The commendation to Major Leetul Gogoi conferred by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, despite his use of a civilian as a human shield, comes at a time when the Indian Army is facing increasing opposition from the people of Kashmir (“The commendation,” editorial, May 25). The felicitation will only provide further impetus to violence in the Valley. If the Army wanted to award Major Gogoi for his role in counterinsurgency, it surely could have waited till the Court of Inquiry finished its probe.
Human shields have been a chosen weapon for terrorists in their efforts to cause maximum damage. The use of such a tactic by an officer of the Indian Army — known for its selflessness when it comes to saving lives — is saddening. It is imperative upon the institution to ensure that such acts are not repeated and efforts to win the confidence of the Valley’s citizens continue.
Ishant Chuttani,
Bahadurgarh, Haryana
The human shield was not used in a combat zone. The officer, responding to an SOS, was on a rescue mission. We need to understand the intent and the context. A section of the media has twisted the narrative, presenting it as one involving a human rights violation. If Major Gogoi had not done what he did, the resulting violence targeting Election Commission officials and security personnel at the polling booth would quickly have been forgotten.
That Major Gogoi saved lives, without a single bullet or pellet being fired, needs to be acknowledged. Yes, we can question the timing of the commendation but portraying it as an act of breaking away from the long and honourable tradition of guarding the Republic is incorrect. I am sure the lot which is calling Major Gogoi’s act a human rights violation would also sternly disapprove of violence that an inaction on his part would have caused.
Sanjay P.,
Hyderabad
