Recently I came across whatsapp message , which was forwarded to me, the writer of the message was Ms Zenobia Panthaki. The writer has described her experiences while travelling to USA with her husband(Retired Armed forces man) over the years, in which she has described how Americans treat their armed forces. She mentions that once they were travelling from Washington to Austin(Texas), and in the flight there were many passengers who were from armed forces. After gaining the height the captain of the flight on PA system announced that” My crew and I feel privileged to fly our military personnel. We honour your sacrifice and thank you for your service to the nation” All the passengers stood up and applauded. In other incident she says, while they were attending some show in theme park-there was announcement before the show started that all of those who has served armed forces of any country should stand up with their spouses and they thanked armed forces officials and also thanked their spouses for playing mom and dad to the children, again the audience stood up and broke into applause. She cites one more incident- once she visited a garment store where they have advertised a discount for armed service personnel, she further says that she jokingly asked the counter person whether she is eligible for discount as her husband is retired Indian army official, and the person said why not because the scheme never mentions it is only for Americans, she further says that I told the person I do not have proof and he replied we believe you. Lastly she says” what ails us, Indians?
What ails us is the dirty and rotten political system. let us ponder over some points
- Over the years the Central govt and their ministers have degraded the importance of armed forces.
- The PM and cabinet only give importance to armed forces during the war and other internal problems like insurgency/terrorism etc.It is well known documented fact that during 1965 war, Gen Chaudhary categorily told PM Shastri that we have to give proper reply to Pakistan army as they have crossed the border, and army will wait till tomorrow morning for govt clearance, otherwise army will take proper action as demanded by the situation. Second instance is when in April/May 1971 Indira Gandhi told Gen Maneckshaw to prepare to attack Pakistan army in East Pakistan(Now Bangladesh), he refused and stated that with the out set of monsoon he does not advise for this action, and action should be taken after monsoon, and reluctantly Indira Gandhi agree, and rest is history.
- Now some of the Politicians have started saying that Soldiers are getting paid for dying, as not a single kin of any politician is in armed forces, therefore these politicians do not realise the importance of armed forces.
- Some of the politicians of so shameless, that after recent surgical strikes by army in Pakistan territory, some politicians asked for the proof of surgical strikes from govt.
- Some of the political parties and human right activists always go against army when armed forces attacks and kills some terrorists. As terrorists have only human rights, what about human rights of armed forces.
- These MPs, MLAs, Corporators and govt officials get big salary and hefty perks and when the time comes to give it to armed forces , these people start equating armed forces with govt officials. It took govt decades to finalise One Rank One Pension, but when it comes to decide about pay commission recommendations, the same are passed without much delay. Even MPs, MLAs and Corporators give themselves periodically raise, but armed forces pay, perks are govt’s last priority.
- The bottom line is that these politicians have no respect for armed forces.
- The only solution to this problem is that Military services for at least 5 years should be made compulsory for all above 18 years. No IAS, IPS , IFS or any govt jobs unless a person has completed military services. Secondly no one can fight any elections unless he/she has completed mandatory military service. This might lead to people having due respect to armed force personnel. This country needs a tough measures .
- Lastly compensation paid to dead soldiers and other armed force officers who are martyred while on duty is pittance. The minimum compensation should Rs 50 Lacs, and increasing gradually as per the rank. The country can very well afford to do this, because if the country can afford to pay filthy salary and perks to these politicians, then why not to armed forces.
The list is end less.
What you say my friends.
Awaiting for your feed back and comments.