The latest episode of Indian Army Chief V K Singh having confrontation with the political establishment is not new. In 1959, the Indian army Chief K S Thimmayya also resigned when he had to face a similar situation on the issue of appointments and promotions of army personnel. Then in 1992, another army Chief S F Rodrigues declared that governance of the country was very bad under the then Prime Minister Narisima Rao’s govt. In 1999, the case of sacking of Indian Naval Chief Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat over criticism on interference in promotions caused ripples and hot debate in the media.
The latest controversy started over the date of birth of Indian Army Chief V K Singh. He wanted extension in his service to complete his stipulated tenure. But the failure in doing so hurt his professional ego and the chief of the army projected himself as an egoist and self-centred person. He made public that how previous director general of defence intelligence offered him bribe and the defence secretary remained quiet.
The issue was still being debated when he came up with a letter written to the Indian govt over the issue of Indian army’s weaknesses. Such an attitude at the army chief level is going to affect the morale of his troops directly and the nation indirectly. The irony is that the next Indian army chief to take over charge is already having a tainted image on the allegation of fake killings in Indian Held Kashmir. His case is going to open a new Pandora’s Box if challenged in the court.
ANWAR PARVEEN
Islamabad
