The army chief has spoken (English version) Amar Ujala 22 Jan 18
A candid, clear headed army chief shared his views in his press conference preceding army day. The conference covered a wide range of views from handling the Doklam crises to creating an army for the future, handling Pak’s misadventures, impact of education influencing the minds of the youth in Kashmir to the governments decision to cut the funding of education allowance for those killed in action or disabled.
Some of his comments have come in for criticism. The veteran community is aghast at the chief’s defence of the government’s decision to cut education funding, while the J and K government reacted sternly to the chief’s comments on their education system changing mindsets of youth. The Pak army through a comment by their Public Relations department (DG ISPR) challenged his comments on ‘calling the Pak nuclear bluff’, if the army is ordered to enter Pak.
However, simplistically put, the chief has spoken his mind and would adhere to whatever he has spoken. He would have had strong reasons for making his comments, knowing they convey to the nation the views of the army as an institution.
He was correct when he stated that, ‘while China may be strong India is not weak’. India has stood upto China during Doklam and borne all the pressures while China attempted, in a quiet and dignified manner, ignoring their adverse and threatening comments. The government’s decision to let the foreign ministry be the coordinating agency was an excellent decision and enabled diplomacy to lead in resolving the crisis, which it did. It has defended the nation from increasing Chinese incursions, despite poor communication means, wherein the Chinese drive upto the border, while Indian troops walk.
His worry on nations of the region moving into the Chinese lap is worrisome in matters of national security as it enhances threat perceptions. It also brings forth the need for the government to review its strategy of neighbour’s first, which appears to be faltering.
Handling the Pak nuclear bluff did convey the right message. The Indian army has been reacting strongly to Pak’s provocations along the LoC, while enhancing its counter terror operations in the valley. Its strikes across the border have imposed limited caution on Pak, as it neither admitted nor announced its casualties. The comments by the Pak DG ISPR were also only linked to the nuclear issue, while he ignored any mention of Pak casualties. Recent reports have stated that Pak has suffered three to four times more of Indian figures and this has worried their ISI.
He was categorically clear that we cannot expect any other country to battle on our behalf. We must be capable of handling our own threats. He was referring to recent US threats to Pakistan, thereby clarifying that despite US pressures on Pak, there would be no change on its anti-India policy. Thus, we need to induct weapons with modern technology and enhance our firepower and sources of observation.
At every level there is a requirement for troops to monitor and influence the terrain ahead. They cannot remain blind and depend on flow of information, when there is technology available. This must be provided to enable the ‘man behind the gun’ to produce results. If information can be obtained by multiple means, then the forces need firepower and ability to engage, thus better guns with longer ranges. Movement of reserves can tip the scales during war, therefore better means of transportation. The soldier also needs to be better protected from enemy fire, requiring better bullet proof equipment. He was candid when he stated that this is essential as we grow in strength.
Kashmir has the greatest involvement of the army over the decades. Teaching students from adolescence that they are not a part of India but an independent state, impacts young minds and is detrimental in the long term. Hence, he gave his suggestion, which had flowed from army formations in Kashmir as they interact at the grassroot level which even the state government does not. The suggestion should be considered as the state slowly returns to near normalcy. He announced the plans of shifting focus to North Kashmir this year to rid the state of militancy, which has presently been brought down. The recent successes of the army enabled the government to appoint an interlocutor for the state and regain control.
However, the maximum controversy amongst the veteran community came on the army chief’s comment on supporting the government stand on capping financial assistance at Rs 10,000 for wards of martyrs or disabled. His justification on misuse being the reason cut no ice. Social media was agog with adverse remarks. Most failed to note the sentence which he made stating that the armed forces have gone back to the government on the issue. They are presently in the process of reviewing the policy to address the anomaly of misuse. Till that is addressed, the cap would remain. His announcement of the army opening schools especially for the wards of martyrs and disabled veterans is a welcome step, as it would provide quality education with the best facilities for all round development.
The army chief avoided raising the impact military soft power and military diplomacy has had in international relations. Nations are rushing in for joint exercises, with the US also suggesting cross-attachment of officers in operational commands. India’s growing military power and professionalism of its military is now being recognized the world over.
In summation, the chief has spoken the hearts and mind of the Indian soldiers’ views and requirements. It is for the authorities in power to heed his words and for the nation to respect his views.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army