Religion and the army (English Version) Rakshak News 21 Feb 18
Post the Sanjuwan attack, the religion card has again been employed to seek and divide the only secular and apolitical force within the country, the Indian army. Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen stated that five of the seven martyred in the attack were Moslems. He was seeking to question those who regularly ask Moslems to prove their loyalty. His comment, ‘Muslims are dying for the country but are called Pakistanis. Terrorists are not differentiating, but Muslims are still asked to prove their loyalty’.
Discussions on TV also moved in the same direction, with religion dominating loss of valuable lives. A day later, in the valley, there was mass turnout of locals during the last rites of martyred soldiers. This was a change from the past, where crowds only gathered for funerals of militants, while a sprinkling gathered for security personnel.
Those seeking to divide the army on religious grounds need to be aware of facts. While most Infantry regiments date back to British era and possess a chequered history, no new regiments have been raised based on caste, creed or religion. In fact, in these old regiments too, recruitment is by region, thus removing the aspect of religion. Most non-infantry units presently comprise of all religions, caste and creed. There is no entry of caste or creed in an individuals document. Religion is entered, mainly to cater for last rites as per religious customs. Hence, when an RTI was sent seeking details of Muslims in the army, the reply was a simple sentence, ‘there are no Hindu’s or Muslims in the army, only soldiers’.
Within a unit, irrespective of the mixture of troops, there is only one common religious institute. It is termed as the ‘Sarv Dharam Sthal’, implying an abode for all religions. It is a unique institution unifying different religions under one roof. It is in this one place where Id, Easter, Gurpurab and Janmashtami are celebrated. It therefore symbolizes the essence of tolerance, brotherhood and unity in diversity.
The areligious stance of the army has made it the most respected force within the country. During religious riots while other police forces hesitate, or their motives are questioned, the army is happily received, its very presence ushering confidence and restoring order. It has never failed the nation. During natural calamities when it deploys to help, religion of those it assists never comes to the fore. In Kashmir, during the floods of 2014, the army moved in to assist those who were pelting it with stones a day before and would so again the next day. Yet they were Indians, not Hindu’s or Muslims whom it assisted. It rushed in, ignoring the fact that its own camps were inundated, and own families struggling to survive.
Most of us, who have worn the uniform have celebrated every religious event with the men in the single ‘Sarv Dharam Sthal’. Religion is important for the soldier as it gives him the courage and belief to fulfil his mission and task, under most trying conditions. However, it is bonding with his comrades, trust, faith and belief in his battalion and its leadership which drives him to make the ultimate sacrifice. Religion has never been the main factor.
The areligious stance and character of the army is what has made it to be the most respected institution of the nation. It respects all religions and soldiers support one another, irrespective of religious beliefs. Thus, politicians seeking to bring religion to divide the army or gain a few brownie points, would never be able to break its fibre, but would enhance the divide within the nation. Such politicians are true anti-nationals and their ranting should be ignored. Their desire to gain a few minutes of limelight on television debates should be resisted by the channels.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army