion during this year itself and this figure will rise to $2.56 for the coming year and so on. Chinese loans alone account for over $8 billion and Chinese projects have especially not yielded any returns. The Hambantota port today presents one such white elephant with no teeth or tusk. It has progressively handled a lesser number of ships each year. From 19 ships in 2015 ships visiting this port have decreased to 14 in 2016 and only ten ships have anchored for the first half of this year. These numbers, of course, exclude car carriers that have been forcibly diverted from Colombo port since the year 2012.</div>
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These investments had been originally invited by the Rajapaksa government who had also initiated this "debt-into-equity" framework during 2014. This agreement however could not be signed then in view of declaration of elections followed by the change of government. But the debt trap thus created has not disappeared. The only change today is that new government has reduced the Chinese share ratio from 80:20 to now 69:55 and 30:45 between China Merchant Port Holdings and Sri Lanka Port Authority. Worse, the lease in case of Hambantota involves evicting thousands of villagers which have also triggered simmering resentment though government promises to provide new lands as also appropriate compensations. IN view of Chinese practices elsewhere, Sri Lankan government has also been facing huge resistance from various trade unions and petroleum workers last week had brought the whole nation to a standstill with their two days of stopping fuel distribution.</div>
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It is interesting that Namal Rajapaksa, member of parliament and son of former president recently told the BBC how he feels India would "be very uncomfortable with this arrangement." No doubt India's anxieties have also continued. Provisions of this new deal do provide ample clarifications on how the Chinese company will be responsible only for commercial operations and Sri Lankan navy will be responsible for security yet this 99 lease of this deep-sea port is bound to trigger speculations about this port becoming a base for the Chinese navy. Let alone India, such sentiments have also been expressed by various Chinese commentators. Indian experts of course feel convinced of this being at least potentially part of China's so-called string of pearls. Sitting close to the east-west shipping lines in busy Indian Ocean, port of Hambantota is bound to become a major a major staging post in China's Maritime Silk Road initiative.</div>
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Sri Lanka of course has made efforts to balance its relations with all major partners. As prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe recently explained, the accumulated loss of the port was more than $304 million and money realised from the deal will set off the debts Sri Lanka owed to the Chinese. Before being elected to office leaders of opposition had criticised the project but have gradually come around to understand inevitability about China's help in addressing its problems of port's underperformance and heavy debt repayments. It is reported that port's annual load repayment stands at $59 million and by 2016 the port had suffered loss of $304 million.</div>
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As regards India, this Concession Agreement is sure not a happy news but given Colombo's debt situation India perhaps has few options other than accepting this fait acompli and shore up its pragmatic defence mechanism. Already entangled in rough relations with China for last two years India is politically not in a position to choose confrontation with China through any emergency bailout of Sri Lanka in the case of Hambantota. India is believed to having been kept in confidence by Colombo's negotiators who apparently included several specific security clauses in this agreement on insistence from or in deference to India. For instance as per the July 25 cabinet note, the concession agreement has provisions to prohibit "any form of military related activities" by China clarifying that "sole responsibility and authority for such activity and for National Security of the port of Hambantota with the Government of Sri Lanka" which will be the only authority to grant permission to any naval vessels to anchor at this port. Also, all personnel involved in security related apparatus shall be Sri Lankan nationals. While such security assurances may be important yet India can not escape the fact that this deal clearly signifies Sri Lanka's increasing path dependency on China with deeper strategic implications.</div>
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Moreover, India also remains engaged in various projects including development of the northern deep-sea port of Trincomalee and an adjoining oil tank farm. India also remains Sri Lanka's largest trading partners with their bilateral trade standing at $4.38 billion. India has also committed development assistance of over $2.6 billion in various loans and grants. But given India's understanding of its core security interests in its immediate periphery Sri Lanka's policy of equidistance itself generates anxieties amongst India's policy makers. It is equally important for India not to overlook Sri Lanka's domestic unease about this agreement. Their experience with China is likely to make Sri Lankans far too cautious even with India. The 'joint opposition' made up of the Rajapaksa loyalists and Left parties has already been critical of 'giving' Trincomalee to India. There are questions about Sri Lankan leaders overlooking widespread and persistent protests and signing the deal in a hurry without deliberating it in their national parliament. Sri Lanka leaders could have used this to buy time to assuage anxieties of these domestic and foreign stakeholders though they could never have fully addressed their concerns.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 9pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Author is Senior Fellow at Institute for National Security Studies Sri Lanka(INSSSL) and professor of Diplomacy and Disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi). This article does not reflect the stance of INSSSL or the Government of Sri Lanka.</span></em></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-75947600262423673252017-07-24T20:10:00.000+05:302017-07-24T20:14:34.997+05:30India-China Border Stand-off<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"> The great corridor game</span></h1>
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By Dr Swaran Singh</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ preoccupation is making the Chinese accelerate President Xi Jinping’s grand vision, the ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) project. The initiative was launched in 2013 and it might take a few decades, if not more, for the Chinese to complete the project. Currently, China is preparing to hold its first OBOR global summit this summer and it expects to see all world leaders lined up to become part of this post-American China-led globalisation.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Only two prominent nations are likely to be conspicuous by their absence: The US, that will soon have a president who remains wary of China; and India, that remains reticent about OBOR, especially with respect to the project’s offshoots into the Indian Ocean and South Asia. Indeed, even the unpredictable Trump might show up in Beijing following his meeting with Jack Ma, thus completely isolating India in this fast-evolving geopolitics of Eurasia.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br />India had sought to counter OBOR with Mousam and Sagarmala projects but these have remained a fiction as Indian foreign policy became obsessed with ‘isolating’ Pakistan. The result: Indian foreign policy establishment today finds fault with China blocking India’s efforts in naming Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar a UN-designated terrorist and criticises China’s efforts to block India’s bid for a full membership to the Nuclear Supplier’s Group. Only the naive would expect China to shoulder India’s burdens!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br />With Beijing’s rising global stardom, India has surely lost the race with China, but New Delhi remains equally unaware of the fast-shifting sands in South Asia. As part of OBOR, China remains busy promoting (a) the Bangladesh China-India- Myanmar or BCIM Economic Corridor and (b) the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) both promising China access to the Indian Ocean, from the east and west of India. Dr Manmohan Singh had finally reconciled to India’s participation in the former but there has been no response to the same from the Modi government.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span>No doubt, insurgencies and political divisions in Pakistan’s restive province of Balochistan had a heavy toll on the safety and security of Chinese engineers and assets. The threat even forced China to ask Pakistan to raise a 10,000-strong force for their protection.</div>
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Even Pakistani experts widely believe that only Chinese companies will be the biggest beneficiaries from CPEC because the Pakistani leadership supports it, as always, only for their personal gains. The Chinese also understand that this $57 billion network of energy projects, roads and deep-water port linking Kashghar and Gwadar may never become commercially viable. They are already learning lessons from the Sitwe, Gwadar and Hambantota ports. But like the post- World War II United States, post-Cold War China needs its own Marshall Plan to catapult itself to the status of the next superpower.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Then, what are India’s options? It is interesting to note that while the Indian state has pulled away from the limited interest it showed in the BCIM economic corridor and keeps absolute silence on CPEC, Indian society is fast integrating with China. India’s businessmen— from Ambanis to</span>small-town<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> traders who fill flights between China and India—are all getting thoroughly entrenched in </span>Chinese<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> capital, equipment and consumer products. There is a bit of China in all top Indian start-ups, from </span>e-commerce<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> platform Snapdeal to mobile wallet giant Paytm, to cab service company Ola and travel portal MakeMyTrip and so on.</span><br />
But India had agreed to BCIM without resolving borders! India has limited time and options. It cannot remain hostage to its single-minded strategy of isolating Pakistan which has had no effect on China, Russia or the US. Although CPEC has muddled through few milestones, India would be ill-advised to rely on the false comfort of the corridor being engulfed in crisis and a non-starter.</div>
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But it is the CPEC which has lately picked up momentum. Both China and Pakistan are now inviting all other stakeholders including their newfound strategic partner Russia into CPEC. If Russia, China and Pakistan hold parleys with Afghanistan in the future, it portends increasing centrality of Pakistan and further marginalisation of India. Emboldened Pakistani generals are already inviting India to join the CPEC which they say is a project “not in, but through” Pakistan and potentially the most crucial link between China’s OBOR and their Maritime Silk Road which involves as many as 65 nations.</div>
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China is fast becoming India’s Mecca for higher education, especially medicine. Indian students in China now make up the second largest group of foreign students at 16,694—with only Thailand ahead with 19,976, Russia following with 16,176 and Pakistan with 15,654. In the last two years, India has added the most number of students (3,116 students), followed by Pakistan. Over 8,000 Indian students are studying medicine in China even when the Medical Council of India does not recognise their degree from China. Students have to write a separate exam to practice medicine in India. Same is the trend for other Indian travellers to China, be it politicians, academicians, journalists or tourists.</div>
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India has had serious objections to the very nature of the China-Pakistan axis and to China investing in infrastructure in disputed territories of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It is true that China’s own 1963 border settlement treaty with Pakistan calls Kashmir a ‘disputed’ territory. India also has genuine grievances against China for not consulting India, its largest neighbour, before launching the OBOR.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: normal;">[<i>Dr. Swaran Singh is Professor for Diplomacy and Disarmament at Centre for International Politics, Organization and Disarmament (CIPOD), School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi). He is President of Association of ASIA Scholars, General Secretary of Indian Association of Asian & Pacific Studies, Guest Professor at Research Institute of Indian Ocean Economies, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (China) and Advisory Board Member of Atlanta-based Communities Without Borders Inc. (United States)</i>].</span></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-11140512945097460122015-08-29T19:19:00.001+05:302015-08-29T19:19:29.812+05:30OROP - Explaining Whites n Pinks! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 26.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">OROP Resolution & Future<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">By<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Brigadier Vijay
Raheja, Veteran<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Post publication of certain tables in an article on One Rank
One Pension (OROP) in a recent edition of India Today, have gone through the
source, which has been in circulation in the form of a Draft Government of
India Letter (DGL); for over a year. The fact that such a letter exists makes
it amply clear that same came into being after due deliberations between
Ministry of Defence and stake holders, ie Service Headquarters and representatives of
Ex-Servicemen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perusal of DGL brings to fore the intricate detailing and
clear mindset aimed at resolving anomalies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Present Imbroglio and Solutions.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is not my aim to reinvent the wheel and as such have no
intention of starting with definition of OROP on which it is assumed that there
is total clarity. Let me therefore come straight to cause(s) that have led to
the predicament and then on to painstaking efforts on part of Ministry of
Defence and Service Headquarters to resolve matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is concomitant effect of ‘bunching’; a concept followed
by successive pay commissions that creates a divide in serving personnel, when
people in same rank, having different number years of service are given a fixed
starting salary. With subsequent promotions and years of service differential
largely gets ironed out since every rank has a top of the scale – however few anomalies
do arise. Typical example would be a person retiring on last day of the month,
before increment due month as against
his colleague, who has same number of years of service retiring a month later,
but with an increment – such cases would be far and few. Coming to pensioners
the fixation is at the lowest end of the rank band, irrespective of years of
service and hence the need of OROP and periodic review. A stage will come, as
and when top of scale is reached for each rank there would be no change in
pensions and therefore the misnomer of a 3% increase each year needs to be
dispelled. Periodic review would be required to resolve anomalies that may
arise, with marginal financial impact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adequate safe guards have been inbuilt in DGL to ensure
equitable treatment to one and all. Some note worthy measures are enumerated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To begin with calculation of service rendered for officers
who have been promoted from ranks has been brought on an even keel; being
different earlier for pre 1986 and pre 1967 commissioned officers. It is now
total service from date of enrollment till date of retirement; thereby ensuring
same </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">pension
to all retirees with number of years of service criteria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next it has been ensured that All Honorary Nb Sub</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">,
Modified Career Progression Scheme (MACP) Nb Sub</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and equivalents are granted pension of Nb Sub. Similarly
any change/improvement in Hony Lt/Capt and equivalent shall be applicable to
regular commissioned officers in ranks of Lt and Capt and equivalent ranks, if
it is more beneficial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a consequence of introduction of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">time bound ranks
(i.e. up to the rank of Colonel and equivalent), it is proposed that for past
pensioners who retired before 16 Dec 2004 i.e. before time period for
promotions was reduced, years of service will only be relevant and table for
higher rank be taken into consideration to determine pension of such
retirees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Finally, a safety
clause, to protect existing pensioners, has been included wherein any changes in policy regarding pay
or promotion which affect pay/pension of future pensioners, shall also be
passed on to the past pensioners</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Future.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hopefully, anomalous situation created due to bunching, as
suggested by earlier Pay Commission Panels will change. Needless to say that
painstaking efforts must have been put in by Service Headquarters to project
what is best; as also point out anomalies created over the years to Seventh Pay
Commission Panel. In addition, Panel Members have not only travelled over the
country and interacted with veterans, but have visited far and remote areas to
see working conditions of our troops. Add to this, as someone said, “<b>Aborted Pensions of defence personnel as
against Fully Matured Pensions of Civilians</b>” am sure things are bound to
change for the Soldier<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-20437152255175695392015-08-25T20:40:00.001+05:302015-08-25T20:41:41.219+05:30OROP - Time is running out - The Government must Act Fast!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have all through been most supportive of the military needs. Even before coming to power, Modi had carved out his own niche of trust and camaraderie with the military personnel and the Ex-servicemen (ESM). They are now, however, puzzled at the undue delay in implementing the OROP (One Rank One Pension) despite the unambiguous assurance given by the Prime Minister at various occasions including his declaration at Siachen Glacier on the eve of Diwali last year. The ESM (2.5 million) are now unhappy and suspect that the Babudom is misleading the Government on the issue of OROP which has been unequivocally been endorsed and approved by the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister himself. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The PM declared on Aug 15 that the Govt had saved Rs 15000 cr in gas subsidy after enforcing direct credit system within last one year. It is also officially understood that 40% of food security bill (Rs 2.27 lakh crore this year) is intercepted by corrupt officials and never reaches the target beneficiaries. If this corrupt practice is reduced just by 10%, it will result in annual savings of more than Rs 23000 crore annually keeping the recurring budgetary increases in view. There is also enough scope to cut non-plan government expenditures in many other areas including unduly bloating perks and privileges of MPs and ministers.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The OROP bill has been estimated to be between Rs 8000 cr to Rs 9000 cr. Even if the Govt goes by the highly exaggerated estimates (Rs 12000 cr) being paraded in some media columns, it can still be easily funded from the aforesaid savings.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
It is, therefore, abundantly clear that OROP is no extra financial burden on the national exchequer and the payout is very much feasible from within the available resources with the Govt. There is enormous money that needs to be raked in by cutting down the unnecessary "burdens" like subsidies, corruption, black money, rationalization of expenses in high offices and curtailing VVIP culture.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
It is reliably learnt that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is fully convinced on the legitimacy and feasibility of clearing OROP soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been all through inclined to clear the OROP and is also learnt to have ordered the Fin Min to tune in and remove all "technical hurdles" in the way without any further delay.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The QUESTION, however, remains: When is OROP going to be implemented? Lingering wait is dangerous as irate ESM go on Fast unto Death. There have been occasional threats of self-immolation and hanging from the trees at Jantar Mantar. How long will organisers succeed in dissuading ex soldiers and families of martyrs from taking these extreme steps? Even from within the Services, there are gloomy signals of simmering resentment and restlessness among the serving soldiers as well.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The time is running out. The Government must act fast.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">Just heard about Col Pushpinder Singh's worsening condition in ICU. I pray for his recovery back to good health. I would also implore all others on 'Fast unto Death' to break their fast and await Government decision which hopefully should come soon. </span> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Best regards,</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Karan Kharb</div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: Mangal, serif;">कर्ण</span> </b><b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: Mangal, serif;">खर्ब</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span lang="HI" style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">उत्कर्ष</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;">- </span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The Turning Point</span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt;">(A Leadership Development Initiative)</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Blog:</span></u><b><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://turningpointindia.blogspot.in/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>turningpointindia.blogspot.in</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
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</div>
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------------------------------<wbr></wbr>------------------------------<wbr></wbr>------------------------------<wbr></wbr>------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Modi should ignore the naysayers on OROP - </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">including the Fin Min</span></b></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<b>(R Jagannathan, published in 'First Post', Aug 24, 2015 12:34 IST)</b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
If there is a worse way to handle a sensitive issue like OROP - one-rank-one-pension for the defence forces - I am yet to hear about it. The BJP has messed up big time on an issue that is not only very close to its own heart, but one that is long overdue.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
Morally, politically and economically, Narendra Modi is making a serious mistake by unconscionably delaying OROP. Most arguments used against OROP are misleading, if not plain wrong.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
First, when the previous government had already made a commitment on OROP and the then prime ministerial candidate had promised a full commitment to it in his election campaign, there was no way the decision could have been avoided. The only question that needed to be decided was when the scheme would be implemented and how OROP entitlements will be calculated. Two months was the maximum required after May 2014 for OROP to come into force.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
Second, OROP affects the BJP's strongest constituency - the armed forces. As a nationalistic party, the BJP has drawn a disproportionate share of activists and politicians from the ex-servicemen's constituency - and this constituency is huge. The defence forces have 1.3 million serving personnel, another 1.2 million reservists, and many millions of ex-servicemen. And we are not even talking of other paramilitary forces like the NSG, the Assam Rifles, the Special Frontier Force and armed central policing forces like the CRPF, which has over 230 battalions of its own. Add them all and the numbers will surely double at least to around six million.If we assume an average household size of five people per serving or retired defence jawan or officer, we are talking of close to 25-30 million people who will gain from OROP now or in the future. Can the BJP mess around with the futures of such a large constituency?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
Third, there is the economic argument. The finance ministry under Arun Jaitley would surely have argued that the fiscal deficit will go for a toss if OROP is implemented this year. But the cost of OROP is reckoned at anything between Rs 8,000-12,000 crore, depending on who you include and how you calculate the rate of pension. This amount would be less than one-tenth the food subsidy, where in fact 40 percent goes to the wrong people. It needs the government to only reduce food subsidy wastage by 10 percent to pay for OROP.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
Even assuming the real payout will be twice as large, assuming we include all military and paramilitary personnel, including CRPF, we are talking Rs 25,000 crore. A big amount, no doubt, but not unaffordable to a government committed to cleaning up the wasteful subsidy system. Half the savings have already accrued from cleaning up the LPG subsidy system with the direct cash payments scheme.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
An honest approach to the problem of fiscal deficit would have been a simple statement from the government that OROP will be implemented in two stages, with 50 percent of the target -ex-servicemen (the lowest-paid) being eligible from this year, and the other from next year. Alternatively, we could have covered all people upto 75 percent of OROP entitlements this year and 100 percent next year.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
To have ex-servicemen on hunger-strike and a minister and former army chief's daughter backing their cause is a public relations disaster for the Prime Minister.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In any case, if the real issue is only the impact on central finances, there is also the counter-argument: when consumption demand in the economy is weak and business is not investing, a higher payment to ex-servicemen may be just the pep consumption demand needs.</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
It is an established fact that whenever public sector pay rises after the implementation of pay commission recommendations (the next pay commission's recommendations will have to be implemented from next year), consumer demand picks up and growth revives. In an economy that wants to raise its growth momentum and jobs, what can be better than an additional Rs 10,000-20,000 crore in the hands of consumers, thanks to OROP? And remember, higher demand leads to higher tax revenues from increased economic activity and hence lowers the fiscal deficit after a lag.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
The economic argument against accepting OROP is thus weak. On the contrary, by sanctioning OROP our defence personnel will not only be defending our border better but also our economy.</div>
<br />
<div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
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<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
The Prime Minister is probably getting bad advice from his finance ministry on OROP. He should over-rule them and announce OROP before Rahul Gandhi turns up at an ex-serviceman's home and offers fake sympathies.</div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-79232285689006048432015-07-22T13:33:00.000+05:302015-07-22T13:35:51.848+05:30Needed: A Paradigm Shift in J&K<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Karan
Kharb</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsjXxQb8zADFijtUyI6q4FJ5MO3ICTR3nTRIvQZ6DQ2S0mW7bcOiMg2hjVBKh0yazgKNnYt8NDBV8KeSU477pXmvZAIdOqJ7GJITpzEni3yr1zzfzFPekiRpPiYkzMSRHdVqt/s1600/Terrorism+in+J%2526K+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsjXxQb8zADFijtUyI6q4FJ5MO3ICTR3nTRIvQZ6DQ2S0mW7bcOiMg2hjVBKh0yazgKNnYt8NDBV8KeSU477pXmvZAIdOqJ7GJITpzEni3yr1zzfzFPekiRpPiYkzMSRHdVqt/s320/Terrorism+in+J%2526K+2.jpg" width="320" /></a> Pakistan
proxies and the separatists in Kashmir suddenly seem encouraged and emboldened
as was evident recently from the drama enacted by Masrat Alam. These noises must
be rasping hard on the BJP ears because its partnership in the state government
had generated optimism for peace and progress. The Hurriyat leaders whose
diktats to boycott the elections was spurned by the Kashmiri electorate had
once seemed to have been consigned into oblivion – but only until the release
of Masrat Alam. He started spewing
anti-India venom right from the moment he stepped out of the jail early last
month. Flagrantly misleading and provoking the Kashmiri Muslims against India,
he sang eulogies in praise of Pakistan and, surrounded by the Pakistani flags,
declared. <i>"I am not a citizen of India. Nor do I believe Kashmir to be
part of India." </i> Now, put behind
the bars once again, hopefully he will be tried for his audacious anti-India
activities including treason.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Ironically, the
opposite of what was expected from the new BJP-PDP dispensation is happening in
Jammu and Kashmir. The election of 2014, which recorded unprecedented voter turnout
despite vigorous boycott campaign mounted by the separatists, was held in a
peaceful atmosphere attracting worldwide acclaim as a democratic exercise in
the trouble-torn state. Interestingly, however, the poll mandate threw up two arch-rivals
in the state politics – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the People's
Democratic Party (PDP) – as leading contenders for power with 25 and 28 seats in
a hung Legislative Assembly of 87 effective seats. That such political adversaries would become
allies and form the government, was largely viewed as <i>impossible</i>. But it
happened. Perhaps inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ethos of <i>'Sabka
sath, Sabka vikas'</i>, the BJP went ahead and forged an alliance with the PDP
