Sunday, August 4, 2013

An Open Letter to Defence Minister

Dear Mr Defence Minister, There have been 5 recorded suicides including one that of a Major general in the Indian Army in recent months. They have all gone unreported and brushed under the carpet, blaming family stress or marital discord for the same. But the truth is very well known by one and all. Why doesn't organisation own up to its discrepancies, no body is perfect, but we can work towards it. Most of the soldiers resort to these extreme steps primarily because of the basic requirements which have been denied to them, despite they giving their best to the organisation. The suicide of above mentioned Major General was not at all a case of marital discord, it was ONLY and ONLY because he was denied a posting of his choice and there were promotions being made out of turn. This process is still on and soon there will be orders where deserving and well qualified officers have been sidelined and bumchums given the best of the assignments. What message is army trying to send across by such actions? will it not affect the morale of all other soldiers who look upto their seniors. Will it not result in massive premature retirements etc. Why is MOD silent on this entire issue? The nation very well knows that a death of a soldier means nothing to you, more so if he has committed suicide. But have you ever given a thought about what goes behind those crisp Olive Greens with shinning stars, badges and medals? Recent orders, of postings and promotions, which are right now under jurisdiction of MOD are simply atrocious and not to be accepted even by a normal jawan? How can a six month junior officer be made a top boss of a Corp while a more deserving and senior officer ignored? Just because, latter was a simple and honest man and not sitting in Delhi, sending expensive gifts to all those who mattered in his posting/promotion? Now, as per the sources, his files are being misplaced so that this officer is unable to approach the court, to get justice. SHAME!! By doing so, we are encouraging malpractices and crime to be rampant in our very own armed forces, i guess, that is the entire aim of those sitting at the top. Why else would there is so much of disinterest amongst the agencies who handle the transfers and postings. As a Defence Minister, today, all the troops of world's third largest army want to know the answer from no one but you. Why are you, supposedly the most honest minister, Mr Antony, allowing such actions being performed right under your nose. Or has this honest minister also changed with times? We trust you and are waiting for an answer from you.... Jai Hind! I wish I could say Jai Hind ki Sena too, as I always do, but not this time, unless i get an answer from you!