LETTER TO EDITOR
DON’T DENIGRATE THE ARMED FORCES
Dear Editor in Chief,
1. Aprop article “Uniform Decline” in HT dated 07 June 10 and another article “dubious reward J & K’s mercenaries in uniform” dated 07 June 2010.
2. While not questioning the freedom of the media, aforesaid two articles in your esteemed News paper are not only derogatory to the armed forces but are based on untruths and lack total credibility. This tantamounts to denigrating the armed forces, which over the years, time and again, have proved to the nation their patriotism, valour and steadfastness in all adverse conditions and calamities both internal and external -this inspite of such articles in the media and indifferent and unsympathetic approach of the Govt towards the Defence Forces.
3. In one of the above articles, resume of purported disciplinary cases has been given. I wish to remind you that as per norms of natural justice everyone is believed to be innocent till proven guilty. Defence Forces are known to strictly and ruthlessly punish
persons held guilty by various courts of inquiries. In all the cases brought out by you, none of the individuals mentioned, have yet been proved guilty.
4. As for as the other article where in the armed forces have been referred to as “mercenaries in uniform”, it reflects poorly on the mind set of the author and his scant regard to the ethos of the Defence Forces. This article is not only defamatory but shows lack of knowledge on the functioning of the Defence Forces. I sincerely wish your esteemed paper concentrates on the corruption cases pertaining to bureaucrats and politicians who are blatantly bleeding the nation. In contrast the Defence Forces have contributed to a large extent in maintaining the integrity of the country.
5. I implore upon you not to further denigrate the Armed Forces any further, for, whipping a running horse will provoke the horse to either slacken or give a kick which either way would be disastrous for the country.
(The author is a Former Senior Fellow and Security Analyst of Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), has been examiner PhD thesis in Defence & Security Studies, Ex Commandant Services Selection Centre & President SSB, besides being Instructor at four premier institutions of the Army. Presently he is a Vice Chairman of Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), Tele No -09312404269, 0124-2461416). Email, satbirsm@yahoo.com