after two months of sustained negotiations steered by Ram Madhav and the PDP
supremo Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Understandably,
it raised public expectations but scared the separatist lobbies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Unlike
other states of the Union, governance in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is uniquely
complex. Firstly, being a border state it acquires special geo-political significance,
which is heightened even more with Pakistan having ceded Shaksgam Valley to
China and the latter launching massive infrastructure development including multi-lane
roads in the area. Secondly, besides its mountainous terrain remains covered
either by dense forest or by snow, the state is also demographically divided with
Jammu-Udhampur having predominantly Hindu population, the Kashmir Valley predominantly
Muslim and Ladakh having a mix of sparsely populated by Budhists and Muslims. Thirdly,
India's relations with Pakistan and China directly influence politics and happenings
in these areas. Fourthly, Article 370 of
the Indian Constitution bestows 'special status' on the state of Jammu and Kashmir,
which distinguishes it from the rest of the states of the Union. This weird
constitutional proviso makes the state look like a 'nation' within a nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Thanks
to these outlandish physiognomies of the state of Jammu and Kashmir,
governments have been consistently smug in running affairs of the state in a
status-quoist manner engendering a privileged class of self-righteous
politicians and protected elite of bureaucracy insulated from the people. The proxy war unleashed by Pakistan against India
in this region has been fuelling chaos in the state. More lives – military as well as civil – have
been lost in the last quarter century of violence here than the combined total
death toll of last three Indo-Pak wars. Development
has been another serious casualty while official corruption has thrived reducing
civil administration to a self-serving mechanism largely denied to the people. The
carrot dangling approach of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to placate and
win over the Hurriyat and hard core separatists has already flopped. Masrat Alam has very effectively utilised his
brief release from captivity to reignite the fizzling voices of separatism in
Srinagar. The brief drama he so diligently enacted with Hafiz Sayeed from
Pakistan assuring Jehadis (proxies) in Jammu and Kashmir every kind of support
– "Government, Military and moral" – has once again opened up the wound
that has festered for over a quarter century now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Azadi from the Bondage of Article 370 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wLvvKuAvNtOrPGImnxvQxMDrM3JR73v9G4L_KIgwvycdFZLJb0fWkC-S7Rw_9Im_S4TyIlh0SIqE8QFaV5xYPRyf0TEapM-xMGPIpTjGLrdcDSaa83oYHH6wmOOv7w4WqYI9/s1600/Terrorism+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wLvvKuAvNtOrPGImnxvQxMDrM3JR73v9G4L_KIgwvycdFZLJb0fWkC-S7Rw_9Im_S4TyIlh0SIqE8QFaV5xYPRyf0TEapM-xMGPIpTjGLrdcDSaa83oYHH6wmOOv7w4WqYI9/s1600/Terrorism+3.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> For
the first time in the history of J&K, BJP has partnership in the state
government. It has </span>a strong full majority government at the Centre. There is
ample evidence for the government to understand that placating tactics and
dithering have only led to worsening the situation rather than solving the
problems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and the J&K government are today faced with a serious challenge, which they
can convert into a grand opportunity to usher in new era of peace, prosperity
and genuine <i>azadi</i> by integrating the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the
mainstream of sovereign India. The so-called 'special status' under Article 370
has actually promotes 'separatism', inter-se rivalry and mistrust because the
distinguishing constitutional provisions treat the state of J&K differently
vis-à-vis the rest. It also kills the
fundamental principle of 'EQUALITY' enshrined in the Preamble of the
Constitution of India. No public interest has been served by it so far. On the contrary, those in power use it from
time to time for personal gains by blackmailing the Central Government under
its shadow. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> To
the international community too, continuance of 'special status' for J&K
gives an impression of 'some final decision about J&K's still hanging in
the air' – an impression Pakistan and the Kashmiri separatists have been
cashing on to bolster their claims. Viewed from any angle, the provisions of
this Article have proved to be a silky noose in the J&K neck. The principle of equality entitles the people
of J&K to be liberated from this royal bondage, which has only hampered
their development. It has deterred the
Indian investors and multi-national corporates from investing in J&K. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Permanent
solution to a problem as ticklish as this cannot be easy but how long shall we
allow this wound to fester in search of easy solutions? Time is now ripe to
administer the bitter pill. Article 370
must be repealed and the state of Jammu and Kashmir integrated into the
national mainstream without further delay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Fighting the Proxy War<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> India
has been telling the world what Hafiz Sayeed has audaciously owned up now. In an interview to a media channel he
recently admitted that he and his apparatus including Jamat-ud-Dawa has been
"aiding the jehadis in Kashmir with full support from the Pakistan
Government and the Army". India has information about a number of
terrorist training camps running in Pakistan under the aegis of ISI, Hafiz
Sayed and his associates. The Indian
Army hunting and fighting terrorists in the hinterland has been troublesome for
the civil population who are frequently subjected to frisking besides facing a
host of other hardships in the endemic violence in the region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Indian Army should change its tactics for fighting this war. The Army should
mind only the areas of its war time responsibility along the border/Line of
Control (LC). Violence in the interior should be handled by the state police
and paramilitary forces. The local</div>
<span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xl37VToyd5et3XIv0mQ-eZlXMrkbzpgMq18Ae3ghpayJbPq7i7lCBeT5NCaYBSndc4W5ZnCtBZ6Pk1j6PCi703qMhQsmkqSqxPeLYyqrD_yp9FOnxPNJABMDCDTi4baWLMOX/s1600/Terrorism+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xl37VToyd5et3XIv0mQ-eZlXMrkbzpgMq18Ae3ghpayJbPq7i7lCBeT5NCaYBSndc4W5ZnCtBZ6Pk1j6PCi703qMhQsmkqSqxPeLYyqrD_yp9FOnxPNJABMDCDTi4baWLMOX/s320/Terrorism+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB">government </span>authorities must assume responsibility for peace and intelligence in
their area of responsibility. As a strategic shift, the war should be carried
to the enemy territory. The Indian Army
has the capability to carry out special commando missions against designated
targets deep inside Pakistan with a fair degree of success. It is disappointing to see that we have
unwittingly neglected the offensive initiatives and developed a more defensive
and over protective mind-set over the past few years. Pakistan, on the
contrary, has always been proactively offensive and innovative from Kargil
onward. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Despite being
aware of India's higher nuclear potential, Pakistan has never felt deterred
from hurting India anywhere anytime whereas India has been visibly deterred not
only from proactive offensive strikes but even from delivering punitive strokes
as reprisal against audacious terror attacks like Mumbai 26/11, Parliament
attack, Red Fort attack or beheading of our soldiers at the LC. This stance must
change to bolder and devastating punitive actions unless we are preparing to be
beaten and defeated in the next war. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-51756675893917785492015-07-21T12:17:00.001+05:302015-07-21T12:20:47.490+05:30OROP – Invest in Esteem & Morale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Karan Kharb</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e9nB7Bxq3alCqcfMkCzn1EhjphLM8oqw2NrK9ozNclkOBXQ7fPbAUYUoG61oFDvUptKxzuJOmE2mWbFSUvwk6OdFd4tkoIf6QcznGhVDqate7lpufyzWDMy3DnA3y8NalVZq/s1600/OROP+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e9nB7Bxq3alCqcfMkCzn1EhjphLM8oqw2NrK9ozNclkOBXQ7fPbAUYUoG61oFDvUptKxzuJOmE2mWbFSUvwk6OdFd4tkoIf6QcznGhVDqate7lpufyzWDMy3DnA3y8NalVZq/s400/OROP+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">A perception has progressively gained ground in the civil society and media
as if the demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP) were no more than an issue
concerning the 2.5 million Ex-servicemen (ESM) – a mere 0.2 per cent of
population with no meaningful vote bank concentration in any parliamentary
constitution in the country. Even those favourably inclined towards the ESM’s long
outstanding demand tend to view it as a “welfare measure” for the veterans who
served through uncommon ordeals and made sacrifices for the country. So, their
support for the OROP sprouts from their <i>sympathy</i> for the <i>fauji bhai</i>
rather than <i>concern</i> for the <i>national security</i>. The pay-offs of
soldiers’ pay, allowances, service privileges and pension are far more
significant than just satisfying personal and domestic needs of the military
personnel – serving and retired. These tangibles have a direct bearing on the intangible
vital assets of the Armed Forces – <i>leadership </i>and<i> morale</i> without
which no weaponry or technology, however modern and sophisticated, can deliver
desired results. Every government action or inaction that lowers the military status
and privileges also brings down the morale of the soldiery. It is incumbent on
the Nation to invest in optimal upkeep of military morale and esteem. As observed by the Supreme Court a few years
ago, “pension of the ESM is wages for the services already rendered for the
country.” Every serving soldier today
also foresees his future as a retired soldier. Therefore, the issue of OROP
affects not merely the retired military personnel but also the serving soldiers
and thereby the entire system of national defence and security. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> The ongoing OROP campaign of the
military veterans has been somehow kept sealed from the civilian citizenry of
the country. While it is laudable for the organisers not to succumb to
political manipulations attempted by Congress and others, it is not understood
why they have not enlisted support of the farmers, youth and social cause
crusaders which could broad base their campaign and magnify its appeal. From
time to time military is called in to help wherever the situation goes beyond
the control of the civil administration, be it natural disasters or distraught
law and order. The organisers owe it to explain to the nation why upkeep of
military morale, dignity and esteem is in the best interests of the country and
particularly vital for building a mightier India poised for greater global
roles in the coming future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> MG Devasahayam, who participated in
the 1962 India-China war and 1965 Indo-Pak war, joined Civil Services and
retired as an Additional Secretary. He points out, “As of now I am afraid OROP
is being pursued as a military style command & control operation. Commanded
by Generals, assisted by Brigadiers/Colonels with Other Ranks only playing subordinate
role. First of all this brass should realise that OROP is not a military
operation to be carried on by issuing orders and getting them obeyed. Also, OROP has far more civilian
content than military. It does not merely concern the government but more than
that the people at large because it is from their tax-rupee that the additional
pensions will be paid”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> Whereas concerns have reportedly
been expressed about the cumulative financial burden that would add up to the
national defence budget in view of approximately 50,000 military personnel
retiring every year, it also needs to be understood that India spends a huge
part of its defence budget in importing military hardware which will have to be
curtailed without hampering the modernisation programme. The ‘Make in India’
initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one major step to save outflow of
defence money and to free the country from dependence upon others for critical
needs during crucial times. As indicated
by the Prime Minister himself during his visit to Srinagar last year, “funds
thus saved would be diverted to improving military stations and quality of life
of military personnel and their families”. As an emerging Asian power, India
aims to play strategic global roles in the coming times even as its largest
land borders with China and Pakistan remain militarily volatile keeping the
Army deployed along LoC/LAC and engaged in fighting low intensity conflicts in
the interiors. Defence experts predict that by 2045 India shall rank world’s
third highest military spender after US and China. Therefore, when viewed in
this context of macro level geo-strategic scenario emerging, it would be myopic
to think about reducing defence budget by saving from salaries, privileges and
pensions of the fighting men. Instead, finance planners will have to explore
and find means and methods to rake in more funds for defence through speedy
operationalisation of initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and exporting military
hardware and technology to friendly countries.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> Military in India has been traditionally
insulated from the civilian mainstream of the country. Unlike in America,
Europe or even China and Pakistan, politicians and civil servants in India have
scant knowledge of military matters. A huge majority of them would confuse a <i>gorilla</i>
with the term <i>guerrilla</i>, <i>mortar</i> with <i>motor</i>, <i>field gun</i>
with a <i>pistol </i>and so on. Not many of them would know the difference
between a ‘division’ and a ‘section’, ‘bomber’ and ‘fighter’ or why Army
‘captains’ look younger than ‘captains’ of the Navy! There is a need for enhanced inter-action,
training and association among civil-military departments and personnel on a
regular basis. Civilian officers of the
MoD, MLAs, MPs and ministers should go through frequent military
familiarisation programmes to imbibe the necessary sense to understand military
capabilities, limitations and requirements.
It is primarily because of lack of knowledge that people tend to assume
that upkeep of a large standing Military is an unnecessary burden on the
national exchequer. After India gained freedom, the Congress government headed
by Nehru had also had this weird notion that a peace loving <i>Panchsheel</i>
preaching India did not need to spend public money on the maintenance of defence
forces. Police, they thought, would suffice instead! Thanks to the Chinese
invasion of 1962, India was shaken out of this misconception. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The primary role
of Military is not fighting a war, but to deter and forestall the possibility
of a war and, if ever war is thrust upon, to fight and coerce the enemy to
cease fighting and accept peace at our terms. That is the ideal that should
influence India’s politico-military thinking.
The Chinese invasion (1962), Indo-Pak war (1971) and the Kargil war
(1999) have thrown up some very serious lessons which have been sadly ignored.
The shameful debacle of 1962 was a direct result of colossal political neglect
of military advice. Repeated military warnings about the Chinese intentions were
spurned and military snubbed by both – Prime Minister Nehru and Defence
Minister Krishna Menon. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her Cabinet wanted the
Indian Army to launch the offensive In June. The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS),
Gen Manekshaw disagreed and prevailed upon the Prime Minister and the Cabinet
to let him prepare and go for the offensive in end 1971. The resultant victory
astounded the world and catapulted India very high in the comity of nations.
Thereafter the governments became complacent and increasingly indifferent
towards military. Kargil came as a reminder with intelligence failure, shortage
of guns, ammunition, communication systems, manpower, and vehicles and so on.
The Army was ill prepared but pushed into war. When asked about shortage of
weapons, ammunition and equipment, Gen VP Malik, the COAS said, “Yes, we have
shortages. But we shall fight with whatever we have.” Thankfully Pakistan had
officially disowned its infiltration force and was under the US pressure not to
escalate the skirmish. The use of enemy artillery and air was minimal. Yet, India lost nearly 600 soldiers just to
recapture its lost territory in a sector. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> Not only were demands and
recommendations of veterans or Service Headquarters ignored by the government,
recommendations as significant as those of the Kargil Review Committee were
dumped after just making cursory changes.
A confidential letter written by then COAS Gen VK Singh to Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh leaked to the press in March 2012 revealed how
callously indifferent the government had remained towards making up the long
outstanding glaring deficiencies of arms, ammunition and equipment of the Army
even as huge scams were unravelling in defence procurement as also in a number
of other government contracts like coal blocks, 2G spectrum, Commonwealth Games
and so on. Official neglect was eating into the fighting capabilities of our
Armed Forces. The perception of ‘raw deal’ given to the military by the 6<sup>th</sup>
Pay Commission was getting reinforced by the perpetual governmental
indifference. Military leaders from commanding officers to the level of Service
Chiefs were proving helpless in meeting the most genuine requirements of the
units and personnel. Depleting resources in the face of unabated intrusion of
terrorists, heightening proxy war scenario, insurgency and emergency
mobilisation in the wake of floods, earthquake and other ‘aid to civil
authority’ roles started taking a toll on military leadership and morale. In
its cascading effect, it precipitated erosion of basic structures of command –
a dangerous development for any military. Faith in higher commanders dwindled giving way
to demotivation and demoralisation which manifested through increasing cases of
insubordination, desertion, suicides and even mutinous behaviour in certain
units. Cumulatively, the malaise was
growing into a serious threat to the national security itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> Thankfully, this degenerative
process in the spine of national security stopped after the UPA government
vacated office in May 2014. National security and military preparedness were
listed at the top in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priorities as was evident
from his first call to heads of SAARC nations, appointment of Manohar Parrikar,
known for his down to earth approach and result oriented performance as Defence
Minister, Ajit Kumar Doval, the renowned expert, as National Security Advisor
and expeditious clearance of long pending defence purchases. Prime Minister
Modi also visited defence installations, military stations, naval and air bases
to get first-hand knowledge of the state of military preparedness. He chose to
spend his first Diwali as Prime Minister with the troops at world’s highest and
toughest battle field – Siachen Glacier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> These early initiatives and direct
inter-actions of the Prime Minister rejuvenated the sagging morale of</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEyYLGQT5AnIzhTnPQ9xfbWR1wcVuJ1T9F2etr5R5xzhdVICnf6r_dM5A0I5Q_JmPn2VrsupKOnutExL1lJKo5HTJoQxgZgclbuBEpP37MAdaFIossBb3WD-lWnezGMBrC-MV/s1600/OROP+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEyYLGQT5AnIzhTnPQ9xfbWR1wcVuJ1T9F2etr5R5xzhdVICnf6r_dM5A0I5Q_JmPn2VrsupKOnutExL1lJKo5HTJoQxgZgclbuBEpP37MAdaFIossBb3WD-lWnezGMBrC-MV/s1600/OROP+3.jpg" /></a></div>
military
personnel. As months passed, however, the momentum seemed to slow down and
expectations of serving and retired military personnel started receding
culminating into visible and vocal resentment.
While the Prime Minister is loaded with onerous responsibilities, his
initial thrust lines should have been accelerated through the systemic modes to
make the Prime Minister’s declared policies credible. The bureaucracy, however,
did not seem very enthusiastic to speed up in the direction shown by the Prime
Minister. Instead there is enough evidence that mandarins in the South Block
continued in the wrong direction. There are many court verdicts passed in
favour of serving and retired soldiers by the courts but rather than honouring
the judgements passed even by the Supreme Court, government departments have
been persistently delaying implementation and filing appeals for review without
sustainable grounds. Such actions mar the government’s credibility and spread
avoidable annoyance in the military and veterans alike. OROP is one such emotive issue which has been
deliberated and decided at all levels. There was no plausible excuse to delay
implementation of a pre-decided issue for which the Prime Minister himself has
declared unequivocal support more than once. “This mute inaction”, fasting
veterans at Jantar Mantar complain, “is unlike Modi and has sent the ESM
community fuming on country wide protest rallies and hunger strikes after
waiting for one year”. Opposition parties are luring the ESM who thankfully are
unhappy but not yet hostile to BJP. Whereas immediate roll out of OROP shall
rein in the anti-BJP drift in the ‘<i>Jai Kisan, Jai Jawan</i>’ constituency
throughout the country, any further delay will provide handle to the Opposition
to disrupt the coming Monsoon session of the Parliament and to wean the ESM
away from BJP besides further vitiating the already uneasy civil-military relationship. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><i><b>[Acknowledgement: This article was published in 'Organiser' (Jul 26, 2015). ]</b></i></span></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-54475626291393670572015-07-15T10:05:00.000+05:302015-07-15T10:05:05.997+05:30Jammu and Kashmir – Modi's Golden Chance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Karan
Kharb</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> In
the last 25 years, the intensity of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has been
fluctuating. Phases of peace have proved
to be no more than lulls in the battles used by the proxies of Pakistan to
regroup and reorganise before unleashing their next phase of violence.
Ironically, whereas the new political environment with BJP-PDP coalition
government in the state and the NDA Government with fully majority BJP at the
Centre should have effected a decline in the violence and separatism, the
problem has become even more volatile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Marginalised
leaders of a divided Hurriyat amalgam including Syed Ali Shah Geelani whose
poll boycott diktats were spurned by the Kashmiri electorate, are now back on
the centre stage. Efforts to pacify the separatists by releasing the likes of Masrat
Alam saw a spurt in anti-India demonstrations. Fissures within the Hurriyat are
apparently closing as supporters of different factions are converging. It is
reliably learnt that this convergence is aided by ISI masters who want all
separatist groups to rally around Geelani-Masrat duo so that Hurriyat is
projected as a unified 'representative' body to promote separatism and an
anti-India sentiment in the Valley. CM Mufti Mohammad Syeed's ambivalent stand
on the separatists and violence has been a cause of recurring embarrassment for
the BJP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Unlike
other states of the Union, governance in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is uniquely
complex. Firstly, being a border state it acquires special geo-political significance,
which is heightened even more with Pakistan having ceded Shaksgam Valley to
China and the latter launching massive infrastructure development including multi-lane
roads in the Pak occupied areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. Secondly, besides its mountainous
terrain that is covered either by dense forest or by snow, the state is also
demographically divided with Jammu-Udhampur having predominantly Hindu
population, the Kashmir Valley predominantly Muslim and Ladakh having a mix of sparsely
populated Budhists and Muslims. Thirdly, India's relations with Pakistan and
China have directly influenced politics and happenings in these areas. Fourthly, Article 370 of the Indian
Constitution bestows 'special status' on the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which
sets it apart from the rest in the country. This weird constitutional proviso
makes the state look like a 'nation' within a nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Thanks
to these outlandish physiognomies of the state of Jammu and Kashmir,
governments have been consistently smug in running affairs of the state in a
status-quoist manner creating and promoting a privileged class of self-righteous
politicians and protected elite of bureaucracy insulated from the people. The proxy war unleashed by Pakistan against India
in this region has been fuelling chaos in the state for decades. More lives – military as well as civil – have
been lost in the last quarter century of violence here than the combined total
death toll of last three Indo-Pak wars. Development
has been another serious casualty while official corruption has thrived reducing
civil administration to a self-serving mechanism for the privileged few and largely
denied to the people. The carrot dangling approach of Chief Minister Mufti
Mohammad Sayeed to placate and win over the Hurriyat and hard core separatists
has already flopped. Masrat Alam has
very effectively utilised his brief release from captivity to reignite the fizzling
voices of separatism in Srinagar. The brief drama he so diligently enacted with
Hafiz Sayeed from Pakistan assuring Jehadis (proxies) in Jammu and Kashmir
every kind of support – "material, moral and military" – has once
again poured acid into the wound that has festered for over a quarter century
now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Dissension in Gilgit-Baltistan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">People in the
'Northern Areas', Gilgit-Baltistan do not call themselves Pakistanis. Constitutionally, they are Indian
citizens. Of course, that is not to
suggest that they believe to be Indian citizens either but, mercilessly
persecuted and exploited, they strongly envy their brethren on the Indian side
of LoC. Demographic transformation has been so engineered in this region that
the aborigines have been gradually overwhelmed by the settlers from down south.
In 1948, the Shia–Sunni ratio in Gilgit-Baltistan was 4:1; today it is 4:3. With
a population of 2.5 million (Shi'as, Sunnis, Ismailis and Nur Bakshis),
Gilgit-Baltistan is the largest region of POK covering an area of 73000 square
km as compared to the remaining area of so-called 'Azad Kashmir', which
measures 13000 square km. It is larger
than the combined total area of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. It
equals the entire province of Khyber Pakhttunkhwa of Pakistan. Kalash of
Chitral – also called Nuristan/Kafiristan – are the remaining non-Muslim group
in this region. In contrast to this demographic transformation and persecution
across the LoC, India has honoured its commitment and even today Indian
citizens who do not belong to the state of J&K cannot purchase property
here nor can they settle here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Outsiders have
come and accumulated property in this region under the guise of 'development
projects' and 'industrialisation'. Military has arbitrarily usurped local land
for military garrisons. Some parts have been ceded to China providing it the
corridor that opens routes to the Islamic world even as the local Baltis remain
fretful against ongoing exploitation of the region by Pakistan and China.
Issues like mineral exploration, land compensation, control and utilisation of
revenue and royalties from dams have been agitating the locals who remain
bereft of basic amenities of life. Chinese bring their own labour force, denying
the Balties the job opportunities that should have been rightfully theirs in
job-starved region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Voicing his
people's anguish, Senge Tsering Hasnan, a Balti intellectual and activist, told
me in New Delhi recently, <i>"In Gilgit-Baltistan, we want what Indian
Kashmiris have. In India they contest elections and represent the state in the
Parliament as MPs; you have given them 'special status' etc. Even pro-Pakistani
leaders in Gilgit envy the Indian Kashmiris who have benefits of Indian
judicial, political and economic institutions. As for us, forget rights,
persecution fills us with fear."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Similar
sentiments have been echoed by Abdul Hamid Khan, chairman of Balawaristan
National Front from time to time and a number of other Balti leaders and
activists<i>. "We know that because
of Pakistani fundamentalism and because the so-called Azad Kashmir is actually
even more badly enslaved than the Indian-held Kashmir, no Ladakhi Buddhist in
his right mind would ever consider joining us as long as we remain under
Pakistani occupation",</i> says Abdul Hamid Khan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> What is even more interesting is that unlike
the Indian constitution, Pakistan's constitution deems POK as 'disputed
territory' and not integral to Pakistan. Pakistan Supreme Court has also given
verdicts in the past calling POK as 'disputed territory' and disallowing
treating it as Pakistan territory. Whereas the J&K constitution declares
the state to be "integral part of India", the Azad Kashmir constitution
stipulates 'right of self-determination' but in practice, freedom is severely
curtailed by Pakistani system of controls. Therefore, the entire state of undivided
Jammu and Kashmir legitimately belongs to India and even by its own
constitutional tenets Pakistan has no legitimate right to meddle with affairs
in POK/Azad Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan. The obligation of meeting aspirations of
the people of POK including Gilgit-Baltistan lies on India but the aggressor
has continued to hold this territory in defiance of the UN resolutions and the
will of the people of the state. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Of course, the popular resentment against
Pakistan in the region does not suggest any strong swing of passions in favour
of India. Regional leaders and parties clamour for freedom for the entire Gilgit-Baltistan
region, which, as they claim, includes Kargil and Ladakh. Growing enthusiasm in
Pak-China partnership in this region and a surging injured Balti consciousness
have further enhanced its significance as a junction point between Central Asia
and South Asia on the one hand, and between China and West Asia on the other. Borders
of India, China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan converge here. Any power
that controls this region will gain the ability to influence relations and happenings
in these nations. Little wonder why
China is entrenching its presence and expanding its influence in this area.
