Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Free Press News Service
The Free Press Journal
June 2, 1999
Title: Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Author: Free Press News Service
Publication: The Free Press Journal
Date: June 2, 1999
A large number of retired Defence personnel have reacted strongly to
the statement of the Chief Minister Digvijay Singh that the Kargil
crisis was nothing but a political gimmick and that the BJP was
responsible for the current situation at the LoC.
Free Press sought the opinion of some retired Defence personnel on the
statement of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, on whether India
should declare war against Pakistan, to teach them a lesson.
Many civilians, whom, Free Press approached, also found the, CM's
statement unpalatable. Majority of the people feel that the Kargil
episode is not a political gimmick played by the BIP. However, all of
them maintain that even if the situation deteriorates, India should
restrain itself from declaring a war on Pakistan.
Commenting on Digvijay's statement Brigadier R N Sharma, reacted
strongly and termed it an insult to the chiefs of the Army, Navy and
Air Force, who are indirectly being made a party to it. It was also
an insult to the thousands of defence personnel, paramilitary forces
and other Indian nationals, who have been fighting insurgency to
safeguard the national interest, he felt.
He said such irresponsible statements were indeed demoralising for
those fighting and their families and the CM was unfit to hold the
position.
He said an officer has the responsibility to safeguard the security of
the nation against all threats - internal or external irrespective of
such unbecoming conduct from any political leader and Digvijay's
statement was really painful.
Ms Sharma, wife of Brigadier Sharma, lamented that it was traumatising
to hear such a remark. She said, she has been an integral part of the
Indian Army during the service of her husband and was still associated
with defence, with her son currently serving in the forces.
She said, the CM should have thought of the trauma of the family of
Squadron leader Ajay Ahuja and Flight Lt Nachiketa before questioning
the integrity of the defence personnel.
Colonel Vasant Kondalkar, stated that military acts are never
politically motivated, especially when they are related to
international issues. "I totally disagree to what Digvijay Singh
said, because there are always international ramifications to these
issues and so how can they be called as an artificial scenario." He
said as far as war is concerned, India shouldn't go for it. Diplomacy
and not might is the right answer to the situation, he felt.
Major R P Jain termed the Kargil issue as downright aggression by
Pakistan on India and India had every right to protect its territory
from the mercenaries.
He termed the statement of the Chief Minister, regarding this move
being politically motivated, as totally irresponsible. He said that
as Indian troops were well equipped to handle the situation, India
should not declare a war.
Major General Vijay Madan also felt it was very irresponsible for
Digvijay to make a statement like this, more so as he is occupying an
important post. "He is speaking through his hat," said Gen Madan and
added that the Pakistan army has never been in favour of
reconciliation. He said Digvijay should know the cost of losing an
MiG plane and of losing a Defence official.
Colonel V K Gaotham termed the CM's statement immature. "He might be
having knowledge about internal security matters, but certainly, I am
sorry to say, not about external security matters.
"In fact it's not the BJP, but Digvijay Singh, who is playing a
political gimmick by calling the Kargil crisis so," he said. He said
India cannot think of war because it is not economically strong.
Brigadier Iyer firmly said it is no time to talk such nonsense and
rubbish. 'Digvijay Singh should remember that it is no fun sitting on
the ice-covered areas defending one's country."
Brigadier V Ramanan stated that Digvijay's comment was unfortunate
for, the issue has nothing to do with politics. He said the situation
is not political, but factual. "Let me remind the honourable CM that
it is the soldier's life which is at stake and not politics." "I am
totally convinced that it is not a political gimmick. The BJP is not
going to score from it. And it's not something new," he said.
"Thinking practically, we should not go for war for it's too small an
episode," he felt.
Colonel S Rattan, who was on a short visit to the city, stated it was
a pity that the politicians never think of the country and make
statements that exposed their vested interests. "If the CM really
thinks that the BJP is playing politics then he should expose the
party or else keep quiet "' he added.
Y S Rajput, a retired colonel, said that Pakistan will lose more
compared to India if a war breaks out at this stage and therefore,
Pakistan will never go for a full scale war. He added that we were
paying a heavy price for our negligence. We should have monitored the
infiltration and prevented them at the outset.
O P Bhatia of SGSITS said that it was absurd to think that BJP could
have started the whole thing to win applause from the public. He said
rather than blaming the BJP government, all the parties should unite
in the interest of the country. He said a war should be avoided as it
will mean total annihilation of both the countries.
Rajiv Vaidya of UCO Bank explained that the Kargil episode has been
motivated by Pakistan and India had only shown that it can give a firm
reply. He said it is not the BJP which is diverting the people's
attention but, Nawaz Sheriff, who is trying to hide the internal
disturbances in Pakistan. Vaidya said that India cannot afford to
declare war in view of the economic crisis that it is facing.
(Inputs by Shilpa Shaligram, Ujjwala Kondalkar and Tritho Banerjee)
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