Senior Army officers say the Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, himself decided to award Major Leetul Gogoi of 53 Rashtriya Rifles a Commendation Card “for saving lives” by using a Kashmiri man as a human shield against stone throwers.
“The decision to give a commendation can originate either from the lower level or from the top. The Commanding Officer of a unit recommends an officer or soldier for commendation and the proposal goes up the chain of command to the Army Headquarters,” an officer says.
However, in the case of Major Gogoi, it was recommended by Gen. Bipin Rawat himself after his recent visit to the Valley, a senior officer says.
“The incident occurred on April 9. But Internet services in the Valley were banned till April 13. As soon as it was lifted, the video came out. The process for giving a commendation was initiated after the video came out,” a senior officer in the headquarters says.
In appreciation
Figuring much lower in the order of awards and decorations in the Indian military, the Chief’s Commendation Cards are given for either a specific act of bravery or distinguished service. In the case of Major Gogoi, it was awarded “for his sustained distinguished service till now in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir”.
It is an appreciation that can be given any time, and mostly they are given out on Army Day and Republic Day, Army officers say.
However, there has also been widespread criticism of the decision. Lt. Gen. H.S. Panag (Retd.), former Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, tweeted: “IA (Indian Army) traditions, ethos, rules & regs (regulations) swept away by the ‘mood of the nation’!”
Not great valour
A former military chief, who did not want to be named, told The Hindu : “I think they have overdone it. One message saying that operationally it was the tactical prudence of the local commander was enough. This is not such a great act of valour; by awarding him you are trying to justify his action needlessly. You are trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.”