Access to Gwadar port via Karakoram highway provides China an alternative trade
route besides placing it strategically in a far more advantageous position near
the Persian Gulf. In sharp contrast to
these manoeuvrings in its most sensitive region, India had almost succumbed to the
Pakistan inspired 'Track II Diplomacy' that had sought demilitarisation of Siachen
Glacier, the highest and forward most positions held by the Indian Army in the
closest vicinity of these manoeuvrings. In fact, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
had himself declared his Government's resolve to withdraw the Army from these
dominating positions and declare Siachen complex as a 'Peace Park'. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Article 370 – An Anathema to J&K<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">There is ample
evidence for the policy planners to understand that dithering and placating
tactics have only led to worsening the situation rather than solving the
problems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the J&K government are today
faced with a serious challenge, which they can convert into their golden chance
to usher in new era of peace, prosperity and genuine <i>azadi</i> by
integrating the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream of sovereign
India. The so-called 'special status' under Article 370 has actually promoted
'separatism', inter-se rivalry and mistrust among different sections of the
society and political establishments because the distinguishing constitutional provisions
treat the state of J&K differently vis-à-vis the rest. It also kills the
fundamental principle of 'EQUALITY' enshrined in the Preamble of the
Constitution of India. No public interest has been served by it so far. On the contrary, those in power in the state use
it from time to time for their personal gains by blackmailing the Central
Government under its shadow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Technically,
Article 370 applies to the whole of undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir
including what has now become Pak occupied Kashmir (POK) or <i>'Azad Kashmir'</i>
as Pakistan sells it to the world. Whereas India has steadfastly honoured the
provisions of the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh and
Article 370, Pakistan has violated all norms and conditions imposed by the UN
even as it has continued to counter blame India for the same. Pakistan's occupation
of POK is the outcome of its blatant aggression and not a result of any
Instrument of Accession or people's mandate. Whereas India has steadfastly abided
by the conditions laid down in the Instrument of Accession and enshrined those
conditions in its constitution as Article 370.
Accordingly, no person from outside the state of J&K is allowed to
purchase property or settle down here whereas Pakistan has outraged the
original demographic profile of the areas of J&K under its illegal
occupation since 1947. On the contrary, it uses India's provisions of Article
370 as a beating stick against India by displaying the subjugated territory of POK
as <i>'Azad Kashmir'</i> and calling the rest of J&K as <i>'disputed
territory as evidenced by the Article 370 that distinguishes it from the rest
of India'.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">To the
international community too, continuance of 'special status' for J&K gives
an impression of <i>'some final settlement about J&K's still hanging in the
air'</i> – an impression Pakistan and the Kashmiri separatists have been
cashing on to bolster their claims. Viewed from any angle, the provisions of
this Article have proved to be a noose of silk in the neck of J&K. The principle of equality entitles the people
of J&K to be liberated from this royal bondage, which has only hampered
their development because it has deterred the Indian investors and
multi-national corporates from investing in J&K. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> Permanent
solution to a problem as ticklish as this cannot be easy but how long shall we
allow this wound to fester in search of easy solutions? Time is now ripe to administer
the bitter pill. Article 370 must be
repealed and the state of Jammu and Kashmir integrated into the national
mainstream without further delay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">Need for New Vision, New Resolve<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The world has
changed since 1947. From bipolar, it has become unipolar today. Soviet Union
and the Berlin wall have gone. Once avowed enemies, the US and China are
big-ticket trade partners today. Communism has changed stance to be friends
with capitalism. A class of new nations has emerged in the post-Soviet Central
Asia. West Asia is engulfed in chaotic Islamist struggles, which have reached
India's doorsteps aggravating the proxy war scenario for India. China is also
having a taste of this malaise in Xinjiang where the Uighurs have been up in
arms against China for quite some time now. The state of J&K including POK
and Gilgit-Baltistan has assumed greater significance in the altered
geo-political matrix in this part of the world. However, India's perception of
the Kashmir issue and its theories and practice of fighting terrorism have
remained fixated in time. In their post-partition history of 68 years, India
and Pakistan have fought four wars. Repeated victories, including dismemberment
of Pakistan in 1971, have failed to solve issues and bring about an atmosphere
of mutual trust, friendship and cooperation between the two neighbours. If so,
it is time India changed its strategic perceptions and addressed the problem
with options not tried before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Narendra Modi's
arrival as India's Prime Minister heading a strong government with single party
BJP majority and NDA partners ushers in a new era of nationalist resurgence in
India. He is aided by a team of professional experts of proven record of
accomplishments such as Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor – a
thoroughbred professional with enormous experience and capacity to think and
devise differently. The world is watching a new India rise under Modi whose
deft initiatives have established India in a class of nations willing to
enhance cooperation, promote peace and join to fight the menace of terrorism
together. As a member of the world's fastest growing economies – BRICS – India is
now very much counted in the comity of nations. The rousing welcome and
standing ovations given to the Indian Prime Minister during his visits to the
US, France, Japan, Australia, China, South Korea and all other countries in
India's neighbourhood indicate how the world is looking up to India's role as a
regional power in this part of the world and as an important player at the
global stage as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Today's India has
the potential to alter the matrix of relationships with its neighbours including
Pakistan with a view to addressing the problems holistically and decisively. Economics
of trade and commerce must be interwoven in efforts to bring about a congenial
environment where each neighbour's own interests would be adversely affected if
peace and cooperation were betrayed. For this, India needs to make its resolve
clear by emphatically stating how it is committed to respect every nation's
sovereignty. At the same it must also clearly state its resolve to protect and
safeguard its own against all kinds of threats with all the goodwill and, if
and where needed, with the utmost power at its disposal. A strategy of covert
operations and earnest goodwill could go hand in hand to defeat the menace of
terrorism and proxy war. Pakistan must be made to understand that exporting crime
and terror to India will entail prohibitive costs hereafter and India could
take the proxy war to the places of its origin – even if such places are across
the LoC. Whereas Pakistan's presence in
POK and every intrusion across LoC would be always illegal, India's actions
across the LoC would be very much in order – technically and legally. India's
self-imposed restraint from venturing into areas of POK has matured into a
paradigm that would make such a suggestion appear weird and brazen today. Yet,
the fact is that POK is not Pakistan even by its own admission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">So far, India
has not lent any worthwhile support to the genuine demands of people of
Gilgit-Baltistan who have been suffering from ongoing persecution and
exploitation. India's support to their
cause could also help in curtailing, perhaps reversing, the trend of terrorists
infiltrating through LoC. Espousing such
a cause will also enhance stakes for Pakistan in talks with India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">All these
arguments notwithstanding, India and Pakistan must sit together and find amicable
solution to their festering problems taking a realistic view of the situation. The
era of wars is fading and the civilised world is moving towards better times
for our future generations. Neighbours in today's world could choose a common
road to peace and prosperity or remain entrenched in animosity and take a
flight to assured mutual destruction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-44961380285150895412015-07-14T05:41:00.001+05:302015-07-14T05:41:37.655+05:30OROP – A Moment of Anger and Hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Karan Kharb</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Military veterans
are again shouting from the streets – an act that does not behove of their
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbhJPSq9kcB1Da_BEKTkUY0evBs5umz5yTpOUg_S8IhemT4sYFAKM8sOLactmATcm8Z8Tp_WR-KmkvSWQ2FlS5KGMkb4h7mKtFOs13TO2hjloszBziIIa_WLRuzidxd7hNsra/s1600/OROP+Agitation+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbhJPSq9kcB1Da_BEKTkUY0evBs5umz5yTpOUg_S8IhemT4sYFAKM8sOLactmATcm8Z8Tp_WR-KmkvSWQ2FlS5KGMkb4h7mKtFOs13TO2hjloszBziIIa_WLRuzidxd7hNsra/s1600/OROP+Agitation+1.jpg" /></a></div>
widely adored chivalrous image in the country. But they have a cause to fight for and a
reason to be angry. For more than 30
years they have been fighting for ‘one rank one pension’ (OROP), a demand that
has been recommended by numerous parliamentary committees, promised by all major
political parties in their pre-election manifestos, unanimously accepted in the
parliament but never delivered despite being budgeted twice – in the last
budget of the outgoing UPA government and in the first budget of the present
Modi Sarkar. The essence of the OROP demand is that there should be no
disparity in the pension scales of military pensioners and equal rank and
service length must get equal pension irrespective of their dates of
retirement. In other words, a Sepoy, Subedar or Colonel who retired in the past
should get the same pension as given to his counterpart retiring today or
anytime in the future. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Like the euphoric multitude of India’s voters, defence
veterans also exhibited extraordinary zeal in spurring the Modi wave throughout
the country. His passionate appeals moved them to unite and vote for the BJP.
Later, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the troops to celebrate Diwali
at the world’s highest battlefield Siachen Glacier in 2014, he had passionately
declared, “I am happy that Providence has ordained it in my destiny that the
long pending OROP dues of our ex-soldiers shall also be delivered through my
hands.” Ironically, even as they are
holding rallies and fasts to register their protest against the lingering delay,
their faith in Prime Minister Modi has not diminished. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Now, when the first
anniversary of the Modi Sarkar passed off without the government ordering
implementation of OROP, the Prime Minister has reiterated his commitment in his
‘Man ki Baat’ broadcast on 28 May 2015. However, rather than feeling reassured,
the once-bitten-twice-shy ESM community has been somewhat disheartened by the
Prime Minister’s statement that he was lately realising that the issue of OROP <i>was
not as simple as he had thought</i> and, yet, <i>it would be finally resolved
during his tenure</i>. The ESM are suspecting bureaucratic machinations being
at play to delay, dilute and deny the roll out of OROP that stands finally
accepted and settled in all respects. Even as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar
and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley have attempted to alley these fears, the ESM
organisations failed to elicit any specific timeline for OROP implementation
from the government. What gives credence to the existence of anti-military
bureaucratic machinations is the slowly rising behind the scene demand from the
central police organisations like BSF, CRPF. ITBP and others for “equal
benefits” to their pensioners as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljEEu7EZLPgokVzK3pTU_td31UKQexwDsRR39VqIadcdiBgIAhZBxfJWh8DVngocuP3BqS5cqTAh3qMW6I_r_wpqUCy8_7XupId6oEXrddZTZEJ7V4DPNvi1mAgmhDx_2RNLW/s1600/OROP+Agitation+3A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljEEu7EZLPgokVzK3pTU_td31UKQexwDsRR39VqIadcdiBgIAhZBxfJWh8DVngocuP3BqS5cqTAh3qMW6I_r_wpqUCy8_7XupId6oEXrddZTZEJ7V4DPNvi1mAgmhDx_2RNLW/s1600/OROP+Agitation+3A.jpg" /></a> There are strong
reasons why the OROP must be granted to the military pensioners and why it
cannot be extended to any other government service. Firstly, military is the
ultimate tool of state power and it steps in where all others have either
failed or unwilling to undergo the hardships and danger involved in tackling
the situation at hand. Admittedly,
military personnel have to retire younger because upkeep of military’s combat
potential to its optimum necessitates it.
Thus retiring earlier than others between the age of 35 to 50 years, the
soldier finds himself in the vortex of onerous responsibilities like growing
children, education, marriage of dependent siblings, care of old ailing parents
and allied expenses at a time when his income is slashed by half. Paramilitary
personnel and civilians, on the contrary, continue getting enhanced salaries
keeping pace with their escalating expenses at home without any disruption in
their service. Unlike the soldiers, by the time they superannuate at the age of
60, most of their family responsibilities would be over with children settled
and earning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Secondly, service progression of civilian employees
who suffer from disease or other physical disabilities is protected and they
are retained in service until the age of superannuation whereas disabled
military personnel are medically boarded out of service because the ‘sheltered
appointments’ do not exist in the combatant military service. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Thirdly, the officers’ case is even more intriguing. The
6<sup>th</sup> Central Pay Commission introduced the concept of ‘Non Functional
Upgradation’ (NFU) for 58 cadres of Group A Services to remove stagnation and
alleviate the disparity between the IAS and other Group A officers. Accepted
and implemented by the Government this concept implies that whenever any IAS
officer of the state or joint cadre is posted at the Centre to a position carrying
a specific grade pay in Pay Bands PB-3 or PB-4, the officers belonging to
batches of Organised Group A services that are senior by two years or more and
have not been promoted so far to that particular grade would be granted the
same grade on a <i>non functional </i>basis from the date of posting of the IAS
officers in that grade at the Centre. Hence if an IAS officer becomes Joint
Secretary in 17 years of service the officers of Group A Service will start
drawing the salary of Joint Secretary in a maximum of 19 years of service and
similarly that of Addl Secretary /Lt Gen in 30 and 32 years respectively. What
is intriguing here is that the Armed Forces officers have been excluded from
the Group A Services in so far as NFU is concerned. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
What has irked the Armed Forces officers most here is
that if stagnation and growing disparity were the criterion to safeguard career
progression of Services other vis-à-vis IAS, no one would deserve NFU more than
them. The pyramidal structure of military hierarchy squeezes out many officers who
are meritorious for holding higher responsibilities but cannot be promoted due
to limited vacancies in higher ranks. The career progression being cylindrical
in the case of Group A Services, 95 per cent officers reach the level of additional
secretary whereas only three per cent commissioned officers in the Armed Forces
become lieutenant general. Furthermore,
whereas 100 per cent civilian government officers retire after reaching the
highest pay scale in their pay band at the age of 60 years, at least 85 per
cent military officers retire between the age of 50 to 58 years. A significant implication of NFU is that all
IAS officers and Group A Service officers retire after attaining the highest
pay scale – HAG or HAG plus – and thus getting the highest pension rate in
their cadre despite having been superseded in lower ‘ranks’. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Much of the growing resentment among military
personnel – serving and retired – could have been stemmed if the retiring
military personnel were provided appropriate government jobs including lateral
absorption in police and para-military forces. Likewise, whereas military
officers are in demand in the private sector, governments at the Centre and in
states, thanks to bureaucratic resistance, have been reluctant to absorb
retiring military officers in government jobs in positions corresponding to
their last position/rank/seniority. A rich reservoir of multi-function
experience of military engineers, administrators, crisis managers is allowed to
go waste even as IPS officers with no unit level command experience are posted
to <i>guide and supervise</i> paramilitary forces just as the ubiquitous
know-all IAS officers are posted vice chancellors of universities,
chairmen/directors of public sector units, defence installations and you know
what. This nexus has succeeded in scuttling implementation of the post-Kargil
Subramanyam Committee report on reorganisation of the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
which has persistently avoided induction of military officers and defence
expertise in the country’s apex defence planning organisation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTy4tIWh9-JtxZBAci3xsAV2NFfQFKCPId4r7yPBYhOklpGFkj8IJitBuaTJ6_-pMXLlsRNt_KDB8vFlpUD2_gIkoTjQkfkGKiEFSdL4YZQ-dJ3K2r0y8CMZSBNyy1q5lbzk_/s1600/OROP+Agitation+2A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTy4tIWh9-JtxZBAci3xsAV2NFfQFKCPId4r7yPBYhOklpGFkj8IJitBuaTJ6_-pMXLlsRNt_KDB8vFlpUD2_gIkoTjQkfkGKiEFSdL4YZQ-dJ3K2r0y8CMZSBNyy1q5lbzk_/s1600/OROP+Agitation+2A.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Prime Minister Narrendra Modi, however, seems to be
addressing higher military, defence security framework differently. Having visited the Army, Navy and Air Force
installations and forward areas within the first few months of his swearing in,
Modi has put Manohar Parrikar, a man known for his pragmatism and performance,
in charge of country’s Defence. MoD is
humming with activities that suggest some long term changes being in the
offing. The Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and the Finance Minister have
all unequivocally endorsed the legitimacy of ESM’s OROP demand. What has not
happened in the last 68 years is happening now, slowly but powerfully. Even as the ESM are restive and protesting,
their faith in the present government has bolstered their hope. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
[<i>Acknowledgement: This article was published in <b>'Geopolitics'</b> magazine (July 2015)</i>] </div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-35342354258925922712015-07-13T04:59:00.002+05:302015-07-13T05:02:29.806+05:30Plight of India's Military Might<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Karan Kharb</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE73B5bX3k_IToXRmiQlqAFMi3nWVAimHEuvehyphenhyphen_A9gnFkz8m7a6OAgYmuZzwTKerssTnUMC9LCtdZucyfGDTmhNtdyZ4Tb4Ygg3ol75vcbwfyTo_BNkOv5NMRX9imhT3_L8XL/s1600/Brahmos+Missile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE73B5bX3k_IToXRmiQlqAFMi3nWVAimHEuvehyphenhyphen_A9gnFkz8m7a6OAgYmuZzwTKerssTnUMC9LCtdZucyfGDTmhNtdyZ4Tb4Ygg3ol75vcbwfyTo_BNkOv5NMRX9imhT3_L8XL/s400/Brahmos+Missile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Powerful nations
radiate powerful influence far across their geographical borders over countries
and continents. And this influence is mostly coercive – often disregarding
opinions of a majority of sovereign nations. President Bush was brazenly
explicit in conveying his threat even to friendly countries when he said, <i>“If
you are not with us, you are against us.”</i>
The world has watched in the recent decades how a couple of powerful
nations have not felt deterred from launching punitive operations against
unfriendly regimes. Ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Central Asia are glaring
examples of this reality. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Much as the weaker nations might despise such
arrogance of mighty nations, the latter have been succeeding in enforcing their
plans, even if partially, in different parts of the world. In the realm of geopolitics, it is clear that
the powerful nations use a combination of soft power and coercive power to
achieve compliance, cooperation and, wherever possible, even submission of
targeted regimes. Effect of soft power is enhanced manifold if it is backed by
credible hard power, that is, military power that gives meaning to diplomacy,
strategy, trade and economy. If wealth alone were power, West Asia would be
ruling the world. If geographical size
were power, Russia would be Power Number One and the Soviet Union would not have
disintegrated. Irrefutably, it is the Military Might that adds awe and aura to
a nation’s standing in the regional and international equations. Israel would
simply not exist today if it were not so. Today its utterance and posturing
shakes up the neighbourhood and makes the world sit up and listen to it – their
consent or dissent just don’t seem to matter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Even so, in the reckoning of military might, an
array of high technology, sophisticated fighting machines and equipment – an
area where critical deficiencies have seriously hampered the Indian Army’s
modernisation programme – is but one factor, significantly weighty though. The
man behind the gun, however, shall always be the decisive factor in projecting
and executing this military might. No amount of modern technology and
wherewithal can substitute human – the soldier whose wellness makes the
ultimate difference between victory and defeat in war. Modern world’s high-tech
protective gear, high precision weaponry, satellite communication systems, computerisation
and nano-tech breakthroughs will deliver little until the user is motivated to
dare adversity and danger. Napoleon accorded three times more value to the
soldier’s morale vis-à-vis material. In 1993 when the Government expressed
inability to finance raising of the Rashtriya Rifles, Gen BP Joshi relied on
military morale and raised the Force equipping and manning it from the existing
manpower and equipment of the Indian Army.
