Why is the army chief misunderstood? (English Version) Rakshak News 23 Jan 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/why-is-the-army-chief-misunderstood
Why is the army chief misunderstood? (English Version) Rakshak News 23 Jan 19
The political leadership and army critics from Lutyens Delhi had always expected service chiefs to remain mute spectators, rarely heard and even more rarely seen. Most service chiefs have over the years shied away from the media, sticking to this belief. However, things have now begun to change. Service chiefs have begun to air their views, at times rather firmly, and this has made politicians and army critics uneasy.
The air force chief spoke openly about the Rafale deal causing panic in the Congress camp. He spoke what was expected of him, not what the politicians wanted him to. He shared facts, while politicians and their supportive media twisted them. It led to Congress leaders terming him a liar in desperation and requesting him to avoid being pulled into the debate.
The most vocal amongst all service chiefs at present is the army chief, General Bipin Rawat. His comments on issues, which on occasions may be against the grain of thought within the government, but justifiably oriented towards national security has led to many criticizing him. He has never shied away from speaking his mind, a rarity amongst those who have risen to the apex of the service, but essential in this age of social media and fake news.
Rawat spoke on the changing demography in Assam, angering local politicians, who accused him of making political statements, in favour of the government. When he termed stone throwers in Kashmir as Over Ground Workers (OGWs), he was accused by valley-based politicians of being biased and ignoring local sensitivities. When he spoke on problems of inducting women into fighting arms of the army, he was termed sexist and when he mentioned that there is no place in the army for the LGBT community and adultery, he was accused of disregarding supreme court orders.
In every case an analysis would reveal that whatever he has stated is bang on target. In Assam, apart from few districts within the state, in most others, locals are almost a minority and unless addressed timely, the entire demography would change, Assamese could become a second language. This is not anything new, it was projected by General Sinha as the governor of Assam in a letter to the President as back as Nov 1998, however ignored by the Congress government at that time. Over time, it has made the situation only more critical.
In Kashmir, sting videos have proved that stone throwing is an industry, financed by the Hurriyat using money flowing through Hawala from Pakistan. Further, recent encounters have led to elimination of militants who have risen from stone throwing to militancy. None of those who commented against him have ever accepted their errors once truth emerged, preferring to remain silent.
His comments on women in combat arms as also of inducting the LGBT community were based on his deep understanding of living accommodation in remote border posts, nature of no war no peace scenario along the LoC and the fact that Indian soldiers emerge from rural areas, where the LGBT community is still not accepted. It does not imply he or the organization is against them, but army structures at present would be unsuitable for them and detrimental to the institution. With passage of time, once India matures, such changes may be acceptable.
Rawat has never refused an interaction with the press, is aware of what he is stating and been blunt and frank as any army personnel should be. He is not and should never be ‘politically correct’. Critics and politicians have sought to twist his words to gain a few brownie points.
Rather than being appreciated for clarifying complex issues, he has been misunderstood and misquoted. This misquoting has indirectly impacted the service as many believe that he conveys his message to soldiers through the media, which is false as he only answers what he is asked. It is a fact that many in the media are aware of the inner discussions in the service, hence question him on the same. The result is that Rawat remains the most misunderstood chief in recent times, whereas on the contrary he is open, frank and truthful.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army