Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations - Free Press

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Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Free Press News ServiceThe 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

(Inputs by Shilpa Shaligram, Ujwala Kondalkar and Tritho Banerjee)

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.