Again, at the outset of Kargil War, it was this intangible but enormous
asset of military morale that prompted the Army Chief, Gen VP Malik to say, <i>“…..we
will fight with whatever is available….,”</i> despite critical deficiencies of
arms and equipment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Traditionally, military personnel are not
expected to demand favours nor admit weakness. Enquire about his ‘morale’ and
even a dying soldier would spring up and scramble to fight. The same is true of
his commanders too. No unit or formation commander would ever confess a decline
in morale or erosion of <i>espirit de corps</i> in the Forces no matter how
pathetic their state might be. On an expedition – war or adventure – Indian soldiers
have never sought rest, comfort or even food until it is all over! Little
wonder, Kautilya whom the world knows more popularly as Chanakya, had cautioned
King Chandragupta, <i>“The day the soldier has to demand his dues will be a sad
day for Magadha for then, on that day, you will have lost all moral sanction to
be King!”</i> Edicts in Atharvaveda (<i>Kaand 4/Anuvakah 7/Sukta 31 & 32</i>)
and Kautilya’s Arthashastra (<i>Sangram/10<sup>th</sup> Adhikaran/Ch 3</i>)
also underscore a powerful advice to Governments, <i>“To win wars, influence
neighbouring states and to promote his national interests, the King must build
up an Army of soldiers so honoured, privileged and motivated that their wrath
unnerves the enemy; their sacrifices beget love and respect of their own
people; and their valour is rewarded with the highest esteem and admiration by the
King and his ministers.”</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
In the post Kargil period, however, the
military morale has been sadly on a downhill slide as is manifestly evident
from the increasing cases of soldiers committing suicides, fratricides,
insubordination and defiance. Sporadic cases of mutiny in the last decade or so
have raised many serious questions on the military management. What is even
more shocking is that such incidents are not confined to units deployed in
operational areas alone. Angst against exploitation and injustice to their
families back home has been driving soldiers to suicide and fragging even in
peace locations. Answering a question in the Rajya Sabha on 22 Jul 2014,
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley admitted that suicides among security personnel
of the armed forces were a serious issue. He informed the House that the Armed
Forces had lost 597 personnel to suicide in the last five years (that is, at a
rate of 10 soldiers every month or 120 every year). He also revealed that 1,349
officers quit the Army during the same period. And while the Army bears the
brunt, this dangerous trend is shared by all three wings of the Armed Forces. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt24pRSrU-fN95FGTkJPCF-AcbTjXRqyoSd44yrAUlZogXmlEXIa9vQFiiQfw-z6mBv_QhDix5lIcSMantGq0V5i46sg8KEEpYivKgQz-XBqGCXq93MFdbnExZi1yJvud3XbY/s1600/Navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt24pRSrU-fN95FGTkJPCF-AcbTjXRqyoSd44yrAUlZogXmlEXIa9vQFiiQfw-z6mBv_QhDix5lIcSMantGq0V5i46sg8KEEpYivKgQz-XBqGCXq93MFdbnExZi1yJvud3XbY/s1600/Navy.jpg" /></a>Causes for this onset of decay are many. For
decades, a perception of ‘raw deal’ by the successive pay commissions has been allowed
to grow in the Armed Forces by governmental neglect. Denial of growth
opportunities, unfair salary and pension fixation, erosion of status, dilution
of military privileges and isolation of military from decision-making process
even in matters of national defence, security and welfare of military personnel
are some of the sores that have festered over the years. Provisions such as preferential
hearing of soldiers’ cases by civil administration and courts exist only on
papers now and many district magistrates, police officers and judges are either
not aware or remain deliberately callous in attending to genuine problems of
soldiers and their families. Subsidised canteen facilities, medical facilities,
military quota, field allowances and numerous other privileges that were once
unique to military have been systematically usurped and multiplied by the civil
services and politicians. Compare stocks and prices in Parliament House canteen
or any other departmental canteen in Government offices and military canteens
to know the difference. Today, AC suites in the state guesthouses and Bhavans
in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri are available to politicians at Rs 45 per day with
sumptuous non-veg dinner for Rs 130 per diner whereas Army officers passing
through Delhi are gratified after paying Rs 500 or more for a room in a Delhi
Cantt officers mess – if they get one at all! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Persistent representation on pay commission
anomalies by the Services Headquarters to the MoD and Prime Minister yielded no
positive result from the UPA Government even as hordes of anguished Ex-servicemen
staged protests returning their service medals over non-grant of
one-rank-one-pension (OROP). What is even more frustrating is that while both
the Governments – UPA and NDA – had declared their approval and decision to
implement OROP, no tangible gain has fructified yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The need to maintain a youthful profile of the
Armed Forces implies that a large number of JCOs and other ranks retire from
the service at an early age of 35-48 years. Likewise, a majority of
commissioned officers also retire between 52-54 years of age. This period is
the most crucial phase in the life of the retiring personnel since the burden
of family and social responsibilities is heaviest on a man at such a juncture. Increasing
expenses on ailing parents, education and marriage of children, separation from
family and a host of other responsibilities suddenly surround the retiring
soldier. There are no second-career opportunities, no assured lateral
absorption in government services nor is there any satisfactory rehabilitation scheme
for hordes of youthful retiring service personnel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Unlike Civil Services, career progression in
military narrows sharply as one advances in the service. With each successive
promotion the pyramid becomes narrower because in a unit of 800 personnel there
can be only one Subedar Major who will occupy this position for 3-4 years. Likewise,
there can be only one Chief and seven Army Commanders at the top who shall
serve 2-3 years, implying thereby that only eight out of every set of 3000
officers can aspire to reach these levels no matter how competent the remaining
are. Whereas nearly 90 per cent IAS officers make it to secretary/additional
secretary level, only 0.003 per cent officers in the armed forces reach that
level. The reason for mass screening out,
unfortunately, is not incompetence or disqualification on grounds of merit but
the scarce vacancies at the top. On the contrary, no civil servant retires
without reaching the top pay scale in his stream, no matter how incompetent one
might be. In such a situation, no cadre deserved a service compensation like
‘non-functional upgrade’ (NFU) more than the Armed Forces. Here ironically again,
only civil service officers are granted NFU. There is no reason why such
compensatory dispensation should be selectively granted to the civil services
and denied to the soldiery. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The long awaited and direly needed modernisation
programme of the Armed Forces has remained mired in the complex procurement
processes and bureaucratic red tape at the MoD and departments. Instances of
corruption in some cases have vitiated the processes even further. As per a
report tabled by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Army’s
modernisation programme has been declining steadily and ominously. A mere 27
paisa out of every rupee was being spent on capital expenditure (CAPEX) during
2008-09. It slid to 18 paisa per rupee by 2013-14. Narendra Modi’s arrival as
India’s Prime Minister did boost aspirations of strategists and thinkers within
and outside the Armed Forces. For once, it appeared that in its quest for a
global role India could now embark upon a ‘transformation programme’ repositioning
the military from its defensive and counter-offensive posturing to the level of
a potent fearsome war waging Force capable of enforcing peace and deterring hegemonic
adventures in South Asia and neighbourhood. Even as Arun Jaitley might seem
overburdened as a Minister with two major portfolios – Defence and Finance, he
is also the most suited man with acumen and understanding of both vis-à-vis the
India’s strategic interests and military requirements. He will need to start streamlining
the systems within the MoD itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Today the situation is dismal. The armour and the
mechanised infantry remain equipped with obsolete or no night fighting
capabilities. Only a small number of units have adequate night fighting
capability. Deficiencies in armour ammunition including war wastage reserve
have already reached critical levels. With no gun inducted ever since Bofors,
artillery is ageing fast too. With no spares available, requirements are being
met by ‘cannibalising’ – an emergency recourse that has reduced effectiveness
by half. The state of army air defence is even worse. A major part of the main
AD equipment is obsolete and inferior to what is being acquired by our
adversaries. L-70, Zu23-2B and ZSU23-4B
(Schilka) guns are from 1960s vintage. AD missile units are equipped with Igla
1M, Strela 10M, OSA AK and Kvadrat missiles – all obsolescent in the wake of
more advanced and effective systems like Spider (Israel), S-400 (Russia) and
Patriot (US) available in the international market. Army Aviation is similarly
carrying on with obsolete Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. New acquisition of
197 helicopters is stuck even four years after trials and re-valuation of
Russian Kamov 226 and Eurocopter AS 550 models. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
For the infantry soldier, the indigenously
designed INSAS rifle has proved to be inferior to the modern assault rifles
being acquired by our adversaries. Critical deficiencies hampering infantry
soldier’s combat potential include carbines, GPMG, anti-material rifles,
anti-mine boots, lightweight bulletproof jackets, bulletproof helmets, third
gen NVDs, anti-mine vehicles, snow scooters and new generation grenades. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTy05sxu651_Qz7ku61ilQqQWDIeHhIMuaEfR_8NY8nwJmZD2yRVdsM6msk4-PPfFt4nJ6SVdRplvqg7yBCZRWLfJi1ZELkk_Pfm5MhMtFfTw9KPd5Js87DT7c0_TJW5nRQi-5/s1600/Commandos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTy05sxu651_Qz7ku61ilQqQWDIeHhIMuaEfR_8NY8nwJmZD2yRVdsM6msk4-PPfFt4nJ6SVdRplvqg7yBCZRWLfJi1ZELkk_Pfm5MhMtFfTw9KPd5Js87DT7c0_TJW5nRQi-5/s320/Commandos.jpeg" width="320" /></a>One major reason why the situation is so dismal
is the procurement procedure itself. In the high-tech high-speed digital age
today, it takes as much as 3-4 years to have a procurement proposal approved
because such proposals have to pass through a maze of tortuous processes involving
more than 15 departments and agencies. <i>“Expeditious processing also will
take at least 48 months for a project to be approved,”</i> says a senior IAS
officer who retired early this year from MoD. How this bureaucratic lethargy is taking toll
of life and equipment is evident from the increasing loss of combat aircraft,
war ships and submarines. Official callousness has become so frustrating that a
meritorious Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral DK Joshi resigned in anger owning
responsibility that lay at someone else’s desk for the repeated mishaps in
submarines and ships. Ill-equipped men pushed into operations are either committing
suicide, killing their colleagues or seniors in sheer frustration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Perhaps for the first time in post-independence
India, political parties realised the value of military personnel and
ex-servicemen but only during the few months preceding general elections. All
parties attempted to placate soldiers and ex-servicemen with a view to winning
their support and vote during the recent Lok Sabha elections. Utterances from
the Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi himself, however, seemed more
reassuring. They indicated evidence of strategic vision and understanding of
military requirements and the plight of serving soldiers and ex-servicemen. In
his maiden budget speech, Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley eloquently
declared in Lok Sabha, <i>“There can be no compromise with the defence of our
country. I therefore propose to allocate an amount of 2,29,000 crore for the
current financial year for Defence.... Modernization of the Armed Forces is
critical to enable them to play their role effectively in the Defence of
India’s strategic interests.” </i>Thus, it would be fair to assume that the
present Government is sincerely sensitive and alive to military requirements
and the country’s strategic needs. In the initiation of defence reforms, it
would be prudent to start from revamping the MoD so as to weave military
expertise in the policy-decision mechanism at all levels of defence, security
and strategic planning and coordination. Besides a positively inclined
political leadership, India now has some seasoned bureaucrats with proven
credentials of professional integrity and wisdom to grasp vital necessities of
national defence. In Ajit Doval, we have a man of proven excellence who has vast
experience in varied fields that fit him perfectly in his present position as National
Security Advisor and Foreign Policy Advisor. Results of his ‘advice’ are
already visible. Joining in this strategy-synergy blending with the Government
is the new Army Chief, Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, whose crisp and sharp warning to
Pakistan against any future misadventure across the Line of Control eloquently
echoed Prime Minister Modi’s stand on national security and mutually respected
neighbourliness. Gen Suhag’s credentials as a war hero, Special Forces Commander
and an enviable performance record of prestigious instructional and staff
appointments set him apart as a man who shall live up to the Government’s trust
to deliver results. Together, the Team ‘Modi-Jaitley-Doval-Suhag’ exudes vision
and confidence. India was perhaps never poised better to refurbish and lubricate
its military might for bigger global roles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The setting is perfect for much needed transformation
of the Armed Forces by revamping MoD and by making soldiery an attractive,
prestigious career for the youth of the country. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i>[Acknowledgement: Courtesy <b>Geopolitics </b>magazine (Oct 2014)]</i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289634026094709452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-23396257991639425502015-07-12T15:51:00.003+05:302015-07-12T15:51:39.347+05:30Army – The Muscle of India's rising Power<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Karan Kharb</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Army is the principal arm of our
military might. With a strength of 11.77 lakh personnel on active list, it
ranks second largest in the world after the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of
China. More importantly, the Indian Army
distinguishes itself from the rest of the world armies on many counts. Firstly, in the post-World War II era, India's
victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war was the most decisive victory that created an
independent sovereign nation – Bangladesh. The surrender of 93,000 strong
Pakistan Army in Dhaka was also a unique historic event in the modern world. Secondly, deployed at the Saltoro-Siachen complex,
world's highest battlefield with heights
ranging from 18,000 to 25,0000 feet above mean sea level and the sub-zero
temperature as low as –50° Celsius, the Indian soldiers have beaten back numerous
attacks launched by the Pakistan Army to snatch these strategic heights from
India since 1984. Thirdly, despite having fought five wars and endless cross border
skirmishes, troops remain actively deployed in counter-insurgency and
counter-terrorist operations in as varied environments as humid forests of the
Northeast, hilly forests, valleys and icy mountains of Jammu and Kashmir in the
north. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Relentless Commitment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nowhere in the developed world are
armies physically deployed to protect borders as in the case of India. Here the
army remains deployed and actively engaged along most part of the great Himalayas
along the 4,056 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and 2740 km long
border with Pakistan from Pt NJ 4982 in the north to the point where Sir Creek
meets the Arabian Sea including 740 km Line of Control (LoC) in J&K. There
have been intermittent battles and localised wars along this line in the past
and the cross border firing has hardly ever ceased. After years of sustained
counter insurgency operations in the Northeast, some stability has been
achieved but thanks to the porous borders and underdeveloped woody terrain, the
region affords safer escape and support routes to and from Myanmar, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Nepal and China. Influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh has altered
the demography of Assam adding another dimension to the insurgency in the region.
Deeper in the hinterland, the Maoist insurgency has already spread to a number
of states forming what has come to be called a 'Red Corridor' connecting
underdeveloped areas from Nepal to Karnataka and beyond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It hardly needs any elaboration that
the Army has remained committed in the interior parts of Jammu and Kashmir fighting
Pakistan sponsored proxy war that has frequently hit cities and towns considered
safer being far away from the borders. Audacious
terror attacks have often surprised the authorities and the masses in the
serene environs of heartland India from time to time. Vital institutions and
establishments like the Parliament, Red Fort, Akshar Dham temple at Gandhinagar,
Taj Hotel in Mumbai and so on have been audaciously targeted in the past. Enhanced threat perception and probability of
such attacks impose heavy responsibility on the army units and formations even
in peace stations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is common for the army units to swap
roles every two-three years from plains to mountains; from the high mountains
of Arunachal to the marshlands of Kutch; from the glacial north to the jungles
of Nagaland; from the clammy jungles to the sand dunes of Jaisalmer. Diversity
of operational environments, unpredictable time and spot of crises and fleeting
nature of near invisible enemy have kept the Indian Army on the toes even in
peace locations. On its flipside, nevertheless, there is an advantage of this
24x7 involvement. Every crisis throws up new challenges and more lessons. This
abundance of experience has enriched the Indian Army professionally so well
that doctrines and operational techniques conceptualised by the Indian military
brains have been adopted by many other armies, especially those operating
alongside Indian units in the UN peacekeeping missions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charting a New Course<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Prime Minister, the national
security establishment and foreign policy advisors in his government are a team
of competent experts who could evolve effective strategies to foster relations
and to assert India's legitimate role in South Asia and beyond. In the new age
relations, India will require credible military muscle to protect its economic,
commercial and political interests in the region. Narendra Modi's aura as a connective and
assertive leader with vision should inspire the policy makers in New Delhi to
blend India's Hard Power into Soft Power so as to evolve 'Smart Power' that
would not be coercive but powerfully persuasive; not offensive but effectively
protective; not competitive but cooperative; not hegemonic but accommodating to
harmonise with the Prime Minister's declared policy of 'Make in India'. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even as the Indian Army has been so
continually deployed in multifarious roles, its enormous potential has remained
captive within India's land borders except, to a limited extent, its role in
the UN peacekeeping missions. The world is changing fast. New matrices of power
are emerging in which the two Asian nuclear giants and economic powers – India
and China – are going to play roles that would reshape relations and equations
regionally and globally. Their rise emits a mixture of hopes, expectations and
apprehensions in the region. The emerging scenario thus puts new demands on the
Army to be prepared for bigger military roles beyond its areas of present
engagements. Whereas the Navy and Air
Force can adapt to this altered and enhanced role sooner if their projected
equipment and organisational requirements are effectively met, the Army would
need the proxy war and border scenario altered to be of value in strategic
power projection beyond borders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
blitzkrieg of diplomatic touring abroad has evoked enormous interest throughout
the world. He started from day one by inviting the heads of SAARC nations to
his oath taking ceremony. His thrust on the foreign policy and closer
cooperation with neighbours in South Asia and East Asia has evoked great
interest among most countries in the region even as some have failed to hide
their envy and apprehensions at India's emerging role in this part of the
world. It is quite obvious that India's expanding commerce and closer relations
with countries not in Chinese good books shall be contested in many ways.
Pakistan is already apprehensive of India's growing clout with the US vis-à-vis
its role in Afghanistan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To nourish diplomatic and economic
relations in South Asia and Asia Pacific, India will need to develop its
military into a credible power to protect and promote its national interests in
the region. Even as the Navy needs more
urgent and extensive development, the Army will need strategic reorientation
and urgent modernisation that has been pending for years. The tri-service A&N
Command already has Army units integrated into it. Creation of marine army
formations and enhancing of amphibious capabilities will be prerequisites for
power projection across blue seas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Army units, formations and commanders
at all levels have remained preoccupied with proxy war situations in the
Kashmir Valley, insurgency in the Northeast, an ever-burning LoC and with the PLA
troops lurking along the LAC. To break out for a larger role in the Asian/South
Asian region, the Army will have to look beyond borders and chart its new
course in consonance with the Government's foreign policy and national
objectives. India needs to settle issues with Pakistan and China to ensure safe
and intact borders between neighbours. A by-product of our border settlement and
improved relations with China could be a positive influence on Pakistan. In the
event of India and China resolving their issues and transforming the LAC into a
mutually accepted international border, Pakistan should be expected to come to
terms with the new realities and sign up with India. To many in India and
Pakistan such a hope might appear far-fetched today but Pakistan, already a
victim of multi-pronged anarchy, cannot afford to be pushed into
isolation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strategic disengagement of the Army
from the borders and inner commitments will enable the Army Headquarters to
plan and conduct programmes for strategic reorientation, structural reorganisation
wherever needed and expeditious modernisation. Already, India is one of the
frontrunners in subscribing Army contingents to the UN peacekeeping missions. Select
teams and units have been carrying out joint exercises with the Armies of a
number of other countries including China. An army trained and equipped with
the appropriate arms and equipment, poised to execute missions of national
interest abroad shall be a natural deterrent for mischief mongers closer home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shed Inertia, Synergise Action <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, this abundance of
unique military potential that could have been harnessed to strategize foreign
relations and promote national interests has been dissipated by a convention of
politico-bureaucratic inertia which has steadfastly kept the Army not only out
of the strategic decision making process but also neglecting to maintain its
war worthiness. This weird legacy of
keeping the Army at arm's length is rooted in Pundit Jawahal Lal Nehru's penchant
for building up India as a peace-loving nation on the principle of Panchsheel
and non-violence. He viewed Army as a symbol of violence. Thankfully, the
Chinese aggression of 1962 jolted him. Krishna
Menon who was Nehru's Defence Minister, like his mentor, also preferred to give
more credence to the bureaucrats around him rather than the Army Chief even on
matters of military significance. The
anti-Army stance of India's first generation political leadership emboldened
the bureaucracy to usurp authority pushing the Services Headquarters further
away. Despite recommendations by a number of study groups and committees
constituted by the Government, no significant improvement has taken place. Nothing is 'integrated' in the 'Integrated
Headquarters of MoD (Army)'. The Army Headquarters functions in the same manner
as ever before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nevertheless, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's visits to Siachen Glacier and other forward areas in J&K have
kindled the hope for some far-reaching policy decisions. The Prime Minister's
global vision is different. No longer restricted by the set-piece policies and
options, his approach has the markings of a sagacious strategist who has the
capacity chalk out a new course for India's march into the future. He is aware
of the value of military power in such a journey and seems inclined to take
Army, Navy and Air Force along in his quest to carve out a niche of power and
prestige for India in the comity of nations. The arrival of Manohar Parrikar as
the new Defence Minister also signals expeditious changes and far-reaching improvements
including organisational restructuring of the Ministry of Defence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The modernisation programme of the
Army has suffered badly in the last 5-6 years.
During this period, a large number of sources of defence procurement –
manufacturers and suppliers – were black listed. There being hardly any
indigenous military equipment manufacturing, this retrograde action left the
Army bereft of critical equipment and accessories for years to come. Black listing has now been reviewed and revoked
in many cases. Making up deficiencies of equipment will be, however, just one positive
action in the system that requires extensive overhauling. Of the two critical deficiencies – morale and
material – the deficiency of arms and equipment has rightly caught the attention
of the Government and appropriate actions seem to have been initiated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Match up 'Morale' to Modi's Global Quest<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The most critical deficiency – the
deficiency of MORALE – is yet to be addressed appropriately. There are reasons for it. The Government is unaware of this deficiency
because no Army Chief has ever admitted lack of courage and <i>morale</i> in
his Force leave alone reporting it to the Government. Traditionally, admission of 'low morale' carries
a stigma no soldier can bear. It is like admitting defeat and running away like
a coward. That's unsoldierly! Even on deathbed, no soldier will ever admit his
falling spirits. For the commanders, falling morale in command is a direct
reflection on his leadership. Yet, while
high morale can compensate material deficiency to a large extend, no amount of
material abundance can compensate the deficiency of morale – the primary battle
winning factor for any army. Therefore,
the level of morale has to be gauged from the conduct and performance of men and
units under stress. In the Indian Army, it has manifested through the rising
trend of suicides, insubordination and fratricide, mutinous affront in units and
reluctance of the youth to join Army as a career. As revealed by the Defence
Minister recently on the floor of the Lok Sabha, as many as 362 soldiers have
committed suicide since 2011 and the trend is rising every year. Giving more details
in the current session of the Lok Sabha, the Defence Minister revealed that the
Army was short of 7,989 officers and what should alarm all Indians, the major
shortfall (7,764) was at the level of fighting leaders – Lt Cols, Majors,
Captains and Lieutenants. Infantry
units, the cutting edge of the Army, are making do with only 11-12 officers
against an authorised strength of 21. That means that officers at unit level
are shouldering responsibilities twice their share! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Intriguingly, factors such as socio-economic
changes, smart phones and easy connectivity, enhanced awareness among troops
and their families are being cited as 'causes' of suicides, insubordination and
rebellious occurrences. Nothing could be
more humiliating and widely off the mark because the suggestion implied within
such assumptions indicates official disapproval of social progress and the
principle of natural growth. If education and societal development were a cause
of the problem, would the modern Indian Army be happy enrolling school drop
outs and homeless vagabonds instead of the educated, able bodied youth aspiring
for a better future for self and family? Factors cited above as causes for the
decay are in reality the tools of excellence that could only catalyse
collective excellence in any team and organisation. The Army leadership has
perhaps erred in perceiving the problem in its correct perspective. Dispassionate
analysis of the situation and environments might throw up some real reasons for
the declining morale and the trust deficit in officer-men relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nothing inspires a body of troops
more than the personal example of their leader.
In the recent past, a number of poor examples have sprung up in the form
of scams like Adarsh Society and Sukhna land scams involving top brass of the
Army. Escalating rumours of bribery in equipment acquisition deals and fake
encounters are some more glaring happenings of the recent years that have
exposed the poorer side of military leadership. Observant subordinates who are
often used as pawns in such unsavoury deeds feel cheated and exploited. Further,
operating in proxy war scenario and frequently aiding the civil authorities,
the soldier finds himself working in close proximity of the civil police, administration
and politicians. It is in these environments that he observes from close
quarters all the wheeling dealing between goons, touts, criminals and the police.
The experience is disappointing for any soldier. Working with the army units of
more advanced countries in different parts of the world has also had its effect
in reshaping the traditional belief system of today's soldier. These
experiences trigger new aspirations and leave lasting impressions on soldiers
and officers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Besides the spate of scams and court
martial trials of some very senior army officers in the last five years, a
large number of senior generals including at least one Army Chief were seen
going to the court for personal gains. Even as they were all legally entitled
to seek redress of their grievances, it only buttressed the growing belief
among the subordinates that it is the self-interest and not virtues like
altruism that spurs today's military leaders. This is a dangerous notion that
cannot be allowed to grow and needs to be immediately reversed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Besides the bureaucratic apathy and
red tape, self-centric preoccupation of the top Army brass in the recent past
has only facilitated the official neglect, which kept the fighting units waiting
for essential equipment and accessories for years in the face of worsening
security scenario in the country. Infantry units are still using weapons and
sights of 1960s vintage. Induction of Arjun II MBT is further delayed for want
of requisite missile system and tanks in service are mostly night blind for
want of next generation night sights. No new generation gun has been added to
the ageing Artillery since the mid 1980s when induction of Bofors made news for
wrong reasons. Such critical
deficiencies also have had a telling effect on morale of the fighting units. When
critical demands of essential equipment remain unmet for a long time, trust between
the leader and his command takes a hit because subordinates attribute such lingering
deficiencies to the incompetence of their leaders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thankfully, the DAC has lately cleared
acquisition of 8,000 anti-tank missiles (Spike ATGM), 300 launchers and 360
Armoured Personnel Carriers against long outstanding demands of the Army. The
DAC under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has also cleared
acquisition of 814 artillery guns. In its quest to attain self-reliance in
defence production, the Modi Sarkar has enunciated its policy of 'Make in
India' under which most of the acquisition shall be on terms of technology
transfer. For instance, only a hundred of the 814 artillery guns shall be
purchased off the shelf. The rest 714
shall be manufactured in India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To rise and match up to the Prime
Minister Modi's vision of future India, the Indian Army will have reinvent itself
culturally, conceptually and structurally to break free from outdated dogmas in
the name of traditions. The Army Chief
must communicate directly with the political leadership so as to iron out
misgivings if any and to educate the latter about the capabilities, limitations
and requirements of the Army. Times are now ripe for evolving and firming up
this process to integrate the Army as a co-axial component of India's foreign
policy. Undoubtedly, speedy
modernisation of the Army is of paramount importance. At the same time, ignoring the man behind the
machine could negate all the advantages of modernisation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small; line-height: 40px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><i>(Acknowledgement: This article was published in <b>Geopolitics </b>magazine (Jan 2015))</i></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289634026094709452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-3873056955693203102015-07-11T16:01:00.001+05:302015-07-11T16:01:47.372+05:30Indian Army – A Political Casualty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Karan Kharb</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The splendid record of
Indian Army's performance in wars and times of crises should be a source of
great inspiration for the military personnel on the one hand and bolster
people’s pride and confidence in their Army on the other. Quite on the
contrary, however, serving military personnel and ex-servicemen are all visibly
unhappy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxEfXJ5q8aJd0fzdGDbiLiY2YkJMw0Lc122I5jcVW9UlNKEGlE32qgepMVGp0Jvg6J7XsylLLnNU3N5PaAOx2IyzLSxQe7zZSlFLM-Ke-srv5ZLYl7gKVfU-f-M3eKHLgeWZY/s1600/Kargil+1999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxEfXJ5q8aJd0fzdGDbiLiY2YkJMw0Lc122I5jcVW9UlNKEGlE32qgepMVGp0Jvg6J7XsylLLnNU3N5PaAOx2IyzLSxQe7zZSlFLM-Ke-srv5ZLYl7gKVfU-f-M3eKHLgeWZY/s1600/Kargil+1999.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rising trend of
litigation and complaints of grievances against higher authorities also point
towards declining morale and growing resentment. The present Government seems
to have woken up to address some of these harsh realities but what is actually
needed is a shift in the traditional political-bureaucratic mind-set about
military vis-à-vis nation's defence needs. Be it war or other catastrophic
situations, military is the last resort at the disposal of the government. Military
aspects must therefore outweigh all other considerations because any compromise
on military preparedness will imperil national defence and security. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgI4BTUNl21xMTv54J7hgK0zRovpbOwXTcLMWZbpJdQTBd4HpPMP2lV3ebFeDNrvpC_J2fxpdDQbkuEhZFDvEzj8XQ5p7A8kEfRSKR8KZHnn6pce06LnXsYlkG7i6CMMpt7yn/s1600/Swooping+on+to+kill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'Proxy War' - A War of Attrition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Proxy
war is more sinister than conventional war in many ways. In a direct
military-to-military confrontation, the enemy is clearly distinguishable from
the civil population because in a conventional military scenario capturing and
holding of territory dictates manoeuvres. In the proxy war scenario, the
terrorists merge with the population and have no interest in holding territory.
