Past few days had seen quite some
activity from Armed forces' and Paramilitary forces' Jawans. And action this
time was not against the enemy, but very much within the border limits and
against their own system. It was painful to see the way they are treated. And
the fact that soldiers had to resort to social media to express, highlights a
much severe issue. Hopelessness of justice from the system.
The first video was shared by BSF’s
Tej Bahadur Yadav, mentioning scarcity of food supplies and quality of food
served. Though Home Ministry ordered an internal enquiry, but BSF seniors were
quick to deny the accusation. Even border areas civilians accept, buying
supplies from BSF at half the market price. Encouraged by dare of Yadav, Army’s
Yagya Pratap Singh shared a video, showing exploitation at the hands of
seniors, in getting their chores done. And importantly these are soldiers in
uniform.
15th Jan is celebrated as Army
Day and Chief of Army Staff heads the occasion. The newly appointed Gen Bipin
Rawat used the stage well to nip the rising wave in the bud. He said sharing
such videos on social media would invite punishment, as it directly affect the
morale of other soldiers. Had the General been actually concerned about the
matter, he would have surely, atleast desisted, THREATNING his own men and
looked into the matter with grave seriousness. But the whole idea seemed to set
the things in place, first time itself before it became a trend, rather than resolving.
He also felt the Sahayak System
is a very friendly one. It’s no mystery
that senior army officers actually exploit lower ranked soldiers. To the extent
of making them do menial stuff like gardening, shoe polishing, taking pets for
walk, cabbing their kids to schools and spouses to malls. Jawans are actually
used like servants by own seniors. This practice is a norm in Army. Such exploitation is a
very sorry figure for an institution, synonym with patriotism and sacrifice. I should not discredit the General by
not mentioning his instructions to follow the official grievances channel,
meanwhile assuring the staff can approach the chief himself if unsatisfied. This appeared
nothing but a rulebook protocol, than a sincere effort. Had the system been honest and transparent, would soldiers had to resort to such an option?
However, Gen Rawat could not see through this common than common sensical
understanding. Or maybe, he chose not to. There was a golden chance for the Chief
to pacify his critics and establish credibility among his staff, but unfortunately
it didn’t happen.
That age has gone, when likes of
Field Marshal Karriapa existed, who refused the release of his captured son
when offered by Pakistani army during 1971 war. He insisted either all or none
be released. For him all soldiers were his sons. We live in an era when self is
above all. In an era, where power and authority score above ethics and
humanity.
Sir, nothing demotivates soldiers
more than the apathy and arrogance of their own system. Let the army men have the
due they deserve, of being a soldier.
Piyush Gupta
