Opening roads in cantonments on the request of MPs (English Version) Rakshak news 13 Jun 18
In a report released to the press seeking to justify its decision on opening of roads in cantonments, the defence ministry stated that the decision was influenced by letters to the defence minister by MPs, cutting across party lines, representing multiple states. The MPs sought opening cantonment roads to provide better and easier access to the population residing in its vicinity.
The MoD justified its decision by stating that the roads ordered for opening were closed without following due procedure, including seeking approval of the cantonment boards. Security of cantonments is an army responsibility, hence seeking sanction of cantonment roads does not arise, as claimed by the MoD.
The statement did mention that a delegation of army families met the defence minister and that the MoD’s decision would open access to military areas which were earlier restricted as also enhance security risks, especially for separated families which reside alone in cantonments, while their husbands are posted in insurgency or border regions. The defence ministry reported this meeting but gave no indication of further actions.
Cantonments have existed since pre-Independence. Colonies established around cantonments, did so, assuming access through it would always be available. As security risks began to increase, especially post attacks in Satwari and Sunjuwan army camps, where family quarters were specifically targeted, entry to cantonments began to become restricted.
The civil population had objected to the army’s unilateral decisions and even approached the courts in Hyderabad, as they were most affected in Secunderabad. The Hyderabad High Court ruled in the army’s favour, which would have happened elsewhere too, had the public approached the courts, which the MoD conveniently ignored. It has never mentioned this in its justifications.
Passing a unilateral direction on opening roads and removing all checks and barriers have made the cantonments vulnerable and enhanced security risks. It has led to the greatest divide between the local populace and the army in the history of the nation. The celebrations by a section of the BJP in Pune and Danapur was deplorable and represented the ruling party celebrating a symbolic victory.
The MoD went further and issued directions that further decisions on closing of roads would need their sanction. This was meant to convey a message that the defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, does not trust her own army generals, who otherwise can launch troops into battle, take life and death decisions and care for the families of those posted away, to take decisions pertaining to their own security by closing limited arteries. This decision would now be taken by the defence secretary and the principal director defence estates, who have no clue on security matters.
The MoD, seeking to deflect the blame from itself, announced that the army was also consulted on the issue. The reality, which needs to be understood, is that once decided, the army may have objected, but beyond that has no choice but to implement. Disregarding the orders would be against democratic norms. No army chief, especially aware of recent incidents would have openly accepted such orders. He can also neither raise his objections in the public domain. Hence, the claims appear to be more to cover the wrong decision of the ministry.
The MoD has planned a review after a month. It is highly unlikely that it would make any changes, as it has tied its hands and feet by a hasty order.
Hence, the government is now in a bind. If it cancels the orders, it would face the wrath of those whom it sought to help and would lose votes, as the issue would be politically challenged by the opposition. If it continues with its decision, it would enhance the anger within the military community, both serving and veterans and lose their votes and trust. This would also be exploited by the opposition to either split the votes of the military community or push them into voting for NOTA, which would benefit the opposition.
Further, one incident in any station, especially targeting families, even by local miscreants, would be openly exploited by every opposition political party, in the run up to 2019. In any option, the government would lose. A hasty decision, taken to appease vote banks has boomeranged as never before.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army