They operate in small groups, carry out their terror tasks and easily melt away
in the masses. Besides, the conventional enemy would be logistically organised
and self-reliant whereas the terrorists depend on the local sympathisers and
havens in towns, villages or <i>bahaks</i> (shepherd huts in forests). Whereas
the enemy supply lines would be discernible in the former case, there are no
'supply lines' in the latter case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the wake of counter
terrorist military operations, freedom of people is frequently curtailed. Sometimes,
innocent citizens get killed in the cross-fire between the army and the
terrorists. There have also been a few cases where local informants have fed
false information to the army units to get their rivals killed by planting
credible evidence. Two fallouts of these
non-stop engagements are now having telling effects on the Army and the people:
firstly, the Army is getting tired and frustrated; secondly, the local
population is also becoming restive and anti-army. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Military personnel are
frequently taken to task for operations gone awry for want of workable
intelligence or due to informer’s deceit. There are many cases filed against
military personnel in various courts of law for ‘offences’ during operations.
J&K and North East lead in such allegations and court cases against
military personnel. Imagine soldiers having to operate under constant
apprehension lurking to implicate them for excesses on innocent civilians.
These are inevitable operational hazards that mar soldiers’ confidence in their
commanders. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently informed the Lok Sabha
that as many as 108 military personnel committed suicide during 2014 as on
November 21. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What will further
complicate the army operations in the affected areas is rising public opinion
against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which is perceived as
granting <i>carte blanche</i> to the Army. That
this perception is grossly misconceived is clear from the number of soldiers killed
in J&K alone in the last 25 years: 7,443 (as in Feb 2014) as against a combined
total of 6387 Indian soldiers killed in the three Indo-Pak wars - 1965, 71 and
99 (Kargil). And while the Army's performance in the wars was spectacular
earning the soldiers love and pride of the people, the attrition suffered by
the Army during the last few decades has dismayed and disappointed both –
people and the army. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rekindle Offensive Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVsLu5M6PwV70JoqgWrXSb0YE0OAuHEh6ZJsurBMx0m6wMGrtF3Zd6XRTbtWzM6xhj94RHm-foGcqwT4x8PoLA4OR0qfLO2PDBMlrloGwm8spCL9NpQ3JaEUr0TEXOsvOihvU/s1600/Army+in+Kashmir+floods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVsLu5M6PwV70JoqgWrXSb0YE0OAuHEh6ZJsurBMx0m6wMGrtF3Zd6XRTbtWzM6xhj94RHm-foGcqwT4x8PoLA4OR0qfLO2PDBMlrloGwm8spCL9NpQ3JaEUr0TEXOsvOihvU/s1600/Army+in+Kashmir+floods.jpg" /></a><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the basic doctrines
of war is that the side that the army that has the initiative and carries the
war into enemy territory enjoys the advantage. In the given context, Pakistan
has the initiative and all the fighting takes place on the Indian territory.
The Pakistan Army selects, trains and pushes armed proxies not only into
J&K but also to attack eminent targets in Delhi, Mumbai and elsewhere leaving
India to <i>react</i> to devastations planned in Pakistan and enacted here from
time to time. The effect is that India has been chasing these so-called
'non-state actors' raised and deployed by Pakistan for over 25 years now and
the end of this dirty war is not in sight yet. India cannot win this war
conclusively unless Pakistan is convinced that investing in such initiatives shall
be retaliated most fiercely imposing costs that Pakistan cannot afford. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Professional modern armies
like the western armies and the Israel Army have evolved decisive response
system to deter perpetration of state sponsored terrorist acts. Israeli
response to any provocation from any source has always been devastating. In its
latest retaliation against Hamas kidnapping three Israeli teenagers in July
2014, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched an offensive into Gaza which left
more than 2,000</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Gazans killed. Israeli casualties were comparatively
negligible: 66 Israeli soldiers and 5
Israeli civilians killed. After the 9/11 WTC disaster, the US Army invaded
Afghanistan and continued man-hunt for the disaster's mastermind Osama bin
Laden until the Navy Seals got him deep inside Pakistan in Abbotabad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In contrast to
this India's response has always been feeble and only defensive. In 1999 when
India was already a nuclear power, Pakistan Army dared to intrude and occupy Indian
territory in Kargil. Rather than reacting fiercely against this misadventure,
the Indian Army fought with self-imposed restrictions and lost nearly 600 lives
only to regain its lost territory and 'refrained' from crossing the LoC 'to
avoid escalating the conflict'. Again, responding
to the December 2001 terrorist attack on its Parliament, the Indian Government
ordered what is known to be the biggest military mobilisation since 1971
against Pakistan. The Army remained deployed for nearly a year without
achieving anything. Pakistani troops have frequently ambushed and even beheaded
Indian soldiers on Indian soil in J&K. But retaliation even to such highly
provocative acts has been no more than registering diplomatic protests and
raising the volume of cross border firing.
Feeble response to these misadventures has established a pattern that
has degraded the soldier's fighting potential and destroyed India's credibility
as a military power in the region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Expecting
Pakistan to punish Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and his associates is naïve and
ridiculous. The Army commandos and Special Forces of India are fully competent
to undertake special missions to strike at designated targets deep inside enemy
territory. Special missions must, therefore, be considered and undertaken to pick
up or liquidate criminals like Lakhvi and to destroy terrorist training camps
in Pakistan. It is intriguingly self-defeating that instead of Nuclear India
deterring Pakistan misadventures; Nuclear Pakistan has been deterring India unfairly
but more effectively. Indian military
authorities and Special Forces must work out a more effective response system
that should compel Pakistan to negotiate peace with India. Most politicians and
military generals in Pakistan have fair assessment of India's nuclear
capabilities vis-à-vis Pakistan. It is therefore unreasonable to suspect that
any decision maker would be so insane there as to think of nuclear option to
retaliate against India's covert raids on precisely designated small targets
like proclaimed offenders and terror breeding camps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pakistan Army's view
notwithstanding, the pro-peace lobby in that country is growing with
politicians, business community and intelligentsia favouring cordial relations
with India. Fresh peace initiatives, therefore, should be India's first option
but from a position of strength. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Preparing the Army for coming
Challenges<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The practice of
deploying the Army in the interior civilian areas for protracted periods is a
flawed concept which must change. Army's war fighting potential is degrading
because in dealing with own civilians the soldier's <i>'killing instincts'</i>
are replaced by <i>'kinder restraint'</i>. The awe and respect for the Army in
the civilian mind also diminishes gradually. Therefore, dealing with security
situations in the interior civilian areas should remain a police
responsibility. The Army should be left to concentrate on what is most expected
of it – come into action only as a 'last resort' to deal with exceptionally
grave situations. After accomplishing their task, the Army units must quickly disengage
and return to their primary role at the LAC, LoC or cantonments to train and
prepare for bigger roles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although India's relations
with China are apparently thawing, we still have claims and counter claims on
territories across the 4,056 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). Frequently, Chinese troops have intruded to
stake claim on the Indian territory in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Development
of rail-road network and military infrastructure in forward areas of the Tibet
region has been a cause of concern for India. Despite fast growing trade and
economic cooperation between India and China, they have contentious issues spread
from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean besides the existing border issues.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even more serious are the
developments taking place further north where the Karakoram highway has been
upgraded from 10 m to 33 m wide two-way road trebling its transport capacity
and linking China to the warm water port of Gwadar. While Pakistan has already
ceded Shaksgam Valley to China, there are also reports of Pakistan leasing the
region of Gilgit Baltistan to China for a period of 50 years. With the
Karakoram highway now upgraded from 10 m to 33 m enhancing transportation
capacity by three times, China now has easy access to the warm water port of
Gwadar. Its rising domination in the Gilgit-Baltistan-Karakoram region while
China continues to hold the Indian territory of Aksai Chen is a matter of
concern for India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Steadily, China is
encircling India strategically from all directions. It is aggressively expanding
its reach in Myanmar, Srilanka and other island nations in the Indian Ocean. Until
now India had ignored the creepy Chinese advance that could result in India's 'continental
isolation'. Thankfully, the Modi Sarkar now appears to have woken up to the
emerging geo-political scenario in the region as indicated by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's thrust in revitalising India's relationships with SAARC
countries and island nations in the Indian Oceans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A crucial fact that has
been overlooked by strategists in India is that while there is always a strategic
military component woven into development projects China undertakes in the East
and South Asian countries. China negotiates partnership and retains long-term
control of the facilities created through joint projects ranging from mining to
infrastructure development, ports and highways. In the Indian context even
today, it would be unthinkable to have a military say in foreign trade,
commerce or matters relating to diplomacy and foreign relations. It is the flawed
politico-bureaucratic perception of successive governments that has not allowed
the Military to disentangle from the environs of insurgency and proxy war to
prepare and attend to larger national interests on and beyond land borders. Diplomacy, foreign trade and relations shall yield
more if backed by credible military potential particularly when a number
India's neighbours look up to it for support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-49993085020750210582015-07-05T11:08:00.000+05:302015-07-05T11:08:48.903+05:30OROP - Hopes slipping to Despair and Anger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Karan Kharb</b></div>
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I was there yesterday with them at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Among these Veterans on a Relay Hunger Strike seeking implementation of their 40 year old demand - one rank one pension (OROP) were many decorated warriors, war widows and those who had sacrificed their limbs or sons in battles.</div>
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Although the initial plan was to have only 15 volunteers fasting daily, more and more Ex-servicemen poured in voluntarily from various towns and villages insisting to join the relay fast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtKYYc3_cP3Y7MrjNQydO8rLL_DQ583FVG_54FlXH5vldA3cLqbn_eyaVzsXe2Y71Gg07pm_fLFfcNxgjNS28ITXgE7JjccTyPPGel0tq8SOriHbXyaTHLWEQwRYci_sAsTp-/s1600/FB_IMG_1435995106431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtKYYc3_cP3Y7MrjNQydO8rLL_DQ583FVG_54FlXH5vldA3cLqbn_eyaVzsXe2Y71Gg07pm_fLFfcNxgjNS28ITXgE7JjccTyPPGel0tq8SOriHbXyaTHLWEQwRYci_sAsTp-/s320/FB_IMG_1435995106431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Moved by their soldierly zeal to fight for justice, I met and saluted each of them. I counted 35 fasting veterans and a gathering of about 200 others cheering them in their crusade for a Cause. Speaker after speaker lamented on the bureaucratic callousness. Some were so agitated and angry that they threatened the Government with dire consequences.</div>
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While parking my car, I overheard a small group of 4-5 people under talking to one person who appeared very angry. When I approached them, I learnt that Ram Chander (60) a teacher in Jhunjunu (Rajasthan) was planning to commit suicide either by hanging from the tree or by self-immolating himself. Why? Because his son - a Hav in a Grenadiers unit had sacrificed his life in a terrorist encounter in Kupwara (J&K) in 2012 leaving behind three younger siblings, a daughter and a son. I argued it out with him. "Why are you so angry. Your daughter-in-law must be getting "full last drawn salary" of your son which is much higher than any family pension rate? You are not even affected by OROP."</div>
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<i>"Kya baat kar rahe ho aap? Mera beta apne ghar walon ke liye Kupwara mein jakar marne gaya tha kya? Nahin Sahb wo desh ke liye qurban hua hai. Mera dil aaj saari Fauj ke liye ro raha hai. Yeh Neta, ye Tehsildar se lekar Chief Secretary tak ke officer log loot machaye hue hain. Udhar Jo sainik desh ki sarhadon par khun bahakar ya to mar jate hain ya pension aa jate hain -- aur yeh unka haq nahin de rahe. OROP jise koi bhi nakar bhi nahi raha lekin de bhi nain raha. Aise desh mein mein jeena hi nahi chahta.mein.....Iss se to angrezon ki ghulami achchi thi....."</i></div>
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It was hard for me to refute his arguments and dissuade him from his horrifying intentions. Then I lied to him that I was privy to some inner developments being underway at the PMO and MoD in which the PM is personally addressing these very issues and "soon we shall see some far reaching policy revisions restoring all the lost privileges, status and honour of the military service......So don't be in a hurry."</div>
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<i>"Aur aapki baat jhooth nikali to?" </i>he cautioned me astonishingly.</div>
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I said, "In that case, I shall join you - I shall embrace Death here before you. You may follow me thereafter. But let's have patience and give this Government some time. Because, we have trusted Modi but not given him enough time to put long term policies into effect."</div>
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Thankfully, he cooled down and relented. But what if my false assurance actually proved false in the future? What if he calls me up (he has my contact number and address now) after 15 August or after Vijay Diwas on 16 December or after the next year Kargil day or Independence Day and tells me, <i>"Lo ji, ab batao kya plan hai aapki?"</i></div>
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How shall I face him then? I pray for early release of OROP and a string of Military Reforms to save my life and Ram Chander's - and who knows how many more!. Ram Chander and I may live or die but if the the Military continues to be treated like this - neglected and humbled at home - then it shall only imperil the national security very dangerously particularly in the wake of ever growing Pakistan sponsored terrorism in J&K, Maoist insurgency spreading in other parts of the country and ISIS nodes reportedly having made inroads into India's terror outfits.</div>
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Coordinators, however, intervened to discourage provocative outbursts and maintain the apolitical nature of the protest. A consensus had been already been reached to ensure an atmosphere of decorum of discipline restraining intemperate outbursts, personal attacks, politicization or any hate-speech.</div>
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Col Inderjeet Singh, the nonagenarian military Veteran who has been fighting and winning all legal battles on the issue of OROP, visits the Jantar Mantar venue daily in his wheel chair. Maj Gen Satbir Singh, Lt Gen Balbir Singh and a host of other retired military officers/JCOs/Petty Officers/WOs/NCOs including general officers, vice/rear admirals and air marshals throng this venue everyday.</div>
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Far from diminishing, the idiosyncratic military zeal is in fact catching up with an ever growing number of volunteers coming to register their "hazri" and support at the Venue daily. Similar protest Relay Fasts are going on in 60 other towns and cities in various states all over the country. Even as political harangues have been disallowed by the organizers, the election tempo building up in Bihar seemed to be swaying military veterans away from BJP in that state.</div>
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As of date, OROP stands approved and accepted by the Parliament and the Government. Only the implementation is stuck in what can be termed as "hang fire" - a military term used for a rocket/round which is loaded in the chamber of the weapon but does not fire despite trigger/firing knob being pressed.</div>
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Time is now running out. The Government must be seen acting decisively in the expected Modi style over ruling the dirty bureaucratic officialese.</div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-40076305759479745002015-01-01T17:32:00.001+05:302015-01-01T17:32:55.295+05:30OROP in Hangfire! Will it blast or boom?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 28.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.4pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Modi-Ji,
This Broken Promise is An Act of Dishonour</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.4pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr Shashi Tharoor</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (NDTV Story First Published: January 01, 2015 00:15 IST) </span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 28.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.4pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">(Dr. Shashi Tharoor is a two-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram, the
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, the
former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Human Resource
Development and the former UN Under-Secretary-General. He has written 14 books,
including, most recently, Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century.)</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
<br />
New Year's Resolutions, it is said, are made to be broken. There's something
about a new dawn that inspires the earnestness of yearned-for virtue in most of
us, and we solemnly pledge to do this and that in the course of the New Year
which we never thought ourselves capable of fulfilling in the old. And then, as
the New Year turns less new, we tend to regret those rash resolutions, modify
them, ignore them, or most of all, simply forget them.<br />
<br />
Our new government didn't wait for the New Year to make something of a habit of
breaking its promises, as a celebrated Congress Party publication on the BJP's
many U-turns pointed out in early December. To some degree, this is
unsurprising in most democracies: after all, as New York Governor Mario Cuomo
famously pointed out more than two decades ago, "you campaign in poetry,
but you govern in prose". <br />
<br />
Extravagant campaign promises tend to look much more difficult to fulfil when
faced with the reality of government.<br />
<br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">But still, it is something new to discover a
government breaking a promise that it has repeatedly made not just in its
campaign but on the floor of Parliament, expressed by the Finance Minister in
his Budget speech and repeated by the Prime Minister himself. A failure to
fulfil such promises is normally, in most parliamentary democracies, a
resigning matter, but our government carries on, blithely unconcerned.
Meanwhile, of this particular promise, there is no sign of any intention to
actually fulfil it.<br />
<br />
What am I going on about? Very simple: it is the pledge to ensure "One
Rank One Pension" for our retired military personnel, who currently suffer
gross injustice through the provision of pensions that have not been indexed to
inflation, so that a Brigadier who retired twenty years ago gets a lower
pension than a Captain who leaves the force this year. <br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 15pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This entirely reasonable demand - made by people
who have risked their lives to protect our borders, our nation, and us - was
acceded to by the UPA government, echoed by the NDA, and announced again by the
new regime after its ascension to power. Barely two months ago, Prime Minister
Modi declared emotionally on his visit to the troops in Siachen that "One
Rank One Pension has been fulfilled".<br />
<br />
But Modi-ji, it has not been fulfilled. Not one soldier has received an
enhanced pension; meanwhile leaks in the newspapers "reveal" that the
Finance Ministry has had a change of heart, saying that justice to our men in
uniform would "cost too much". <br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
It seems the Comptroller of Defence Accounts has estimated that the cost of One
Rank One Pension could be as high as 9,300 crore. It may sound a lot, but the
estimated budget for Mr Modi's much-vaunted statue of Sardar Patel is 1,500
crore, which puts this sum in perspective.<br />
<br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">At a recent media conclave, Defence Minister Manohar
Parrikar hedged his bets, suggesting that ex-servicemen would get 80% of the
promised pension, and adding that "100% satisfaction to everyone is never
given in real life." This is an utter travesty. Is Mr Modi prepared
to stand before the nation and say that we should not believe anything he
promises, but that he will try to deliver 80% of it? If the Kargil war had
happened on his watch, would we have to be content with getting 80% of the
heights back?<br />
<br />
Our soldiers never make 80% effort; they give 100%, indeed more. The nation
owes them at least this much.<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It is true I have a soft corner for our armed forces.
I believe they embody the best of what India can be, but so rarely is: they are
motivated, professional, meritocratic, competent, reliable, free of caste and
religious prejudice, and they take risks the rest of us would not dare to. Yet
we treat them in a disgracefully cavalier fashion. <br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
During my UN peace-keeping years, when I dealt with a large number of senior
military officers and issues from around the world, I was appalled to see how
poorly our professional officers were valued by our self-regarding bureaucracy.
