India today exists in a seriously embattled security environment, more than ever in the last 63 years, with external military threats and the difficult situation in Kashmir, besides the Naxalite movement having acquired dangerously devious contours. Our armed forces have determinedly and innovatively strategised to meet the expanded threats.
Our armed forces have won wars and tackled insurgency and terrorism with effective leadership and sacrifices. The accounts of their bravery and valour are well known. Their morale is high and the men and soldiers are highly motivated to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and integrity.
Though the Army has not fought a full-blown war in the last three decades, it is bogged down in fighting domestic insurgencies, guarding the restive borders, responding to requests for quelling civil riots, tackling insurgency, and terrorism, and rescue operations during natural calamities. These have a put a tremendous stress and strain on the soldiers.
Surprisingly, there has been a sharp rise in suicides in the Army in the past five years. The trend in the third largest and one of the best disciplined armies in the world is a cause for grave concern. Over 100 soldiers have taken their lives in last three years under extreme pressure, mainly poor service conditions leading to frustration or rebellion.
Discipline is also becoming a casualty. The armed forces have held a staggering 6,000 courts martial since 2000. The latest statistics show that the Army alone court-martialled 1,215 soldiers in 2000; 1,034 in 2001; 1,031 in 2002; 945 in 2003; and 872 in 2004. In just the last two years, over 20 rape and 10 murder charges have been levelled against soldiers.
And it is not only the “lower ranks” that have been afflicted. It is true even of officers. Last year, around 30 officers were convicted in court martial proceedings. But, unlike other agencies, the armed forces deal “swiftly and effectively'' with “aberrations and delinquents.”
Of late, even a Lieutenant-General and two other general officers have been in trouble for alleged involvement in West Bengal's Sukna land scam. A retired General has also been court-martialled in a scam over provision of unhygienic food to the troops in Siachen. What the services need is high quality leadership which can motivate the rank and file in times of challenges. One reason for poor leadership is that the military is the last priority for bright young men due to various factors.
The soldiers' pay and allowances are less than that of a skilled labour in industry. The defence forces are the lowest paid service and in a state of neglect. Our soldiers retire at the age of 34 in the prime of their youth when they face loads of responsibilities. The officers retire at an average age of 52 when they have another 15 productive years.
Then there is no coordination between the Ministries of Home and Defence; otherwise, all the officers could have served up to 60 years through lateral entry. Fourth, the downtrend in the warrant of precedence has brought down the image of the defence services.
Finally, deterioration and corruption in all walks of life — our politicians, educationists, media barons, bureaucrats and even judges are not immune to the ills of filthy lucre and moral turpitude. The armed forces too are no exception.
(The author is defence analyst. His e-mail is vasu022@gmail.com)
