Amid the politically volatile situation in India, courtesy demonetization, riots and Kejriwal, a smartphone shot video by BSF constable Tej Bahadur Yadav sent ripples in the political circles. In the video, Mr. Yadav complained of the pathetic food quality, showing runny dal and half baked, rather charred rotis as evidence, accusing the senior officers of selling off their rations and other necessities at throwaway prices to common citizens.
The BSF video was followed by a series of such videos, shot by constables and Jawans from various units of the Indian armed forces, such as Indian Army, CRPF, CISF etc.
Pseudo liberals and scheming intellectual terrorists, who were apparently on backfoot for the past few days, found a new ammunition to play their dirty game of ‘Divide & Rule’, accusing the NDA led Central Government and the senior officers of the Indian security forces of playing with the emotions of the lower ranked personnel of the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpcGF0p_whc
At such a crucial juncture, new Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat, held a press conference, chalking out his future plans for managing the Indian Army, as well as clarifying his stance on the stream of videos posted by disgruntled soldiers alleging malpractice. Following were some of his top statements:-
- The orders for setting up the Chief of Army Staff suggestions cum grievances box was issued today by the army headquarters. We will follow suite with such boxes at the command headquarters and lower levels,”
- Whoever has any sort of problem, come to me directly: On BSF Jawan’s video which was on the news recently.
- We are willing to walk extra mile and go beyond our mandate for the safety of our people.
- If a soldier writes to us regarding his grievances penning down his identity; will ensure that his identity is not made public.
- If a person is unsatisfied with the action taken, he can choose other ways (of voicing his grievance).
For those, who are unaware of how the security forces in India work, let me tell you something straight. Social media is a two faced weapon: like laws, it can be absolutely effective for addressing tough and complex issues which otherwise are not possible, but it can be detrimental as well if in wrong hands. If we look into the merits of the case of Tej Bahadur Yadav, his own case stands in doubt, with the following facts standing absolutely against his accusations:-
- Without resorting to his character assassination, as alleged by some scrupulous personalities, if I’m not wrong, soldiers are not allowed to take smartphones or GPS enabled devices in war sensitive zones. As per the reports, the BSF constable was posted in one such area. If this is true, then how was he allowed to take such a device in a sensitive area? If at all an investigation be launched by any body, it should be into this part.
- Regarding senior officers selling off rations and other necessities, Mr. Yadav allegedly generalized the whole breed. If I’m not wrong, the mess committee comprises individuals who are selected after a rigorous process initiated by the security forces. Even the mess managers deputed with each battalion comprise of officers, especially the JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officers), who are specially deputed with the task of maintaining the mess. If there is discrepancy, there is an entire channel to address such grievances. Why Mr. Yadav didn’t use the same?
- Also, as per the reports, allegations have surfaced that Mr. Yadav had applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme. So if he was already leaving, then why did he want to defame the senior officers with BSF, unless he had some vested interests as well?
Also, with regards to the discrepancies as alleged in a video by one Jawan Yagya Pratap Singh, he alleged that he is forced to work for his senior officer, who makes him wash his vehicles, clean his house, and do undignified labor. While there is no denying that forced labor doesn’t work in Army and should be thoroughly investigated, there is a system of ‘sahayak’, or helper, that exists, and assists the officer if needed, although not for menial jobs.
I don’t deny that there is no discrepancy in the mess systems; no system in the world is foolproof, but generalizing an entire bunch of officers as corrupt for just for a few issue is gross misconduct, both on the part of the complainant. This is like terming India as North Korea, if your piece of work isn’t approved for a bolder content, in desperation. You know what I mean!
To be frank, Indian Army and other such security forces related with India’s defense, are perhaps the only institutions in the country, where discipline and merit have been regarded as supreme. As such, vigilantism is the last option one should take up, especially when you’re deputed with the job of protecting the nation. While genuine grievances should be taken up no doubt, this should not allow in any condition room for people with vested interests to create a divide amongst the armed forces in India, we’ve already seen people suffering due to it.