<br />
<br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Whereas our officers, man to man, outshone their
counterparts from Western militaries in their competence, intelligence and
humanity, our system subjected them to various petty indignities. A full
Colonel with over 25 years of service behind him is ranked by our babus below a
Director in protocol terms. I have suffered through peacekeeping seminars in
which a knowledgeable Indian military officer had to defer to a callow
bureaucrat in discussions on military matters. At a time when post-Cold War
peacekeeping called for serious levels of military expertise at the UN
Headquarters in New York, India remained the only Permanent Mission to the UN
(of any major peace-keeping contributor) not to post a military adviser. Our
diplomats believed they knew it all themselves.<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This attitude extends to conditions of service
across the board. A Joint Secretary, with nineteen years of professional
experience, is deemed the equivalent of a Major-General, who not only has
thirty years but has commanded men and materiel, made life-and-death decisions
and protected our nation. We pay pensions to a lot more Joint Secretaries than
Major-Generals (only 0.8% of army officers ever attain Major General rank). Yet
we are now quibbling about the cost.<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Who are the people we are cheating here by pinching
pennies? Some 20 lakh ex-servicemen and four lakh widows. It is time to ask the
Government of Messrs Modi and Jaitley: gentlemen, have you no shame?<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It is ironic that the BJP, which prides itself
on a robust attitude to defence, should betray its own promises to the men who
actually defend our country. Building a War Memorial is symbolism, which the
Modi government seems much better at than substance. Actually making a difference
in the lives of our retired service personnel is the kind of tangible benefit
this government shrinks from too often.<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Roboto","serif"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">As far back as 2003, the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Defence recommended One Rank One Pension, calling it "a
debt" the nation had to pay. It is a debt our Government must honour. Not
to do so is an act of dishonor. It dishonours the nation and the flag these men
have fought to defend. And it thoroughly discredits those who would treat the
well-being of our jawans and officers as one more election promise to be
lightly cast aside.</span></b></div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-4951181214447169012014-12-03T04:59:00.000+05:302014-12-03T04:59:05.525+05:30Military Morale – A Perilous Neglect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karan Kharb<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In terms of national defence preparedness, the last decade
has been particularly worrisome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modernisation
programmes and defence acquisition initiatives have remained mired in scams
resulting in blacklisting of large number of firms that virtually blocked vital
sources of equipment procurement. This has led to poor maintenance and upkeep
of warlike equipment as has been amply evident from the frequent accidents and
mishaps in the aircraft and submarines. Cases of suicide and insubordination in
the military units have also shown a rising trend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That discontent is steadily growing even in
the higher echelons is evident from an ever-rising number of senior military
officers going to courts to seek redress of their grievances. Never before in
the history were so many star rank officers court-martialled as in the last few
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would explain the eerie disquiet
and simmering resentment in the top military leadership more than the fact that
an Army Chief had to sue the Government and a Navy Chief resigned in disgust? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Military affairs have obviously been neglected badly over
the years. The age-old convention of keeping military insulated from the civilian
gaze has lately proved to be detrimental in two ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstly, the decay has remained hidden from
the public for long in the name of 'military security'. Secondly, it has encouraged
the political leadership and the bureaucracy to remain strategically ignorant
and logistically indifferent towards military needs even as the Armed Forces were
always taken for granted on the face value. Thankfully, the new dispensation in
New Delhi – the Modi Sarkar – now seems to have woken up to this grave
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>black listing</i> has
been reviewed and a number of vital procurement projects have since been
cleared by the Government. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has visited and interacted with troops in the forward
areas including Siachen Glacer, Naval and Air Force bases but, thanks to the
deep rooted military custom, no officer or jawan could be expected to appear
anything but proud and happy in the company of a visiting dignitary – more so
when the dignitary happens to be Narendra Modi – no matter what problems they
faced. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact, however, is that in
clearing the long pending acquisition projects, even the new government has
taken note of only the tangible military assets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The intangible and even more vital asset – morale
of the fighting men – still lies less cared, far below the optimum levels. No
amount of modern technology and wherewithal can win a war until the man behind the
gun is adequately motivated to give out his best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Military history is replete with evidence
that even ill equipped but highly motivated soldiers have won battles defeating
better equipped but badly led and poorly motivated units. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately, decision makers in India have viewed the
question of 'military morale' in a skewed manner as if it were merely a
'welfare issue', a notion that has prevented governments to fathom the real
value of this war winning factor called 'military morale'. Such mind-sets
threaten to turn this invaluable asset into an unaffordable liability for the
nation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignorance of military
capabilities, limitations and needs has led successive pay commissions to treat
Armed Forces just another 'government service'. Pundit Nehru and his
contemporaries had despised military as a non-productive and unwanted
organisation in a Panchsheel inspired India. This attitude of the national
leadership earned them the rude shock of Chinese aggression in 1962. That
attitude seemed to again overwhelm the government during the last decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new regime in New Delhi will have to
comprehensively review and reorient the official viewpoint about the country's
Armed Forces to comprehend the problems and to rebuild India's military
potential. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unique Terms and Conditions of Service: </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Truncated
Career span</b>. As many as 75 per cent military personnel retire between the
age group of 35 to 42 years even as most of their schoolmates in civil life would
still be streamlining their career. Of the remaining, 20 per cent retire between
the age of 42-52 years; and a fraction 5 per cent retire between the age of
52-60 years. In the civil services on the contrary, every employee has an
assured job up to the age of 60 years, a stage in life when life's
responsibilities are mostly over providing the employee optimal fulfilment in a
happy retired life. In sharp contrast to this, a soldier retiring in his late
thirties or early forties is surrounded by onerous responsibilities like buying
or constructing a house, school-going children, ageing parents, younger
siblings and a host of other familial-social obligations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Long
Separation from Family:</b> Military service necessitates frequent transfers
and postings at non-family stations devoid of basic amenities of the civilised
world. Children of military personnel remain mostly deprived of parental care
and fatherly affection in their formative years. Even in peace stations, majority
of the personnel have to stay in barracks still separated from their families
owing to service exigencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cases of encroachment
on the property of military personnel and exploitation of their families at the
behest of unscrupulous elements in villages have been rising, as are the costs
on justice. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Unmatched
Hazards and Hardships</b>: Active borders, insurgency and terrorism have placed
unique demands on the military that has to adapt to the changing role, terrain,
climate and operational environment. Indian military finds itself drawn in to
handle conflicts in areas as varied as towns, cities, forests, desert, frosty
mountains and glacial high altitude exposing troops to risks like exhaustion, pulmonary
oedema, frostbite and icy crevasses that swallow lives. Even in times of
cease-fire, Indian troops perpetually remain at war with the vagaries of Nature
– treacherous terrain and chilling climate, which has claimed more lives than
the enemy forces. Operational environments are such that momentary casualness
and minor mistakes can be fatal and one hardly ever gets a second chance. Peace
or field, land or sea, a soldier is 24 hours on duty and there are is no such
thing as 'duty hours' or 'overtime' in this profession. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Fundamental
Rights curtailed:</b> The Fundamental rights like freedom of speech, expression
and assembly and the right to form associations or unions enjoyed by every
citizen under Article 19 (1) (a) (b) and (c) of the Constitution are abrogated
in their application to members of the Armed Forces because of the special nature
of duties performed by the members of these Forces. These provisions are like a
lid over a cauldron while the steam builds within. In such a scenario, the
absence of a sensitive and responsive safety valve can be highly dangerous
because the turmoil building within cannot be seen as clearly as in the case of
non-military setting where people's dissatisfaction manifests instantly and
openly in the media and streets. Therefore, it is in the highest national
interests that the government must be sensitive and receptive to the military
advice and opinions expressed by the top brass of the Armed Forces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Nation's Last
Resort:</b> The role of India's Armed Forces is to protect territorial
integrity of India, defend the country from external aggression, internal
security threats and to restore order and services in situations like natural
calamity, disasters and civil disturbances when it is no longer possible for
the civil authority to manage affairs. In addition, a bigger global role
requiring India's Armed Forces to undertake peacekeeping operations across
continents is also steadily evolving in the face of instable regimes, expanding
menace of international terrorism and other regional conflicts. In the evolving
geopolitical equations, India can be only as strong as its military power. In
times of grave crises when all components of civil machinery fail, authorities
and people alike turn to Military, which has a glorious record of superb
performance. But if ever the military failed, all hopes and options of the
country would crash. Unquestionably, military might is the ultimate power of
the state and its last resort to assert its will domestically, regionally and
even globally. Logically, if their delivery standards in turning chaos to
normalcy after all other components of the civil administration had failed have
been so unique and unmatched, why should the salaries and privileges of
military personnel not be likewise unique and unmatched, that is, a notch above
all else? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rising
trend of revolt and insubordination among the serving military personnel and
the ex-servicemen (ESM) taking to streets, returning their medals and
protesting against injustice are eloquent reminders for the government and the
people that their military is losing its sheen and self-esteem. Whereas there
is a need to constitute a Defence Reforms Commission to examine all aspects of
national security and defence preparedness, the immediate need is to restore
the fading sheen and self-esteem of the Armed Forces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seventh
Pay Commission has been constituted even as anomalies of the 6<sup>th</sup> Pay
Commission are yet to be resolved. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
has neither a military member on its panel nor specific terms of reference to improve
the lot of the Armed Forces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the backdrop
of these realities, it is necessary to identify the impediments and pave the
way for definitive and speedy improvements in the state of affairs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Official Antipathy</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Departments and organisations created to serve interests
of the serving and retired military personnel have gradually become either defunct
or counters of corrupt practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ESM
community is unhappy with the functioning of departments like the Department of
Ex-servicemen Welfare (DESW) and Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards. The DESW headed
and staffed by civilians who are neither organised nor trained and oriented to
comprehend and serve the interests of the ex-servicemen. Rajya and Zila Sainik
Boards are no more than a countersigning authority, which is often seen as another
layer of bureaucratic red tape to impede and delay rather than hasten and sharpen
the process in favour of the ex-servicemen. Directorate General of Resettlement
(DGR) headquartered in New Delhi, though staffed by military personnel, is
powerless in garnering adequate jobs and occupations for the retiring military
personnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing callousness in the government offices has forced
the ESM to voice their woes through rallies and protest marches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thousands returned their medals to the
President pledging that they would receive these tokens of honour back only
after their grievances are redressed honourably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top of the list of their grievances is
the issue of 'one rank one pension' (OROP) which has been tantalising the ESM
community despite having been accepted by both – the outgoing UPA Government
and even the more promising Modi Sarkar. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for the serving military personnel, all the three
Chiefs of Services had expressed their dissatisfaction over the 'raw deal'
given to military personnel by the 6<sup>th</sup> Pay Commission and the Manmohan
Singh Government itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The anti-military mind-set of the bureaucracy seems to
have formalised the practice of challenging all court verdicts given in favour
of serving or retired soldiers into an official policy of the government,
whereas challenging such verdicts should be a rarity. Here are just a few
samples of how this official antipathy has ripened into an outright brazen
animosity towards military:-</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(a)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OROP: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The issue of OROP has affected the morale of the Armed
Forces more than any other issue because today's serving soldier is tomorrow's
ESM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The "principle of OROP"
has been upheld by all – the Government, political parties, and parliamentary
committees. It has been unequivocally accepted by PC Chidambaram and Arun
Jaitlely on the floor of the Parliament amidst thunderous applause. Whatever be
behind the scene machinations, if any, no department, agency or organisation
has openly raised any objection to this entitlement of military personnel. Yet,
the ESM community continues waiting for it till this day! And lately, it is
rumoured that the Defence Minister has referred the matter to "a
Tribunal".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means the
bureaucratic red tape has won and the OROP will lie to ferment until the next
Defence Minister alters the status quo! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(b)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>Disability Pension Case:</b> Dismissing a Central
Government appeal <i>(CS Sidhu Vs Union of India)</i> on 31 March 2010 against the
grant of adequate disability pension to an army officer who had lost an arm in
an accident while on duty in a high altitude field area, a Supreme Court bench noted
this official antipathy and caustically remarked, "….<i>Is this the way
you treat those brave army officers? It is unfortunate that you are treating
them like beggars…… The army personnel are bravely defending the country even
at the cost of their lives and we feel they should be treated in a better and
more humane manner by government authorities, particularly in respect of their
emoluments, pension and other benefits."</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(c)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Denial of Enhanced Pension:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The case of illegal deduction of
'enhanced pension' from the salary of re-employed ESM has been playing seesaw
since 1997. The 'deduction order' of the Department of Personnel and Training
(DoPT) was challenged in the Delhi High Court, which quashed it on 09 August
2004. When it was not implemented, the matter was again taken to the Delhi High
Court, which passed strictures against the government on 23 May 2008, calling the
non-implementation <i>"high-handed and need to be deprecated" </i>and
observing, <i>"Such action besides being illegal and unwarranted was also
contemptuous." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Yet, the
government filed a special leave petition against it, which was yet again dismissed
by the Supreme Court on 07 November 2009. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ESM, however, are still shunting from
pillar to post!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(d)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Rank Pay Case:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Rank Pay arrears accruing to all
those officers of the Armed Forces who held ranks of captain to brigadier and
their equivalents in the Navy and Air Force from 01 January 1986 onwards have
been unfairly denied to both serving and retired officers ever since. After the
government approved recommendations of the 4<sup>th</sup> Pay Commission in
1987, the CDA (Officers) deducted an amount equal to the rank pay while re-fixing
the pay of officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was challenged
by Major AK Dhanapalan and the Kerala High Court held the action of the CDA
(Officers) wrong and ruled that the pay be re-fixed without deducting the rank
pay and arrears accruing since 01 January 1986 be paid to the petitioner. All
the government appeals were successively rejected. After the Supreme Court ruling
the government issued orders for re-fixation of pay in respect of the
petitioner only, leaving all the similarly affected officers of the Armed
Forces in a quandary. Later when the Retired Defence Officers Association
(RDOA) filed a case to claim the same justice as granted to Dhanapalan for all
others similarly affected, their plea was upheld and government appeals finally
rejected at the apex court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the heads
of the concerned departments in the government deftly devise new intricacies to
delay and deny the genuine dues of soldiers despite stern rulings from the highest
judiciary. Even today, both serving and retired officers continue waiting for
their long denied dues. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, there are over a hundred cases decided by courts in
favour of the military personnel – serving and retired. Almost all these cases
are a result of either remarkable inefficiency or callous and hostile attitude
of government officials heading the concerned departments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The practice of government filing SLPs in
every case decided in favour of these aggrieved soldiers lays bare the hostile
attitude against the sentinels of national defence and security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's closer inter-action with
the Armed Forces has kindled a new hope among the serving military personnel
and the ESM. While the comprehensive defence reforms can be assigned to an
appropriately constituted commission, the following issues must be addressed
and resolved without any further lingering:- </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(a)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 7<sup>th</sup> Pay Commission:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The 7<sup>th</sup> Pay Commission has
no military expert on its panel to offer sound advice on the special features
of the military service and genuine requirements of the personnel in this
profession of arms. There is a need to have a military member on the panel and
specific terms of reference concerning the uniqueness of military occupation
that distinguishes the service from all others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the terms of reference must include military
being treated as a "unique and matchless service" that deserves
special privileges. Their pay, allowances and perquisites must be a level above
the highest paid government service. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(b)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grant of Non-functional Upgrade (NFU)</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: The organisational structure of
military is so pyramidal that a large number are squeezed from its sharply
narrowing funnel and left out to stagnate. Being thus deprived of higher promotions
despite possessing requisite qualifications frustrates large number of
efficient officers. There should be a system like NFU to keep them motivated
and to avail of their knowledge and experience even if they cannot be given
higher promotions. Justifiably, no other service merits the grant of NFU more
than the military because the stagnation rate is nowhere as high in the civil
services as in the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, this
provision is granted to the civil administrative cadre (Group A Service) but
not to the military service. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(c)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Right to Vote: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Military personnel can vote at the place of their posting
as per directions issued by the Election Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a large number of military voters
and their families in cantonments remain deprived of their right to vote
freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(d)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Armed Forces Commission: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Government must consider institutionalising a central
authority to safeguard interests of the Services and ESM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Departments like DESW, Rajya and Zila Sainik
Boards and DGR may be abolished. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Justifiable needs and genuine grievances of the serving
military personnel and the ESM are inseparably interlinked and must be addressed
holistically. Treating issues concerning them as mere 'welfare issues' is a
short-sighted misplaced notion because morale and motivation of the Armed
Forces is the single most valuable national asset that can be dissipated at
grave national peril. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-79171446008618225832014-09-01T18:14:00.001+05:302014-09-01T19:00:07.800+05:30Modi Sarkar views Military as Nation's Might<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Plight of Military
Might in Resurgent India</span></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karan Kharb</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Powerful
nations radiate powerful influence far across their geographical borders over
countries and continents. And this influence is mostly coercive – often
disregarding opinions of a majority of sovereign nations. President Bush was
brazenly explicit in conveying his threat even to friendly countries when he
said, <i>“If you are not with us, you are against us.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world has watched in the recent decades
how a couple of powerful nations have not felt deterred from launching punitive
operations against unfriendly regimes. On-going conflicts in West Asia and
Central Asia are glaring examples of this reality. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much as the weaker nations might despise
such arrogance of mighty nations, the latter have been succeeding in enforcing
their plans, even if partially, in different parts of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the realm of geopolitics, it is clear that
the powerful nations use a combination of soft power and coercive power to
achieve compliance, cooperation and, wherever possible, even submission of
targeted regimes. Effect of soft power is enhanced manifold if it is backed by
credible hard power, that is, military power that gives meaning to diplomacy,
strategy, trade and economy. If wealth alone were power, West Asia would be
ruling the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If geographical size
were power, Russia would be Power Number One and the Soviet Union would not have
disintegrated. Irrefutably, it is the Military Might that adds awe and aura to
a nation’s standing in the regional and international equations. Israel would
simply not exist today if it were not so. Today its utterance and posturing
shakes up the neighbourhood and makes the world sit up and listen to it – their
consent or dissent just don’t seem to matter. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, in the reckoning of military might, an
array of high technology, sophisticated fighting machines and equipment – an
area where critical deficiencies have seriously hampered the Indian Army’s
modernisation programme – is but one factor, significantly weighty though. The
man behind the gun, however, shall always be the decisive factor in projecting
and executing this military might. No amount of modern technology and
wherewithal can substitute human – the soldier whose wellness makes the
ultimate difference between victory and defeat in war. Modern world’s high-tech
protective gear, high precision weaponry, satellite communication systems, computerisation
and nano-tech breakthroughs will deliver little until the user is motivated to
dare adversity and danger. Napoleon accorded three times more value to the
soldier’s morale vis-à-vis material. In 1993 when the Government expressed
inability to finance raising of the Rashtriya Rifles, Gen BP Joshi relied on
military morale and raised the Force equipping and manning it from the existing
manpower and equipment of the Indian Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, at the outset of Kargil War, it was this intangible but enormous
asset of military morale that prompted the Army Chief, Gen VP Malik to say, <i>“…..we
will fight with whatever is available….,”</i> despite critical deficiencies of
arms and equipment. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Traditionally, military personnel
are not expected to demand favours nor admit weakness. Enquire about his ‘morale’
and even a dying soldier would spring up and scramble to fight. The same is
true of his commanders too. No unit or formation commander would ever confess a
decline in morale or erosion of <i>espirit de corps</i> in the Forces no matter
how pathetic their state might be. On an expedition – war or adventure – Indian
soldiers have never sought rest, comfort or even food until it is all over!
Little wonder, Kautilya whom the world knows more popularly as Chanakya, had
cautioned King Chandragupta, <i>“The day the soldier has to demand his dues
will be a sad day for Magadha for then, on that day, you will have lost all
moral sanction to be King!”</i> Edicts in Atharvaveda (<i>Kaand 4/Anuvakah
7/Sukta 31 & 32</i>) and Kautilya’s Arthashastra (<i>Sangram/10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
Adhikaran/Ch 3</i>) also underscore a powerful advice to Governments, <i>“To
win wars, influence neighbouring states and to promote his national interests,
the King must build up an Army of soldiers so honoured, privileged and
motivated that their wrath unnerves the enemy; their sacrifices beget love and
respect of their own people; and their valour is rewarded with the highest
esteem and admiration by the King and his ministers.”</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the post Kargil period, however,
the military morale has been sadly on a downhill slide as is manifestly evident
from the increasing cases of soldiers committing suicides, fratricides,
insubordination and defiance. Sporadic cases of mutiny in the last decade or so
have raised many serious questions on the military management. What is even
more shocking is that such incidents are not confined to units deployed in
operational areas alone. Angst against exploitation and injustice to their
families back home has been driving soldiers to suicide and fragging even in
peace locations. Answering a question in the Rajya Sabha on 22 Jul 2014,
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley admitted that suicides among security personnel
of the armed forces were a serious issue. He informed the House that the Armed
Forces had lost 597 personnel to suicide in the last five years (that is, at a
rate of 10 soldiers every month or 120 every year). He also revealed that 1,349
officers quit the Army during the same period. And while the Army bears the
brunt, this dangerous trend is shared by all three wings of the Armed Forces. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Causes for this onset of decay are
many. For decades, a perception of ‘raw deal’ by the successive pay commissions
has been allowed to grow in the Armed Forces by governmental neglect. Denial of
growth opportunities, unfair salary and pension fixation, erosion of status, dilution
of military privileges and isolation of military from decision-making process
even in matters of national defence, security and welfare of military personnel
are some of the sores that have festered over the years. Provisions such as preferential
hearing of soldiers’ cases by civil administration and courts exist only on
papers now and many district magistrates, police officers and judges are either
not aware or remain deliberately callous in attending to genuine problems of
soldiers and their families. Subsidised canteen facilities, medical facilities,
military quota, field allowances and numerous other privileges that were once
unique to military have been systematically usurped and multiplied by the civil
services and politicians. Compare stocks and prices in Parliament House canteen
or any other departmental canteen in Government offices and military canteens
to know the difference. Today, AC suites in the state guesthouses and Bhavans
in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri are available to politicians at Rs 45 per day with
sumptuous non-veg dinner for Rs 130 per diner whereas Army officers passing
through Delhi are gratified after paying Rs 500 or more for a room in a Delhi
Cantt officers mess – if they get one at all! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Persistent representation on pay
commission anomalies by the Services Headquarters to the MoD and Prime Minister
yielded no positive result from the UPA Government even as hordes of anguished
Ex-servicemen staged protests returning their service medals over non-grant of
one-rank-one-pension (OROP). What is even more frustrating is that while both
the Governments – UPA and NDA – had declared their approval and decision to
implement OROP, no tangible gain has fructified yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The need to maintain a youthful
profile of the Armed Forces implies that a large number of JCOs and other ranks
retire from the service at an early age of 35-48 years. Likewise, a majority of
commissioned officers also retire between 52-54 years of age. This period is
the most crucial phase in the life of the retiring personnel since the burden
of family and social responsibilities is heaviest on a man at such a juncture. Increasing
expenses on ailing parents, education and marriage of children, separation from
family and a host of other responsibilities suddenly surround the retiring
soldier. There are no second-career opportunities, no assured lateral
absorption in government services nor is there any satisfactory rehabilitation scheme
for hordes of youthful retiring service personnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unlike Civil Services, career
progression in military narrows sharply as one advances in the service. With
each successive promotion the pyramid becomes narrower because in a unit of 800
personnel there can be only one Subedar Major who will occupy this position for
3-4 years. Likewise, there can be only one Chief and seven Army Commanders at
the top who shall serve 2-3 years, implying thereby that only eight out of every
set of 3000 officers can aspire to reach these levels no matter how competent
the remaining are. Whereas nearly 90 per cent IAS officers make it to secretary/additional
secretary level, only 0.003 per cent officers in the armed forces reach that
level. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason for mass screening out,
unfortunately, is not incompetence or disqualification on grounds of merit but
the scarce vacancies at the top. On the contrary, no civil servant retires
without reaching the top pay scale in his stream, no matter how incompetent one
might be. In such a situation, no cadre deserved a service compensation like
‘non-functional upgrade’ (NFU) more than the Armed Forces. Here ironically again,
only civil service officers are granted NFU. There is no reason why such
compensatory dispensation should be selectively granted to the civil services
and denied to the soldiery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The long awaited and direly needed modernisation
programme of the Armed Forces has remained mired in the complex procurement
processes and bureaucratic red tape at the MoD and departments. Instances of
corruption in some cases have vitiated the processes even further. As per a
report tabled by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Army’s
modernisation programme has been declining steadily and ominously. A mere 27
paisa out of every rupee was being spent on capital expenditure (CAPEX) during
2008-09. It slid to 18 paisa per rupee by 2013-14. Narendra Modi’s arrival as
India’s Prime Minister did boost aspirations of strategists and thinkers within
and outside the Armed Forces. For once, it appeared that in its quest for a
global role India could now embark upon a ‘transformation programme’ repositioning
the military from its defensive and counter-offensive posturing to the level of
a potent fearsome war waging Force capable of enforcing peace and deterring hegemonic
adventures in South Asia and neighbourhood. Even as Arun Jaitley might seem
overburdened as a Minister with two major portfolios – Defence and Finance, he
is also the most suited man with acumen and understanding of both vis-à-vis the
India’s strategic interests and military requirements. He will need to start streamlining
the systems within the MoD itself. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today the situation is dismal. The armour
and the mechanised infantry remain equipped with obsolete or no night fighting
capabilities. Only a small number of units have adequate night fighting
capability. Deficiencies in armour ammunition including war wastage reserve
have already reached critical levels. With no gun inducted ever since Bofors,
artillery is ageing fast too. With no spares available, requirements are being
met by ‘cannibalising’ – an emergency recourse that has reduced effectiveness
by half. The state of army air defence is even worse. A major part of the main
AD equipment is obsolete and inferior to what is being acquired by our
adversaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>L-70, Zu23-2B and ZSU23-4B
(Schilka) guns are from 1960s vintage. AD missile units are equipped with Igla
1M, Strela 10M, OSA AK and Kvadrat missiles – all obsolescent in the wake of
more advanced and effective systems like Spider (Israel), S-400 (Russia) and
Patriot (US) available in the international market. Army Aviation is similarly
carrying on with obsolete Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. New acquisition of
197 helicopters is stuck even four years after trials and re-valuation of
Russian Kamov 226 and Eurocopter AS 550 models. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the infantry soldier, the
indigenously designed INSAS rifle has proved to be inferior to the modern
assault rifles being acquired by our adversaries. Critical deficiencies hampering
infantry soldier’s combat potential include carbines, GPMG, anti-material
rifles, anti-mine boots, lightweight bulletproof jackets, bulletproof helmets, third
gen NVDs, anti-mine vehicles, snow scooters and new generation grenades. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One major reason why the situation
is so dismal is the procurement procedure itself. In the high-tech high-speed
digital age today, it takes as much as 3-4 years to have a procurement proposal
approved because such proposals have to pass through a maze of tortuous
processes involving more than 15 departments and agencies. <i>“Expeditious
processing also will take at least 48 months for a project to be approved,”</i>
says a senior IAS officer who retired early this year from MoD. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How this bureaucratic lethargy is taking toll
of life and equipment is evident from the increasing loss of combat aircraft,
war ships and submarines. Official callousness has become so frustrating that a
meritorious Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral DK Joshi resigned in anger owning
responsibility that lay at someone else’s desk for the repeated mishaps in
submarines and ships. Ill-equipped men pushed into operations are either committing
suicide, killing their colleagues or seniors in sheer frustration. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps for the first time in
post-independence India, political parties realised the value of military
personnel and ex-servicemen but only during the few months preceding general
elections. All parties attempted to placate soldiers and ex-servicemen with a
view to winning their support and vote during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Utterances from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi himself, however,
seemed more reassuring. They indicated evidence of strategic vision and understanding
of military requirements and the plight of serving soldiers and ex-servicemen. In
his maiden budget speech, Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley eloquently
declared in Lok Sabha, <i>“There can be no compromise with the defence of our
country. I therefore propose to allocate an amount of 2,29,000 crore for the
current financial year for Defence.... Modernization of the Armed Forces is
critical to enable them to play their role effectively in the Defence of
India’s strategic interests.” </i>Thus, it would be fair to assume that the
present Government is sincerely sensitive and alive to military requirements
and the country’s strategic needs. In the initiation of defence reforms, it
would be prudent to start from revamping the MoD so as to weave military
expertise in the policy-decision mechanism at all levels of defence, security
and strategic planning and coordination. Besides a positively inclined
political leadership, India now has some seasoned bureaucrats with proven
credentials of professional integrity and wisdom to grasp vital necessities of
national defence. In Ajit Doval, we have a man of proven excellence who has vast
experience in varied fields that fit him perfectly in his present position as National
Security Advisor and Foreign Policy Advisor. Results of his ‘advice’ are
already visible. Joining in this strategy-synergy blending with the Government
is the new Army Chief, Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, whose crisp and sharp warning to
Pakistan against any future misadventure across the Line of Control eloquently
echoed Prime Minister Modi’s stand on national security and mutually respected
neighbourliness. Gen Suhag’s credentials as a war hero, Special Forces Commander
and an enviable performance record of prestigious instructional and staff
appointments set him apart as a man who shall live up to the Government’s trust
to deliver results. Together, the Team ‘Modi-Jaitley-Doval-Suhag’ exudes vision
and confidence. India was perhaps never poised better to refurbish and lubricate
its military might for bigger global roles. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The setting is perfect for much
needed transformation of the Armed Forces by revamping MoD and by making soldiery
an attractive, prestigious career for the youth of the country. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">___________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The writer is a military veteran,
author and social activist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-5433361749351055052014-07-01T04:52:00.002+05:302014-07-01T04:52:57.032+05:30Unholy Duel - Unnecessary 'Dharma Uddha'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: 22pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shankaracharya Vs Sai Ram!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karan Kharb<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rev Shankaracharya Swami
Swarupanand ji Maharaj is again in the news raking up a controversy that
threatens to weaken people’s faith in this high Institution of Hindu Faith.
There are many sects within Hindus and some religions – Jain, Buddhists, Sikhs
et al – that practice variants of the Primary Fatih and essentially its
subsidiaries. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A neo-entrant sect of Sai
followers seems to have annoyed him for treating Sai Baba as a divine
incarnation and eulogising the saint by installing his idols in Temples.
Issuing diktats in a Taliban style, the Shankaracharya has virtually banished
the Sai followers from the Hindu fold by decreeing that they be forbidden from
entering the Ganga and Hindu Temples even as nothing anti-human or
anti-civilisation has been observed in the practice of Sai followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently a ‘Dharma Sansad’ has
also endorsed the Shankaracharya diktat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So much brouhaha about an innocuous practice, no matter how
superstitious or deviant it might be, is surely against the very tenets of
Hindu religion they are claiming to protect. The whole outrage against the Sai
affair is ridiculous and cheap when viewed in the light of these very high
Priests of our Faith winking at the rampant mal-practices going on in religious
places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have not heard them condemning
the immoral activities and crimes indulged in by the likes of Swami Nityanand
Saraswati, Bapu Asa Ram and a host of other Gurus and Swamis who stand exposed
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just what are the basic Articles
of Faith enshrined in our Holy Scriptrues in this context?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few excerpts from the relevant provisions
in these Scriptures:- </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>‘Dharma’</b> as defined in
Manusmriti (</span><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">मनुस्मृति</span></b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">is a personal regime in life
adhering to ten tenets: Patience, Forgiveness, Abstinence, Freedom from Greed,
Hygiene, Suppression of Desires; Wisdom, Intellect, Truth and Freedom from
Anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">धृति</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">क्षमा</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">दमोऽस्तेयम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">शौचम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">इन्द्रियनिग्रह </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">|</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">धीर्विद्या</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सत्यमक्रोध: दशकम् धर्म लक्षणम्</span></b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">|| (Manu. 6/92)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In <b>Bhagvadgita</b>, Lord Krishna
explains 26 attributes of <b>‘Dharma’</b> to Arjun (Chapter 16, Shlokas
1-3):-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अभयम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सत्त्वसन्शुद्धि:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ज्ञानयोग-व्यवस्थिति</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">दानम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">दम:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">यज्ञ:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">स्वाध्याय:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">तप:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">आर्ज्वम्. (१)</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अहिंसा</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सत्यं</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अक्रोध:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">त्याग:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">शान्ति:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अपैशुनम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">भूतेशु-दया</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अलोलुपत्वम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">मार्द्वम्-ह्री:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अचापलम्:. (२)</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">तेज:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">क्षमा</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">धृति</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">शौचम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अद्रोह:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अतिमानता न</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">दैवीम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सम्पदम्</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अभिजातस्य. (३). </span></b><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What is God? The Vedas have
elaborate exponential explanations that help us to realise and understand
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">विश्व के इतिहास में यह तथ्य निर्विरोध रूप से
प्रमाणित एवं स्वीकृत है कि वेद (कम से कम </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ऋग्वेद</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">’) </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">इस संसार का प्राचीनतम् ग्रन्थ है।
भारत में भी हिन्दू धर्म के सभी सम्प्रदाय/घटक वेदों को शाश्वत</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सत्य एवं सर्वोपरि मानते हैं । ईश्वर
को भी वेदों में विस्तार से परिभाषित किया गया है. संक्षेप में ईश्वर के स्वरूप
को<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>इस प्रकार वर्णित किया है:- </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“</span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ईश्वर सच्चिदानन्दस्वरूप</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">निराकार</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वशक्तिमान</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">न्यायकारी</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">दयालु</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अजन्मा</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अनन्त</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">निर्विकार</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अनादि</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अनुपम</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वाधार</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वेश्वर</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वव्यापक</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वान्तर्यामी</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अजर</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अमर</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अभय</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">नित्य</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">पवित्र और सृष्टिकर्त्ता है। उसी की
उपासना करना योग्य है</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">”</span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">। </span></b><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(God
is Embodiment of Truth and Bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
Formless, Omnipotent, Judicious, Gracious, Unchanged, Sterile, Infinite,
Incomparable, Basis of all Being, Master of all, Omnipresent, Omniscient,
Enduring, Immortal, Fearless, Eternal, Pure, and Creator of Universe. Only He
is worthy of worship.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><u>For
more details read</u></i>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Yajurveda</b>
23/62; 31/1; 31/13; <b>Rigveda</b> 1-164-39; 1-52-12; 10-129-7; <b>Satyarthaprakash</b>
(ch. 1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 35.45pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More than anything else, all our
scriptures preach universal fraternity <b>(</b></span><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्)</span></b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no room for
animosity. Only untruth, violence and vices must be shunned by all. Virtues
like TOLERANCE and FORGIVENESS cannot be discarded – more so by those who
occupy the most revered Seats of Faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By castigating followers of a particular sect – Sai Ram or Sat Sai Baba
- and banning them from entering the Hindu Temples is most unfair, high-headed
and impetuous besides being illegal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Shankaracharya posturing runs counter to the basic principles of our Faith,
eg:-</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 108pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वे
भवन्तु सुखिन:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वे
सन्तु निरामया:।</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 108pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सर्वे
भद्राणि पश्यन्तु</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span></b><b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">मा कश्चिद् दु:खभाग्भवेत ॥</span></b><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>None
can impair the power or influence of the Supreme Power – God, Ishwar, Bhagwan,
Allah – call Him what you will. There is no power on Earth that can guard,
protect or save God because He is immune to harm, danger or fear. It is He who
controls all. He can neither be endangered nor threatened nor diminished no
matter how many wars we might wage on each other in His name. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Only ego and ignorance will
provoke irate responses. Knowledge of Truth will foster universal Love,
Goodwill and Compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lack of it will
trigger Self-righteousness, Ego, Rivalry, Jealousy and dispute. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">May Truth prevail! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-66043152809929231652014-06-15T16:30:00.005+05:302014-06-15T16:30:51.989+05:30A well wisher's advice to a flloundering, mud-slinging General - <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">AN OPEN LETTER TO Gen V K Singh, </span></u></b><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal" title="Param Vishisht Seva Medal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PVSM</span></b></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></u></b><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal" title="Ati Vishisht Seva Medal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">AVSM</span></b></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,<span class="apple-converted-space">
</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yudh_Seva_Medal" title="Yudh Seva Medal"><span style="color: windowtext;">YSM</span></a></span></u></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></u></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Retired) </span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MP.</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From a Concerned Veteran as others may be hesitant in even
trying to do this<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bold & Italics are mine.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Dear
General, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">I
write to you with anguish at the way things have recently played out for
someone who most veterans hold in high esteem. Having said so, we who have directly
or indirectly ensured that you are where you are today would greatly appreciate
if you place your energies towards the alleviation of your former colleagues
and towards whom you have a duty to perform rather than get involved in the
unsavoury episodes of the past that have cropped up now or may happen in the
future as you are now a “Public Figure” outside the purview of the Army Act 1950
& the Official Secrets Act 1923, or even the DSR, for the General public,
more so with regard to your personal matters.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">I
have taken the liberty of copy/pasting your profile from Wikipedia, with the
Bold and italics being mine.. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">“General<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Vijay Kumar Singh</span>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Param_Vishisht_Seva_Medal" title="Param Vishisht Seva Medal"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">PVSM</span></a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati_Vishisht_Seva_Medal" title="Ati Vishisht Seva Medal"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">AVSM</span></a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yudh_Seva_Medal" title="Yudh Seva Medal"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">YSM</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(retired)<span style="color: #252525;">
is an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indian politician</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and the </i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Minister of State of External
Affairs and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Development_of_North_Eastern_Region" title="Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Minister of state (independent
charge) for North East Region</span></i></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> besides other portfolios in the
MEA</i></b><span style="color: #252525;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in
the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Democratic_Alliance_(India)" title="National Democratic Alliance (India)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">National Democratic Alliance</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>government that was elected in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_general_elections,_2014" title="Indian general elections, 2014"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Indian general elections, 2014</span></a>.
He gained his seat in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lok_Sabha" title="Lok Sabha"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Lok Sabha</span></a>,
the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_house" title="Lower house"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">lower house</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_India" title="Parliament of India"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Parliament of India</span></a>, in those elections,
defeating the actor-turned-politician<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raj_Babbar" title="Raj Babbar"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Raj Babbar</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghaziabad_(Lok_Sabha_constituency)" title="Ghaziabad (Lok Sabha constituency)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ghaziabad constituency</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradesh" title="Uttar Pradesh"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Uttar Pradesh</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">by a record 567,000 votes,</i></b> the
second-highest margin of victory after<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narendra_Modi" title="Narendra Modi"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Narendra Modi</span></a>.</span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN">Singh was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">previously</i></b>
a military officer, serving as the 24th<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_of_Army_Staff_of_the_Indian_Army" title="Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Chief of Army Staff of the Indian
Army</span></a><span style="color: #252525;">. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He was the first<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commando" title="Commando"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">commando</span></i></b></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to be promoted to the rank of
General</i></b> <span style="color: #252525;">, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">(A bit of
a misnomer as we all understand that you are an Infantryman to the core who has
done his share of Commando training & Instruction as have so many others
and have done the Rangers course which too has been done by many, also that you
were never part of the SF) </span></i></b><span style="color: #252525;">and was
also the first serving Indian military chief to take the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_India" title="Government of India"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Government of India</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #252525;"> </span></span><span style="color: #252525;">to court. In 2014</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">,(Something
that traditionalists do not accept as a factor of “Just Not Done”) </span></i></b><span style="color: #252525;">after his retirement from the military, he joined the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharatiya_Janata_Party" title="Bharatiya Janata Party"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Bharatiya Janata Party</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #252525;"> </span></span><span style="color: #252525;">(BJP).</span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">He
has written<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage_and_Conviction:_An_Autobiography" title="Courage and Conviction: An Autobiography"><i><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Courage and Conviction: An
Autobiography</span></i></a>.”</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">From
your profile, in my opinion, correct me if I am wrong, other than the general
views shown in red, three specifics stand out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">You are
an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Indian Politician</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">You are a
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Minister</b> in the Central Council of
Ministers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won the elections by a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">record</b> 567,000 votes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">previously</b>
a Military Officer. </span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Your
journey to this point in life as seen by me goes back to July of the year 1968,
46 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I know you, my earliest
memory of you goes back to the NDA in my first term, where as a fifth term sergeant
you use to take post around the Ashoka Pillar and closer to No 2 Bn, better
still Hunter Squadron. A chance encounter along escaping the ring around after
movie function on the presidency drive via the drill square-QM fort-Dhobi Ghat
route with my course-mate NKS Yadav brought us face to face with you.
Magnanimously or possibly out of sheer boredom you let us go. Your sixth term
memories are scant since you had become a BCC and glimpses of marching down the
Presidency drive, starched KD’s, swinging canes and uncrossed satchel to boot
is all that one recollects. A sight a number of juniors were inspired by. All
this while we, as second termers were at the mercy of your course-mate, late
VKS Pundir and his rather infamous ideas at disciplining a collection of goons
who had no respect for “Mother India”. His tear jerker in the Assembly hall is
a legendary tale though you may not have heard or witnessed it as you would
have walked off after the movie, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">out of
squad</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">using the NTT shortcut to the
mess</b>, as was the accepted privilege of sixth termers more so of
appointments. Having done so in my own turn one has no regrets or acrimony on
that score…..<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We just followed you</b>
because we thought what you did was right. The same way you would have followed
your seniors.. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">I
did not get a chance of ever serving with you ever in service. Our diverse
arms, appointments, seniority levels being the reason for the same. However one
did get a chance of distantly associating with you thrice in service. Firstly
while handling the Samba case; I did get some cross references of a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fracas </b>in your unit then in the North
East where you figured rather prominently. The second was closer home when I,
as a DQ of an Infantry Brigade oversaw <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
mess created</b> by your unit while handing over vehicles, battalion support
weapons and accommodation and the like to you relieving unit. Maybe the name NK
Gupta, SM will strike a chord. The last time one really saw you up close was in
the movie “Prahar”. By the time you took over as the COAS I had hung up my
spurs.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">As
the COAS when the controversy of the alleged move of units followed by your
date of birth erupted I was one of a handful of veteran TV commentators who
held forth of your correct approach at redressal of a grievance. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">As
hindsight I now wonder, though procedurally correct was the move ethically
correct? It is for you to answer your inner conscience. We who thought you were
right….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We followed you.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">We did have occasion to meet post your
retirement if you recall, Once at your Delhi Cantt residence, the next at the
Rezangla Memorial function and finally at the Dinner you hosted prior to your
formally joining the BJP. In the interim period, I was fully involved in the
propagation of ESM in Parliament as the only means of having our grievances,
that are still aplenty, to be addressed at the National level. My original
paper given to your principal advisor is proof enough of my involvement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your appearance at the Rewari rally gave most
ESM a ray of hope towards this end. You are well aware of the stand taken by
various ESM organizations and you became a binding factor of this common aim…….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We continued to follow you. </b></span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">You
began consultations with the high and mighty of the BJP and we were told that
you were in the forefront of espousing the cause of this mighty churning and
that you would be instrumental in ensuring that adequate representation of ESM
would figure in the ticket distribution for LS 2014. The original demand of 50
whittled down to 25 and finally to 5-6 was an exercise in futility. Relying on
your leadership to achieve this, all other avenues were either blocked or
forsaken at the behest of your advisors. Some ESM did bite the bullet of the
ballot but came out croppers, barring the favoured few including you who now
sit in the sanctum sanctorum of our democracy….. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We continued to follow you</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Your
victory and elevation to ministerial rank was welcomed by all and the sweet
feeling of “Achhey Din Aayenge” for this marginalized segment of society was
echoed amongst one and all. We hoped that you would rally the motley group of 6
ESM MP’s all from your party towards solving our problems………<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We continued to follow you</b>.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">The
incidents of the last two days have left a bitter taste in most veteran mouths.
As can be seen from the outpourings on the social media, the sense of being let
down seems to have set in and needs to be arrested.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What led to this turn around?</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us look at it objectively. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">You have
played your first innings rather well having reached the top of your chosen
profession. That you went back to the pavilion, more as a case of Hit wicket or
in current FIFA fever as a self goal is for you to introspect. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Your
acrimony towards Suhag and his appointment as the next COAS was a subject of
contention during electioneering, taken up by Dr Swamy apparently at your
behest.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">The Govt
of the now ruling dispensation upheld the appointment of Lt Gen Dalbir Suhag as
the next COAS as promulgated by the previous Govt overruling all dissent from
within the party and outside. Remember what you told us…Rule No 1…”The Boss is
always right.” The matter was considered “CLOSED”.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Your
angst, acrimony, authority, views on the subject as a COAS, action taken as
COAS became inconsequential and irrelevant. It is quite common in any uniformed
or non-uniformed service from unit level upwards that decisions taken by
someone in the chair at any given point in time are overturned by their
successors to suit their style of functioning. You had your way now let others
have theirs. In the instant case of 3 Corps/4 Corps Intelligence operations,
accountability of the Corps commander, you had an opinion and you took action
as deemed fit. Your successor did not agree and overturned it. The apex body,
the MoD concurred. So where does it leave you? Irrelevant, to my mind,
notwithstanding your personal opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">The MoD
submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court pointing fingers at you in the case
of Lt Gen Ravi Dastane as it was linked to that of your actions as a COAS,
which as far as you were concerned was a closed chapter.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">You go
and Tweet, using rather abrasive language implying that you still considered
that you were right and the MoD, previous Govt, present COAS were all wrong. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm 6pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">The opposition,
media, anti VK factions, pro Suhag factions go to town with a smirk on their
faces….saying and implying….”I told you so” “VK has an unfinished agenda”,
“Suhag should be given a pink slip” and so on and so forth.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">There
are certain forms and customs that are demanded of a serving officer and a
subsequent veteran, as gleaned from a pamphlet called, “Introduction to
Services”, that are taught in the 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> term at the NDA. Not that one
paid heed to it as a cadet but imbibed from it much later when I was teaching
the same as an Instructor there.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">An
unwritten custom passed on from most seniors, those who could qualify as
leaders was that post retirement you did not meddle in the affairs of the
unit/formation you once commanded. In your case it extends to the entire Army. Breaking
of the umbilical cord with the uniform is again an unwritten law, some cannot
get over this is a separate issue. The link through three smart cards is all that
is expected, viz, CSD, ECHS & Club Memberships. As a former COAS you have
enough privileges that are outside the purview of this letter. Now that you
have entered the political arena you are under further and intense scrutiny.
Words and actions need to be very carefully articulated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">The
purpose of this diatribe and rather unsolicited advice is due to the fact that
a number of us veterans sense danger ahead. A sixth sense feeling of an ambush
lurking in the dense foliage of the political jungle. For a first termer in
parliament, that you are, you need to understand the various circumventing
methods of falling into such a trap. Much as the circuitous routes to squadrons
to avoid F parades, the methods to skip ED’s and restrictions and of course the
dreaded Sinhgarh hikes. The aim of veterans was to have representation in
Parliament. Amongst the 567,000 votes polled for you there must be at least
100,000 such votes of veterans, families, relations and their friends.</span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">You
cannot afford to walk into an ambush and let them down and through them the 43
Lakh ESM and dependants who are counting on you to deliver. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We are still prepared to follow. you. </b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">However I would like to caution you and add a
caveat here. If you permit, here are a few submissions and suggestions: -</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Steer
clear of the day-to-day happenings of the MoD & service HQ. They have
people there who are now doing what we once did. Perhaps they will do a better
job than us failing which they will perish. It seems the mandarins of the MoD,
irrespective of the ruling dispensation would not have ESM running the show.
With or without the active connivance of the present political authority above
them.</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Concentrate
on the awesome responsibility given to you to resuscitate NER. Having been the
Eastern Army Commander, you know it better than most others. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Beware
of some of your advisors as their advice maybe detrimental to you in the long
run. If they do not perform or are prone to pushing their personal agendas
through you, show them the way out. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: red;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">With
the massive mandate you carry based on the unequivocal support of veterans and
serving soldiers, ensure speedy “</span><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: red;">IMPLEMENTATION</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">” of the </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: red;">following amongst other equally important issues: -<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(a)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">OROP
in its expected form, No Less.</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(b)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Representation in the 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Pay
commission of our stakeholders. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(c)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NFU.</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(d)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lateral movement into CAPF& PSU’s with
original seniority. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(e)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relief as expected to the War wounded and
other disabled personnel both serving and retired at par as given by MoSE to
civilians.</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(f)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Construction
& Completion of the National War Memorial. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">I feel, I may have stated the obvious, or
exceeded my brief, but believe you me, this is straight from the heart, and as
a well wisher who has the overall aim of veterans getting a just deal, thereby
ensuring, that serving soldier also gets his due. Please do not let go of this
opportunity of rising above personal prejudices for achieving the larger
picture. </span></b><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">We will continue to follow you subject to your
heeding the direction the wind is blowing. Otherwise Sir, you would be treading
a lonely path with no succour from this large mass of willing, disciplined and
faithful followers of a cause dear to us. Individual personalities do not
matter. </span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Sir, remember…..The honour……your own comfort
and well being comes last, always and every time.</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For any
back end work we are always available. </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">With
Warm Regards,</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Anil
Kaul</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;">Veteran<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #252525;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-20415768818590146582014-06-10T17:52:00.000+05:302014-06-10T18:06:52.258+05:30Now, in its early display of transparancy the Modi Government calls a spade a spade and stands solidly by the Army Chief designate Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag - the General who has emerged spotlessly clean and meritorious despite a smear campaign unleashed against him by Gen VK Singh. People respected the Army believing that men of high character and unimpeachable integrity commanded it. That aura has been shamelessly destroyed a man who reached the top but remained busy in pursuing personal agenda - the DoB case or fixing able officers to make way for sychophants and relatives. He had no time to look into higher military needs. Anyone ever heard him speak about OROP, National War Memorial, Pay Commission anomalies, Pakistan, China, Af-Pak et al? We hope the higher calibre influence of the Prime Minister will help him improve in his new role. We pray and wish him best of luck!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">The Indian Express</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24pt;">V K Singh’s ban on Suhag premeditated, illegal: Govt tells SC</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(<a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/v-k-singhs-ban-on-suhag-premeditated-illegal-govt-tells-sc/" target="_blank">http://indianexpress.com/<wbr></wbr>article/india/india-others/v-<wbr></wbr>k-singhs-ban-on-suhag-<wbr></wbr>premeditated-illegal-govt-<wbr></wbr>tells-sc/</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Written by <a href="http://indianexpress.com/profile/author/utkarsh-anand/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Utkarsh Anand</span></a> | New Delhi | June 10, 2014 1:5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In a twist to the legal battle involving the Army top brass, the government on Monday defended Army vice chief Dalbir Singh Suhag’s promotion as Army commander — entitling him to be the next Army chief — and described the disciplinary ban on him by then Army chief and now Minister of State Gen (retd) V K Singh as “illegal”, “extraneous” and “premeditated”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In the Modi government, V K Singh is a Minister of State with Development of North Eastern Region (independent charge), External Affairs, Overseas Indian Affairs as his portfolios.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The UPA II government had approved Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag as the chief-designate — incumbent General Bikram Singh retires on July 31. The convention has been to name a successor two months in advance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Responding to a petition by Lt Gen Ravi Dastane, who alleged favouritism in selection of Dalbir Singh Suhag as Army commander — making him next in line to succeed General Bikram Singh — the Ministry of Defence, in its affidavit to the Supreme Court, said that the disciplinary proceedings against Suhag between April and May 2012 by then chief V K Singh was “without any basis or material on record”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Suhag was placed under a Disciplinary and Vigilance (DV) ban by V K Singh for alleged “failure of command and control” in an operation carried out by an intelligence unit working directly under Suhag, the then Dimapur-based 3 Corps commander. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But Suhag’s promotion as Army commander was cleared by Gen Bikram Singh a fortnight after V K Singh retired, by reversing the ban. This delayed promotion, after reserving the vacant Army commander’s post for 15 days, was challenged by Dastane in the Supreme Court. He contended he was eligible to be Army commander but was denied the opportunity by General Bikram Singh who favoured Suhag despite the latter being placed under a ban at the relevant time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The affidavit filed by the Ministry of Defence on Monday not only nixed Dastane’s challenge but also censured the manner in which V K Singh placed Suhag under the ban. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">“The alleged lapses observed by the then COAS, as reflected in show cause notice, were premeditated and issued in utter disregard to the legal provisions governing the court of inquiry, principles of natural justice… the lapses were vague, based on presumptions and legally and factually not maintainable.”</span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Evidently, the entire exercise to issue show cause notice was premeditated and as per records, the directions issued in this regard, including imposition of the DV ban </span>and issue of show cause notice were found to be illegal,” the Ministry said, adding Suhag was appointed “in acting rank” (from the date he became eligible) as a matter of policy and not to favour him.</span></span></strong></div>
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Relying on the findings of the competent authority, the Ministry stated that Dastane could not stake any claim to the top post once the DV ban on Suhag was held to be illegal. It added that closure of the case against Suhag could also not said to be hurriedly done and it was “most unwarranted” that an Army Lt General was making unfounded allegations of favouritism.<br />
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Even as (it) criticised V K Singh’s decision, the Ministry went on to state that “there was no conflict of interest in the office of the COAS only because of change of appointment.”<br />
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Countering Dastane’s challenge to the selection process, the affidavit said the COAS and the Ministry played the selection board and independently examined the case of as many as seven officers, including Dastane, for consideration as appointment to Army commander. It was only after scrutiny that Suhag and Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra (who has since retired) were recommended for appointment.<br />
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It claimed there was nothing wrong in keeping the appointment on hold for some days as the Ministry awaited details of the DV ban on Suhag. On June 6, 2012 the Ministry was informed about the closure of the case.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: blue;"><strong>“Once the imposition of the DV ban itself was found to be illegal, then the same would be non est ab initio (nullity from the inception) and it cannot in any manner come in the way of either the consideration or appointment of Suhag,” the Ministry said.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: blue;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> The Supreme Court will next hear the matter in September.</span></span></div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-41046778441158204472014-05-26T12:02:00.002+05:302014-05-26T12:02:18.444+05:30Dawn of ‘अच्छे दिन’ for India!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 22pt;">बधाई हो</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 22pt;">, <span lang="HI">बधाई !!</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">आज शाम जहाँ एक ओर
भ्रष्टाचारी</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
<span lang="HI">अपंग</span>, <span lang="HI">अकुशल और राष्ट्रघाती<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>तन्त्र का रूर्यास्त हो रहा होगा वहीं भारत में
एक नये स्वर्ण युग का उदय हो रहा होगा। स्वतन्त्र भारत में आज पहली बार प्रधान
मन्त्री का शपथ-ग्रहण समारोह राष्ट्रपति भवन के प्रांगण में खुले आसमान के तले
होगा ।<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>इतिहास के ऐसे शुभ मुहूर्त्त पर
श्री नरेन्द्रभाई मोदी व उनके समस्त मन्त्री-मण्डल को </span>’<span lang="HI">उत्कर्ष</span>’
- <span lang="HI">टर्निंग प्वाइंट की ओर से हार्दिक बधाई!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">ऐसी
अद्भुत</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">अद्वितीय</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">अनुपम
ऐतिहासिक विजय पर श्री नरेन्द्रभाई मोदी जी को</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">भारतीय
जनता पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष एवम् समस्त नव जिर्वाचित सांसदों को</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"> हार्दिक बधाई! </span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">समस्त
भारत वासियों को गौरवान्वित करने के लिये</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">राष्ट्र को मोदी-मय करने के लिये और अच्छे दिन लाने के लिये
शत्-शत् नमन</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">अभिनन्दन। </span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">These are
indeed great times and dawn of a great Future for India. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi is now all set to transform India. The unprecedented victory of
Bharatiya Janata Party in the parliamentary elections of 1914 makes it the
first non-Congress party that has emerged as the single majority party with the
largest national mandate ever. In yet another first, since the times of Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose perhaps, India has found a true leader of the masses in
Narendra Modi. Like Netaji but unlike the vote-bank politics of today, he
promised no freebies. He arrives armed with his idiosyncratic resolve of good
governance and inclusive development for all (</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">विकास एवं सुशासन - सबका साथ</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">सबका विकास). </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even more
significant than the mammoth mandate is that Modi’s onslaught has demolished
the tradition of divisive politics. Election after election some parties and
leaders had been reaping rich harvests by whipping up cast/communal sentiments,
doling out subsidies, laptops and so on. Modi’s proven credentials in
developing Gujarat, his vision and direct communion with the masses rendered
everything else irrelevant. Many first timers and relatively lesser-known faces
who would not have dreamt of winning an election have been simply carried and
delivered by the Modi tsunami! "</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">आप
ईवीएम पर कमल का बटन दबाइये....आपका वोट सीधा मुझे मिलेगा" (</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">you press
the Lotus button on the EVM ….. your vote shall directly reach me), Modi
appealed to the voters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even his enemies should doubt his
leadership that stands on high pedestal of honesty, integrity, patriotism and
selfless dedication to serve India. He has already displayed the enormous
capacity to endure and envision. No other leader in India’s history has come
through such trying times so triumphantly vanquishing armies of opponents. A
tirade of accusations, court cases, adverse publicity prompted and vigorously
promoted by all non-NDA parties through the last 12 years could not find a
chink in Narendra Modi’s armour.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">आज
भारत को नरेन्द्र मोदी के रूप में एक प्रधान मन्त्री ही नहीं बल्कि एक साहसी दूर
द्रष्टा</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">ईमानदार</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">निष्ठावान और
कर्मठ नेता मिला है। इनकी उपलब्धियों की प्रामाणिकता के आधार पर यह कहा जा सकता है
कि भविष्य में मोदी जी को इतिहासकार विशिष्ट विशेषणों से अलंकृत करेंगे और वे
आधुनिक भारत के स्वर्णिम युग के निर्माता</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">युग प्रवर्त्तक</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">भाग्य-विधाता आदि के नामों से जाने जायेंगे।</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We at ‘</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">उत्कर्ष</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">’
(Turning Point) convey our heartiest congratulations and wish Shri Modi ji,
Shri Rajnath Singh ji and all victorious MPs of BJP continued success and
glorious times ahead. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Karan
Kharb</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span lang="HI" style="color: black;">कर्ण खर्ब</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
‘</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">उत्कर्ष</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">’ (Turning Point)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;">e-mail: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="mailto:turningptindia@gmail.com"><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;"><span style="color: blue;">turningptindia@gmail.com</span></span></a></span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-50202088857981919232014-05-25T14:51:00.003+05:302014-05-25T15:06:11.244+05:30Politician General arrives armed with -<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 20pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Malice, Vengeance and Opportunism</span></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 20pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 20pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karan Kharb<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In an article titled ‘Beyond the
Olive Branch’, published in Asian Age yesterday, Lt Gen SK Sinha, former Vice
Chief of the Army Staff and Governor of Assam and J&K, decries Gen VK
Singh’s misdemeanours that have continued to damage the reputation of the
Indian Army. Gen Sinha writes, <b>“The credo and tradition of the Indian Army
was rubbished by Gen. V.K. Singh after he took over as Army Chief. He went to
the Supreme Court against the government over a totally personal and selfish
issue. His date of birth as claimed by him may have been correct but he himself
contributed to the confusion. Initially, he gave a wrong date of birth, failed
to get it amended in time, and gave written certificates thrice accepting the
wrong date. No Chief in any country of the world had ever acted so
unbecomingly. The Supreme Court rightly rejected his plea. There were other unfortunate
actions taken by him which only tarnished the image of the Army. After
retirement he made allegations against the Supreme Court judges for which he
had to render an unconditional apology in court. Similarly, his bizarre
allegation regarding intelligence funds for bribing political leaders in
Kashmir was strongly contradicted by all his living predecessors. He was
summoned to appear before the Kashmir state legislature.”</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whereas many former Army Chiefs,
Army Commanders and veterans share Gen Sinha’s anguish and concern for the Army
and the country, most have refrained from making their view public as they
think that by joining issues with Gen VK Singh would be like wrestling with the
mud. This self-imposed restraint of senior military veterans has in turn
emboldened the former Army Chief turned politician to go ahead brazenly spreading
canards against the Army and its institutions. Highlighting his unethical,
selfish and vindictive dealings Gen Sinha writes, <b>“On retirement, after
hobnobbing with Anna Hazare, Baba Ramdev and even the Aam Aadmi Party, he
joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and got a ticket to fight the election from
Ghaziabad. His remarkable performance in getting a majority of over 5 lakh
votes, next only to Mr Modi, is no doubt very creditable. No other Army officer
in India has after retirement, done so well in elections. We should wish him
good luck in his political career. However, he must not pursue his personal
vendettas against the Army Chief-designate or continue his desperate efforts to
have his <i>samdhi</i> appointed Army Chief.”</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">A harder look into the available
facts exposes how not only has he stalled the adverse fallout of some of his
misdemeanours but also succeeded in reaping undue advantages by shrewdly orchestrating
a surfeit of propaganda in his favour to create public sympathy. Army’s tradition
of official reticence and self-restraint of many anguished military veterans
has allowed his mudslinging campaign to proliferate unchecked. Here’s a sample
of how he has avoided getting caught throughout. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trail of Misdemeanours/Offences: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Army Act Section 44 (False answers
on enrolment):</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"> The
fact of the case is that Gen VK Singh gave ‘false answer to the question set
out in the Form’ at time of his entry to NDA which is an offence under Army Act
section 44. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he had enrolled as a
recruit, he would have been liable to be tried a court martial for this
offence. According to legal experts, since there is no ‘Enrolment Form’ in
respect of officers, answers given in the Application/Form for admission to NDA/IMA
or any other form that becomes the basis of his personal particulars in the
service records shall be treated as if these were given in the ‘Enrolment Form’
at the time of enrolment. As per Army Act Section 44, anyone found guilty is
liable to be court martialled and sentenced to imprisonment up to five years! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Army Act Section 45</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"> <b>(Unbecoming Conduct):</b> He gave
the undertaking accepting the ‘wrong’ date of birth but reneged on it deceitfully
soon after benefiting from the same. He then claimed that his 'consent' was extracted
from him under duress! How unbecoming of an officer so senior who would be
Chief of world’s second largest Army to give in to coercion, temptation or
threat! Further, how can an officer or gentleman renege on his own undertaking,
which he has written, signed and submitted to his superior authorities at the
highest level? This behaviour exposes the chinks in the character that has neither
‘Courage’ nor ‘Conviction’. The conduct would go down in history as most
unbecoming of a General of the Indian Army. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As per military law (AA Sec 45), “Any officer,
JCO or WO who behaves in a manner unbecoming his position and the character
expected of him shall, on conviction by court-martial, if he is an officer, be
liable to be cashiered or….” (‘Cashiering’ means ‘Disgraceful dismissal from
service’). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Army Act Section 63 (Violation of
good order and discipline):</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"> He committed a second misdemeanour under the same section of the Army
Act (AA sec 45) and/or AA sec 63 when he went to the Supreme Court challenging
the Government on his DoB anomaly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
submitted before the court that it was a question of his ‘honour’, which must
be vindicated by the apex Court accepting his plea. The Supreme Court, however,
was not convinced and, fearing an adverse judgement, he quickly withdrew his
case without redeeming his ‘honour’! The Government was generously kind to him
in not prosecuting him for his un-becoming behaviour (AA Sec 45) and/or <i>‘violating
good order and discipline’ </i>under AA sec 63. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Army Act Section 47: (Ill-treating a
Subordinate):</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"> We
know how a fully uniformed army officer on official duty was publicly humiliated
at Gen VK Singh’s residence (20, Mandir Marg, Delhi Cantt) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by his family members. In terms of AA sec 47,
the offender is liable to suffer RI for up to seven years. For unnecessarily
detaining and/or wrongful restraint/confinement, Army Act section 50 (a) and
Section 339 and/or Section 340 of IPC also would be relevant. That an officer
would be treated like this in the house of his own erstwhile Army Chief defies
human prudence and compassion to comprehend. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Funding/Bribing J&K Politicians:
</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Gen VK Singh is on
record having accepted that during his time, the Army in J&K had been
doling out cash to the J&K politicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is fair to presume that it had his full approval. If true, he could
be in serious trouble even today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully, all army officers – serving and retired – who have served in
J&K have vehemently denied the preposterous allegation that not only tars
Army’s image but endangers national integrity and security. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It would be ridiculous to suggest
that he was a tender boy at that time and filled in a wrong date of birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is even more ridiculous that he did not care
to repair the ‘falsehood’ by taking up appropriate action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, he continued hoodwinking the system
by using whichever of the two dates of birth was more beneficial from situation
to situation. Even in his final tryst with the Supreme Court, the mention of
‘honour’ was merely a red herring. He continued all along in service letting
both the dates hibernate in his records because it gave him a ‘either/or’
flexibility to manoeuvre his ambitions in service – a unique option not
available to any other officer! In going to the Court, his only intention was
to have the more advantageous of the two date accepted by the Government. To
get in, 1950 was more advantageous! To hang on a little more at the top and
stymie Gen Bikram Singh’s chances to be the next Army Chief, 1951 was necessary!
Where is ‘honour’ in it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently, in media interviews Gen VK
Singh has talked about ‘fake encounters’ ‘botched cases’ and court cases
implicating Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag. Intriguingly, there is a terrific
similarity in the two ‘fake encounter’ cases against the Army filed in
different states at different times. One implicating Gen Bikram Singh was filed
in the J&K High Court at a time when he was being considered as Gen VK
Singh’s successor. Now, just as the name of Lt Gen Dalbir Suhag came up as Gen
Bikram’s successor, a case of ‘fake encounter’ was filed implicating him in the
Manipur High Court (later, in Guwahati High Court). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the facts that Gen VK Singh has not
revealed are as follows:-</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(a)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The Dimapur Case:</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"> The Dimapur ‘fake encounter’ case
relates to March 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lt Gen Dalbir
Singh Suhag assumed command of 3 Corps in March 2011. Maliciously implicated in
the said case, his name now stands removed even from the list of Respondents.
The fresh list of respondents now includes Army Headquarters/COAS (then Gen VK
Singh). Yet, Gen VK Singh has been dragging the name of the Army
Chief-designate even as not even an iota of speculation can link Suhag with the
case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(b)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The Jorhat Case:</b> The Case refers to a
search operation by a Captain led search party of 3 Corps Intelligence and
Surveillance Unit in Dec 2011. Theft of some items was later alleged by the
residents after the operation was over. A Court of Inquiry was appropriately
ordered to enquire into the complaints. It found some allegations true and blamed
some individuals who were punished as per law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Case was duly transferred to Army by High Court as per law and the
progress of Court Martial was monitored by the High Court. The guilty were
awarded exemplary punishments ranging from RI and dismissal from service to
reprimands, admonishments and recordable displeasure. Final report submitted to
the High Court and military dispensation of justice has not been questioned by
the honourable High Court. Yet, it has continued to be scandalised at Gen VK
Singh’s behest till this day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -17.85pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(c)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The so-called ‘Parachute Scam’</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">: The ‘scam’ never happened! Gen VK
Singh alleges involvement of Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag in it even as the tender
process was cancelled when samples from two Ukranian companies were found too similar.
No contract was signed, no orders were placed and no finances involved. The
CBI, SFF, R&AW, Cabinet Secretariat – all are satisfied that no
irregularities took place. Yet, thanks to Gen VK Singh’s fiction manufacturing
skills, a ‘non-issue’ is being hyped in the media as if there were a scandalous
‘scam’! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 53.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(d)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Lt Gen Dastane’s Case: </span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like all other insinuations and allegations
against the Army Chief-designate, this case too is misleading. Dastane’s claim rests
on the plea that being the next senior most Corps Commander after Suhag, he
should have been posted as Army Commander Eastern Command on 01 June 2012 because
on that day Suhag was under DV Ban in the last week of May 2012 by Gen VK
Singh. That the DV Ban was a product of malice and sinister design is too
evident from the manner in which it was frenetically imposed by Gen VK Singh at
the fag-end of his tenure in office in the last week of May 2012. The DV Ban was
found unjustified and rightly revoked later. Having lost his case at the Armed
Forces Tribunal (Principal Bench, New Delhi), Lt Gen Ravi Dastane has gone in
appeal to the Supreme Court. A pertinent question arises: Was Suhag placed
under DV Ban to make way for Dastane? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As hinted by Gen SK Sinha in his
article, if Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag is removed from the way, Lt Gen Ashok
Singh currently GOC-in-C Southern Command and <i>Samdhi</i> of Gen VK Singh becomes
the next pick to be Chief of the Army Staff. A question arises: Will the Modi
Sarkar allow this kind of intrigue to succeed? An even bigger question gasps:
What will happen of the military command and morale if Gen VK Singh is saddled
in a position to meddle with defence affairs?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.45pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Agencies like CBI, CVC, IB and a
number of other government departments have found no truth in allegations
against the Army Chief-designate. We must also believe that performance of
these agencies has not been always as poor as it is often made out to be, a few
question marks on their functioning style notwithstanding. If hiding or
creating evidence was that easy, they would have hanged Narendra Modi long ago.
But no blot from the relentless smear campaign and false cases filed against
him stuck on his spotless character and bold performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the flipside too, if the UPA Government
could hide their own corruption and misdeeds, no scams would have come to
light. Therefore, while it is grossly unfair and undesirable to tarnish the
reputation of the Army and its institutions, it is equally laudable that Lt Gen
Suhag has emerged spotlessly clean having endured so much of this maligning
campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30139373.post-57169090700348710632014-05-09T17:46:00.002+05:302014-05-09T18:25:27.953+05:30The Army Chief Imbroglio – <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speculations and Manipulations<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karan
Kharb<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am flooded
with comments on my article <b>‘Battle of Army Chiefs – Former and the Next’</b>.
While the majority of readers have endorsed the views expressed in the said
article, there are some who have a different perception of the on-going Army
Chief imbroglio. Interestingly, I have received calls from some <i>common</i>
friends requesting/advising me to “withdraw or at least revise and soften” the said
article. Then there were calls – some from known and some from unknown persons
– warning me to “desist from such writing in your own interest or else you’ll
repent.” Sadly, my candid and dispassionate analysis of simple facts has been
misconstrued to imply ‘defamation’ even as I have equally candidly praised Gen
(Retd) VK Singh in the same article in these words, <i>“No doubt, in his </i>(Gen
VK Singh’s)<i> rich military experience the next Government might find enough
potential to uplift the sagging morale of the Defence Services due to
continuing bureaucratic red tape and neglect.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even today, I believe that there is ample
wealth of experience and wisdom in our former Chiefs and senior military
veterans, which must be harnessed in formulating national security policies, foreign
relations, indigenisation of defence industry and in other areas where their
expertise can be of material value. But if such talent comes riding on self-serving
and parochial tendencies, it might be rather disastrous for national security
than an ignorant greedy politician. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Curious
queries as to who would succeed Gen Bikram Singh who hangs his boots on 31 July
2014 are natural and persistent. Will it be the senior most Lt Gen Dalbir Singh
Suhag or his immediate junior Lt Gen Ashok Singh or someone else? Guess and
gossip are rampant at a time when a government reference to the Election
Commission is pending and has made it more tantalising. What is interesting,
however, is the fact that while not much is publicly known about
the shortcomings of the other contender/s, Suhag's trivial
deficiency of not doing 'Staff Course' is now being unfairly traded to
portray him in poor light. We all know that <b>the aim of the staff course
at DSSC is 'to train potential staff officers', not higher commanders.</b>
Also, while qualification on this course carries weightage
for promotions up to Col/Brig, it is not even prescribed as an essential
criterion for such promotions. Anyone rising higher despite this deficiency is
itself an ample proof of his bigger strengths and overriding positive criteria
that would have been thoroughly scrutinised through the series of tough selection
boards and screening system in place. If 'psc' were so vital a criterion, one should
have been stopped at the early stages and not been entitled to command a unit
either. Yet, if the suggestion is that even spurious material has been
rising to as high levels as Army Commander/Vice Chief, then we should be
shocked and have no faith in our system. That would raise serious
questions on the quality of our Chiefs and higher military leadership. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leadership is
different from academic excellence. Two personalities of modern India explain
it manifestly. India’s outgoing Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has been
academically world’s most qualified politician but, at the same time, he has
also been called India’s most incompetent, invisible and silent Prime Minister
who presided over a dysfunctional government in paralysis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs Indira Gandhi, on the other hand, did not
possess even a matriculation certificate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, as a leader, her intellect, shrewdness and cunning compelled many in the world of politics to come around and bow before her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Careerist
mind-set and opportunism are, in fact, the prime culprits that have come to
hold sway over our military culture these days. Maturity, vision, capacity
to relate with wider spectrum of nation building, unimpeachable character,
readiness to sacrifice and courage to put Organisational and national interests
ahead of one's own …….are some vital pre-requisites that can give us the right
kind of Chiefs. Self-serving indulgence and pursuit of personal ambitions
have often exposed some of our Generals in the past. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have never
met or known Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag. On the other hand, Lt Gen Ashok Singh
has been an old friend whom I like, respect and admire. His relationship with
Gen (Retd) VK Singh notwithstanding, personally I should be rather happy and
proud if Ashok became the next Chief of the Army Staff. But that is only if my
whims and fancies were to prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ethics
and the rule of fair play, however, compel me to respect and support the
‘seniority principle’ in this context. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All army
commanders are our top generals who are equally competent and fully fit for the
top job. Suhag, however, is the senior most who stands first in this elite
group of equally eligible generals. As is well known, he has been cleared
by IB, CBI and the CVC. <b>The 'fake-encounter' case recently filed and
dismissed in the Manipur HC is curiously reminiscent of a similar case filed in
J&K against Gen Bikram Singh to stymie his appointment as COAS to succeed
Gen VK Singh in 2012. </b>As shocking as it is shameful! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This sinister
game must stop and the perpetrators taken to task. <b>Solidifying the <i>seniority
principle</i> at the top stage is the only way to prevent politicisation,
manipulation, vendetta and opportunism that are making dangerous inroads in the
Defence Forces today.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Modi Sarkar is
arriving riding on the popular expectation of 'good governance'. Narendra Modi's
proven credentials of honesty, selfless dedication and patriotic vision for a
strong unified India infuse hope in the masses and Armed Forces alike. If manipulation
triumphed in installing the next Army Chief, it would be the first blot on
Modi's spotless reputation of sterling leadership poised to lead India to
glorious heights. The moot question is: 'Will he succumb to these wily
machinations and palace intrigues?' No; perhaps, NEVER!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Turning Point Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133704997142645637noreply@blogger.com1